May 2026 Graduation

• Graduation Applications Open: September 1, 2025
• Deadline to submit graduation application: November 1, 2025
• Scholarly Documents and Comprehensive Assessments due: April 15, 2026
• Coursework must be completed by: May 13, 2026
• May 2026 Commencement: Doctoral, graduate, and educational specialist candidates will participate with their respective colleges as there will be no Graduate School ceremony. See the full May 2026 Commencement schedule

August 2026 Graduation

• Graduation Applications Open: September 1, 2025
• Deadline to submit graduation application: November 1, 2025
• Scholarly Documents and Comprehensive Assessments due: July 15, 2026
• Coursework must be completed by: August 14, 2026
• August graduates may participate in May 2026 or December 2026 Commencement. Check with your graduate program to see if there is a preference in which ceremony you participate.

December 2026 Graduation

• Graduation Applications Open: April 1, 2026 
• Deadline to submit graduation application for December: May 31, 2026
• Scholarly Documents and Comprehensive Assessments due: November 20, 2026
• Coursework must be completed by: December 18, 2026
• The December 2026 University Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2026, time TBD, in the Atlantic Union Bank Center. For more details, visit JMU Commencement.
• A mandatory hooding rehearsal for doctoral and MFA candidates will be held (date and time TBD) in the Atlantic Union Bank Center. Candidates and their directors/chairs will receive an email with details.

 Academic Calendar