Spring Commencement Newsletter

Senior Compass is a non-credit Canvas course all undergraduate students must complete the semester leading up to graduation. Once you apply to graduate, the Senior Compass Hold will be placed on your account automatically at the beginning of the semester in which you intend to graduate; the hold will be removed once the two Senior Compass requirements are completed.

Email SeniorCompass@jmu.edu or visit jmu.edu/SeniorCompass for more information.

If you plan to participate in a spring commencement ceremony, you may now order your regalia online. Orders will be shipped to the address you list when checking out. To ensure you receive the correct regalia, please provide your height, weight, and the specific degree you are earning (e.g., Master of Science, Master of Fine Arts, etc.). 

If you are earning an EDS degree, please ensure you order the correct regalia package by using the link below.

All online orders must be placed before March 13th. You may also attend the Commencement Expo to purchase and take home your regalia on March 24th or 25th.  

The link to the Jostens site may be found here. Select the "Student Spring 2026 Ceremonies" link in the dropdown bar, and then select the Bachelors or Masters sets on the following screen.

Tickets will be required for all ceremonies hosted in the Atlantic Union Bank Center. Each student will receive up to six (6) guest tickets for friends and family. All tickets will be e-mobile tickets and will be scanned at the door. Tickets can only be requested by the graduate, through the JMU Athletic Ticketing system. Graduates will receive a link via email on March 24th. 

March 24 - Ticketing will open at noon.
Graduates will recieve an email from JMUGrad advising that graduates may submit their ticket reservation - max of six (6) tickets. JMU Athletic Ticketing Office will be present at Commencement Expo to answer any ticketing questions.

April 7 & April 22 - Email Reminders
Emails will be sent to remind graduates to reserve their tickets.

April 30 - Final Email Reminder
Final email will be sent to remind graduate that ticketing ends on May 1st at 12 noon.

May 1 - Ticketing Ends
Ticketing ends at 12 noon. Following this date, emails will come out about ticket transfer, parking, graduate seating assignments, and more!

1. Only the graduate can order tickets, maximum of six (6) from their student athletics account on JMU Athletics (will be sent a link via email from JMU Grad on March 24th).
2. Tickets will be e-mobile tickets. All tickets must be downloaded to their Apple Wallet or Google Play App prior to arriving at Atlantic Union Bank Center. You can hall all six tickets on one device, however, all guests will need to enter the arena at the same time unless you transfer individual tickets to your guests.
3. Graduate, you will need to reserve a graduate ticket during this reservation process that will be sent to you that you will need on your device to enter the arena. When you register for guest tickets, be sure you also secure the graduate ticket for yourself. This ticket will be available to download the week of commencement along with your guest tickets. This is in addition to the six maximum guest tickets you may request.
4. A barcode will not be displayed, rather the ticket will say "Hold Near Reader" for contactless entry.
5. Children (5 years and younger) do not need a ticket if they are sitting on another guest's lap. However, if a child will need their own seat they will need to acquire a ticket.
6. All guest tickets are general seating.

Ticketing transfer instructions and how to reserve your tickets can be found here. *Note: This website pertains to athletic events, but is the same system for commencement.*

Tuesday, March 24th and Wednesday, March 25th
2:00-6:00 p.m. each day
Festival Grand Ballroom

Commencement Expo is your one-stop shop for commencement needs. Graduates who plan to attend the expo only need to go on one day and should set aside 45 minutes to one hour for the event.

At Commencement Expo, graduates will have the opportunity to:

• Purchase and take home your cap, gown, hood and tassel. Josten’s staff will be on site to assist and ensure that you receive the proper regalia for your ceremony.
• Answer your commencement and ticketing questions (JMU Ticketing Office and University Events staff will be present to assist in answering commencement ticket questions)
• Have professional head shots or cap and gown photos taken by ProPics
• Visit the Alumni Association table to learn about alumni chapters
• Visit Balfour if you wish to order a class ring or announcements
• View diploma frames if you wish to purchase one
• And more!

We hope to see you there!

Philanthropy comes from the heart

For the first time in more than a decade, JMU’s tradition of the senior class gift returns this year! The Class of 2026 recognizes the Dukes Pay-It-Forward Annual Scholarship so you can keep opening doors long after graduation!  

Contribute to help future Dukes who need immediate support for scholarship aid and make their JMU dreams come true.  

Make an impact with as little as $10! 

• Apply to Graduate and View your Graduation Status
  Click HERE for procedures to apply to graduate and view your graduation status. Diplomas will be mailed shortly after commencement and should arrive 8-10 weeks after your degree has been conferred. Make sure your permanent/home address is correct, and if it is not, you can make those changes in MyMadison.

• Reserve Lodging
  Remind your family and guests to make lodging reservations. If accommodations in Harrisonburg are limited, consider nearby cities and towns such as Woodstock, Staunton, Mount Jackson, Fishersville, New Market and others within 30 miles.

• Learn the Alma Mater
  If you don't know it, now is the time to get to know it!

• Watch for Upcoming Newsletters
  We will share updates on the commencement speaker, regalia, parking, accessibility and more.

Please visit the commencement website to view additional information related to the ceremonies.

Go Dukes!

Senior Resources

Student Accounts: (540) 568-6505 or ubo@jmu.edu

Registrar's Office: (540) 568-6281 or graduation@jmu.edu

The Graduate School: (540) 568-6131 or grad@jmu.edu

Bookstore: General Merchandise (540) 568-6960, Caps and Gowns (540)-568-6121

Alumni Association: (540) 568-6234, Toll-Free- (888) 568-2586 alumni@jmu.edu

University Career Center: (540) 568-6555 or career@jmu.edu

Family Engagement: (540) 568-3190 or family@jmu.edu

University Events Office: (540) 568-7787 or jmugrad@jmu.edu