Graduation

General Information

Graduation is not an automatic process. Students must apply for graduation the semester prior to the intended graduation date. All students intending to graduate must file an electronic Graduation Intent Form (GIF) on Patriot Web for the appropriate term by the deadline below.

  • Students who wish to graduate August 9, 2008 (Summer 2008) are strongly encouraged to file their Intent to Graduate by March 14, 2008.

Students applying for master’s degrees do not submit a paper graduation application, but graduate certificate students must also submit a paper graduation application directly to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs in Robinson A307 (see mailing address below or fax to 703.993.2082) for the appropriate term by the deadline below.

  • Summer 2008: April 7, 2008

Details of the entire graduation process and other university requirements are at http://registrar.gmu.edu/gif/notify_g.html

Students will only be contacted if there is a problem with their application. The Patriot Web transcript will indicate official graduation and conferral date. Diplomas will be mailed approximately four weeks after conferral date.

The university will communicate graduation information and any issues by e-mail to the student’s Mason account only. Students must activate their Mason e-mail account (http://mail.gmu.edu/) and check it frequently or forward to a preferred account since they will be responsible for the content of any university communication sent to their Mason account.

College of Education and Human Development
Office of Academic and Student Affairs - MS 4B4
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone: 703.993.2080
Fax: 703.993.2082

Mason Commencement

Mason Commencement (new window) is Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the Patriot Center.

GSE Convocation

GSE Convocation is Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the Patriot Center. NO RSVP required. The Graduate School of Education Convocation will include the presentation of all degrees to candidates. Each degree candidate will be individually recognized on stage. Following Convocation, there will be refreshments and an opportunity to visit with your classmates and members of the GSE faculty and staff in the concourse area. Tickets are not required to attend and you may invite as many guests as you would like. To encourage the widest possible attendance at convocation, caps and gowns are optional but most students wear them. Directions

Who Is Eligible To Participate?

Master's candidates completing all requirements in Fall 2007, Spring 2008 or Summer 2008.

Ph.D. candidates completing all requirements in Summer 2007, Fall 2007, or Spring 2008.

Where do participants report?

  • Master's candidates report to Parking Lot A no later than 1:00pm. You will lline up be academic program and enter as a group.
  • Ph.D. candidates report to Patriot Center Hospitality Room (ground level, entrance by loadiing dock) no later than 1:00pm

What is proper attire?

Cap and gown are traditionally worn to convocation; however, business attire is acceptable.

How many guests may candidates invite?

As many as you like; no tickets required.