Graduation & Convocation

Congratulations class of 2009 graduates!

The 42nd annual George Mason University Spring Commencement is Saturday, May 16, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in the Patriot Center.

The Graduate School of Eduction Convocation will be held Saturday, May 16, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. in the the Patriot Center.
*Masters Candidates please arrive at the Loading Dock (near parking lot A) at the Patriot Center by 1:00 p.m.
*PhD Candidates please arrive at the Hospitality Room (inside the Patriot Center) by 1:00 p.m.

The School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism Convocation will be held Friday, May 15, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. in Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center.

Graduation Intent Spring and Summer 2009 graduates, please visit the graduation website at http://registrar.gmu.edu/gif for instructions on how to file your Graduation Intent Form. Please do this ASAP if you have not already done so.

Degree candidates eligible to participate in Commencement exercises are:
    • January 2009
    • May 2009
    • August 2009


What's the difference between Commencement and Convocation?

Commencement- Saturday, May, 16, 2009 10:00 a.m.

 

  • The entire university community is involved and invited to this formal event
  •  Ceremony begins with graduates processing through campus
  • Official university guest speaker delivers Commencement address
  • Selected student speaker representing the class of 2009 delivers address
  • Event is televised
  • Tickets are required for this event for every guest. Each graduate may obtain four guest tickets
  • PhD graduates are individually recognized and photographed on stage receiving their degrees
  • Caps and gowns are worn


GSE Convocation- Saturday, May 16, 2009 2:00 p.m.

  • Convocation is celebrated by individual schools and colleges
  • Individual school, college, and institute graduates only
  • All guests are welcome; tickets are not required
  • All graduates are individually recognized and photographed on stage
  • Caps and gowns are required

Graduates are encouraged to attend both the official university Commencement ceremony and their specific convocation ceremony


Ticket information for Commencement Ceremony, May 16, 10 a.m.

All graduates except doctoral candidates may pick up four guest tickets at the Patriot Center box office starting April 14. Doctoral candidates will receive reserved ticket information by mail.

Each graduate is permitted a maximum of four guest tickets-each guest must have a ticket. Graduating students do not need a ticket. Please pick up only the number of tickets you require. All tickets are free. Special assistance and handicapped seating will be available for the ceremony; please ask any Patriot Center usher at the portal entrances when you arrive for Commencement.

Ticket Pickup

Tickets and detailed instructions may be picked up at the Patriot Center box office, with a Mason ID or valid driver's license on the following dates and times:
  • Tuesday, April 14, through Tuesday, May 12, 2009
  • Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The final day to pick up tickets is Wednesday, May 13, 10 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
If you find that you do not need all the tickets you originally picked up, please return the extras to the box office at the times listed above.

Tickets that are not picked up by 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, will be distributed to other graduates on rehearsal evening.

Caps and Gowns


Commencement at Mason is a traditional ceremony where graduates and faculty wear caps and gowns. Master's candidates must also wear a master's hood. Please state your field of study when purchasing your hood because different colors denote different fields of study (for example, economics, copper). 

Commencement Fair

The University bookstore will sponsor a Commencement Fair Tuesday through Thursday, February 24-26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center, Fairfax Campus. Purchase caps, gowns, announcements, rings and other items, have photo taken in regalia, and pick up Commencement tickets all in one location.
Prince William Campus will have a similar event on Monday, March 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Arlington Campus please contact the bookstore at 703-993-8170

Photo Opportunities

A photographer will be on hand for cap and gown photos prior to Commencement rehearsal, May 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Patriot Center, and before Commencement, May, 16, from 8 to 9 a.m. on the Johnson Center North Plaza.
Photographers will be present at all convocation events to photograph the ceremonies.

Guest Parking

All parking lots on campus are available for guest parking. Handicapped and special-assistance parking is available in Lot A adjacent to the Patriot Center, South Entrance.

Diploma Information

Most diplomas will be mailed to the students' "diploma address," which is specified when the GIF is filled, within five to seven weeks after degree conferral.

Commencement & Graduation Web Site

http://events.gmu.edu
http://cehd.gmu.edu/graduation/