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Spring Commencement 2023 Edition 1 of 5

Welcome back Class of 2023!

We hope you had a great start to your last semester here at JMU!

As you prepare for your graduation, please read over the monthly newsletters for important information. This is edition one of five, so be sure to keep your eye out for the next four over the next couple of months!

In addition, please share this information with your friends and family and encourage them to subscribe to the newsletters by emailing jmugrad@jmu.edu.

Apply to Graduate!

If you are planning to graduate in May or August 2023, please apply to graduate via MyMadison by March 1st at 5pm to ensure that your name will be listed in the Commencement program & appear on the video board at commencement. If you plan to graduate in December 2023, you will be able to apply to graduate via MyMadison beginning May 1st, 2023 .

Login to MyMadison, head to your Student Tab & Student Center. Select the "Graduation" link in the "other academic" dropdown menu to begin the application process. If you have questions, view this tutorial or email graduation@jmu.edu.

Ceremony Details

Degrees will be conferred at each college ceremony and individual recognition of each graduate will occur as they walk across the stage.

Tickets will be required. Each student will receive up to six (6) tickets for your friends and family. Tickets are required for guests and graduates for college ceremonies.

Commencement Schedule

All college ceremonies will take place in the Atlantic Union Bank Center.

Thursday, May 11th

3:00 p.m. | The Graduate School

Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m. | College of Arts and Letters

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, May 12th

10:00 a.m. | College of Science and Mathematics

Doors open at 9:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m. | College of Integrated Science and Engineering

Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m. | College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 13th

10:00 a.m. | College of Visual and Performing Arts

Doors open at 9:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m. | College of Education, University Studies and Professional and Continuing Education

Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m. | College of Business

Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

*Note the College of Business does include the Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management

Ticketing

Tickets will be required for each ceremony in the Atlantic Union Bank Center. Each student will receive up to six (6) tickets for friends and family. All tickets will be e-mobile tickets and will be scanned at the door. The tickets can only be requested by the graduate, not by family and friends.

Ticketing Timeline

  • March 21st - Ticketing opens before Commencement Expo! Graduates will be sent an email from JMU Grad advising that graduates may now submit their ticket request. There will be a table at Commencement Expo to aid students on requesting tickets
  • March 21st to May 1st- Graduates may request tickets (ongoing)
  • April 3rd & 17th- Reminder emails sent out to graduates
  • April 27th- Final email reminder to graduates reminding that ticketing ends on May 1st at noon
  • May 1st- Ticketing will close at noon

How the Ticketing Process Works:

  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 21st ).
  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 have all six tickets on one device, however all guests will need to enter the arena at the same time.
  3. Graduates, you will be sent a ticket for yourself that you will need on your device to enter the arena. When you register for guest tickets, you will automatically be sent a ticket for yourself, closer to commencement. This is in addition to the six maximum 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.*

Printable Timeline

Please continue to check your email, commencement newsletters and the website for further information. Information and instructions will be sent out via email from jmugrad@jmu.edu and athletic-ticket@jmu.edu.

Additional Ceremonies

Ceremonies listed below are planned by the respective department. The department will communicate with the graduates regarding details of their event, such as ticketing, guest information, graduate instructions, etc.

The Honors College Medallion Ceremony

Thursday, May 11th | 1:00 p.m. | Festival Conference & Student Center, Grand Ballroom

Nursing Convocation

Friday, May 12th | 11:00 a.m. | Wilson Hall Auditorium

Air Force ROTC Commissioning

Friday, May 12th | 5:00 p.m. | Location TBD

Army ROTC Commissioning

Saturday, May 13th | 10:00 a.m. | Memorial Hall Auditorium

Harrisonburg Activities

Harrisonburg Tourism created a comprehensive guide for commencement weekend. This guide included dining, downtown activities, lodging, trip planning, and outdoor recreation.

Save the Date!

Spring Commencement Expo!

Tuesday, March 21st & Wednesday, March 22nd | 3:00-7:00 p.m. Atlantic Union Bank Center

Mark your calendar for the Spring Commencement Expo on Tuesday, March 21st and Wednesday, March 22nd at the Atlantic Union Bank Center from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.! Get graduation ready at this one-stop-shop event for commencement!

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. (This will be your first opportunity to purchase regalia. Following Commencement Expo, there will be instructions sent from the JMUGrad office on where to purchase regalia.
  • Answer your commencement and ticketing questions (JMU Ticketing Office staff will be present to assist in answering commencement ticket questions)
  • Download the JMU commencement App
  • Have professional head shots or cap and gown photos taken by GradImages
  • Visit with Balfour if you wish to order a class ring or announcements
  • View diploma frames in store if you wish to purchase one

We hope to see you there!

Rings and Announcements

Don't miss out on ordering your official class rings and graduation announcements.

Rings and announcements can be ordered through Balfour, here.

Commencement Checklist

Check in with the Registrar's Office

Be sure to check in with the Registrar's Office HERE to confirm your graduation status and that you have actually applied to graduate. Diplomas will be mailed shortly after commencement! Confirm that your permanent address is correct.

Reserve Lodging

Confirm with your family and guests about making reservations for lodging. If you're having trouble finding lodging in Harrisonburg, search nearby cities and towns including Woodstock, Staunton, Mt. 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 make announcements regarding the commencement speaker, regalia, parking, accessibility, and more!

Enjoy Your Last Semester!

Take it all in, May will be here before you know it!

Congrats Class of 2023!

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

Parent Relations: (540) 568-3190 or parent@jmu.edu

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

Credits:

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