Ticketing Closes on May 1st at Noon!
Get your tickets before it's too late!
- Only the graduate can order tickets, from their student athletics account on JMU Athletics.
- Tickets will be e-mobile tickets. All tickets must be downloaded to their Apple Wallet or Google Play prior to arriving at Atlantic Union Bank Center. You can have all tickets on one device, however all guests need to enter the arena at the same time.
- Graduates, you will have a ticket for yourself that you will need on your device to enter arena. When you register for guest tickets, you will need to secure a ticket for yourself. This is in addition to your guest tickets.
- A barcode will not be displayed, rather the ticket will say "Hold Near Reader" for contactless entry.
- 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.
- 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.*
For questions about commencement, contact jmugrad@jmu.edu
For questions about ticketing, contact athletic-ticket@jmu.edu
FOR SENIOR CLASS EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT THE LINK TREE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.
Arriving at the Atlantic Union Bank Center
Doors to the Atlantic Union Bank Center open either sixty or ninty minutes prior (reference the commencement schedule) and early admittance will not be permitted. Guests will enter at either the Plaza or Champions Entrance. Graduates will enter through designated “Grad Only” doors at Plaza Entrance.
Traffic around the AUBC will be congested so we suggest that your family and guests arrive early to avoid the congestion. Parking is available in Ballard Parking Deck and surrounding lots across from Festival Conference and Student Center. To view the commencement parking map, click here.
Parking Information:
The following lots are within a short walking distance to the Atlantic Union Bank Center:
- Ballard Parking Deck (East Campus Parking Deck) – 649 University Blvd. You must use University Blvd. to enter the deck.
- Lots D3, C12, and R4 – 1400 Carrier Drive (these lots are across from the Festival Center)
- Accessible parking is located on every level of the Ballard Parking Deck (the parking deck adjacent to the Atlantic Union Bank Center).
Graduates, if you plan to participate in commencement, please obtain your tickets. Our office uses the ticketing list to generate seat assignments after the May 1st deadline. We cannot guarantee that your name will appear on the video board if you secure tickets past the deadline. You will receive an email the week of commencement with your seating assignment. Please continue to check your email for important information about commencement!
Security at the Entrances
Bag checks and metal detectors will be utilized at all entrances. We encourage you to leave unnecessary bags at home or in your car, if possible, to speed up the process of entering the ceremonies. We will not implement the clear-bag policy for commencement.
Prohibited Items:
- Alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, weapons, fireworks
- Animals (service animals are permitted, to see the policy click here)
- Bags larger than 12”x12”x12”
- Coolers
- Glass and metal containers
- Noise makers and other devices that impede the ceremonies
- Food and beverages (though one unopened bottle of water per person and food for a baby or for health reasons are permitted.) Concessions open when doors open and are located throughout the arena.
- Signs, flags, banners, or obscene or indecent clothing
- Large Strollers (umbrella style are permitted)
- Wheelies, bicycles and skateboards
- Wrapped gifts
Allowed Items:
- One unopened bottle of water per person
- Small strollers (umbrella style)
- Flowers
- Still cameras are permitted. However, in no instance may photography interfere with access ways, aisles, or other guests' enjoyment of the ceremonies. Video cameras, monopods and tripods are not permitted. This event will be live-streamed.
Graduates, you should enter the arena using the Plaza Entrance doors – specifically the two doors that are farthest to the right. Your guests may enter at any of the other doors. You will be asked by event/security personnel to unzip your gown as they look for prohibited items.
Event Accessibility
Accessible Parking :
Parking within a short walking distance:
- For individuals with official state-issued handicap parking permits, there are reserved spaces in the Ballard Parking Deck and all lots surrounding Atlantic Union Bank Center. Please be certain that your DMV-issued Handicap Permit is displayed and visible.
- Ballard Parking Deck is accessible with elevator service on every level and a short walk through the Plaza to either entrance.
- Surrounding lots with a short walking distance: D3 lot, C12 lot, R4 lot.
Accessible Seating:
- Atlantic Union Bank Center provides accessible seating for those with limited mobility. Seating in the top of sections 102 and 104 will be reserved for guests who are unable to navigate stairs. To provide adequate seating during the ceremony, we ask that only one guest accompany each guest with limited mobility. The rest of your party may sit in the general admission section.
- Wheelchair seating will be available in the lower concourse, above sections 103, 105, 107 and 109. To provide adequate seating during the ceremony, we ask that only one guest accompany each guest with limited mobility.
- The university does not provide wheelchairs for guests.
Captioning and Interpreter Services:
- Closed captioning will be available during all ceremonies, on a large screen beside the right side of the stage. Please see an usher who will direct you to the best seating in relation to the captioning monitor.
- JMU will provide American Sign Language interpreters for the commencement ceremonies held in Atlantic Union Bank Center. The interpreter will appear on the video board for viewers to follow along. The sign language interpreters will not sign graduate names during the ceremony.
- Commencement ceremonies will be live-streamed on the JMU website and displayed across social media platforms for online viewers. The live-stream will include captioning.
Please email your accessibility questions by May 1st to jmugrad@jmu.edu or call 540-568-7787.
Commencement Amenities
The following amenities will be available at the commencement ceremonies:
Concessions will be available prior to and during commencement. There are two locations for concession stands in Atlantic Union Bank Center. Both are located on the Champions-side of the arena.
The Team Store will be opened for guests and graduates to purchase JMU memorabilia: Class of 2023 t-shirts, Diploma Frames, Alumni gear and much more!
Outside the entrances, Commencement Group will be available for guests to purchase flowers and other gifts for their graduate. You may reserve your order online prior to commencement, by using the Commencement Group Website.
Still Need Regalia?
Regalia is available to order online or purchase at the JMU Bookstore.
You should not wait until the last minute to purchase regalia as your height and size of gown may not be available. When you are ordering online, you will need to provide your height, weight and degree. Your tassel and hood color will signify your degree.
You can find the hood and tassel colors assigned on the commencement website.
- Order Bachelor Regalia set here.
- Order Masters Regalia set here.
- Order Honor Cords here.
- Order Stole of Gratitude here (optional).
How to wear your JMU regalia!
Class Rings and Announcements!
To order rings and announcements please click here!
Cap Decorating Event
Friday, April 14th from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in TDU Clubhouse
Bring your grad cap and join your fellow classmates at a craft event. Decorate your cap and gown, then submit your design into the Cap Decorating Contest! The 1st place winner will receive $100 gift card to the JMU Bookstore.
Craft supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies!
Cap Decorating Contest Timeline
Submissions begin: March 21st
Submissions close: April 20th
Voting: April 21st through April 30th
Winners Announced: May 1st
Grad Bash
You won't want to miss this!!
Friday, May 5th from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Atlantic Union Bank Center
Tickets will be required for this event!
Come celebrate with your friends and fellow graduates in Atlantic Union Bank Center! This event will be a ticketed event. This event is a FREE event for the senior class. At Grad Bash:
- Games - yard games, Bingo, Corn Hole Tournament
- FOOD! - see full list below
- Photo opportunities
- AND MORE!
No RSVP required for games prior to the event. There will be a sign-up sheet for the corn hole tournament at Grad Bash. Seating for Bingo will be first come, first serve. We will call Bingo at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Club!
Graduates, we need your help! Submit your favorite memories to display on the video board AND song requests for the playlist at Grad Bash.
- FOOD INFORMATION:
- Strite's Donuts
- Tenders, Love & Chicken
- Smiley's Ice Cream
- Hot Dog Bar
- Nacho Bar
- AND MORE!
RSVP DEADLINE IS MONDAY, MAY 1ST AT NOON!
WEAR YOUR JMU GEAR!
Questions? Email: jmugrad@jmu.edu
Download the JMUGrad App!
We're the official APP for all JMU Commencement Ceremonies. Find everything from FAQs, parking information, and interactive maps, and more!
Congrats Class of 2023!
Please visit the commencement website to view additional information related to the ceremonies.
Graduates, we encourage you to share commencement information with your guests. Guests and family members wishing to join our newsletter subscription, click here. All editions will be sent via email. Graduates, you automatically are on the list to receive the newsletters, therefore you do not need to sign up.
Go Dukes!
Credits:
University Marketing & Branding