Frequently Asked Questions
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If your question is not answered below, be sure to email the Degree Celebration event team at cosevent@gmu.edu.
Why do I need to register to the Degree Celebration?
While we may have received your application to graduate through the graduation process we would also like to know how many guests to expect at the degree celebration ceremony and party. We want to make sure we provide enough programs, food and staff to make the events enjoyable.
Who are the degree celebration speakers this year?
2023 Keynote Speaker
Mark Monson '74
Distinguished College of Science Alumni
2023 Student Speaker
Jason Motley
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Concentration in Wildlife, Minor in Conservation Studies
How do I make sure I can graduate?
Important information about timelines and the entire graduation process can be found at registrar.gmu.edu/graduation.
Degree candidates eligible to participate in the spring graduation exercises include:
- Doctoral candidates who completed their studies and requirements as of Fall/Summer 2022 and Friday, May 6, 2023.
- All undergraduate and master's degree candidates who completed their studies and requirements as of Spring 2023 or will complete in Summer 2023.
Where do I get my cap and gown?
Caps and gowns are a traditional part of the graduation experience.
You can buy regalia in the Mason Bookstore on the Fairfax and Arlington campuses and order regalia online, as well as order a diploma frame or additional Mason products.
You can also choose to purchase doctoral regalia.
You must go to the bookstore for measurements whether you rent or buy doctoral regalia.
- The last day to order if renting is April 4
- The last day to order if purchasing is March 16
Rented regalia must be picked up at the Mason bookstore.
Where do I report for the Degree Celebration?
Students (bachelor and master graduates): Report to parking lot A.
Faculty Marshals: All marshals report to parking lot A.
PhD candidates: Report to the green room in EagleBank Arena.
Platform Party and VIP: Report to the green room in EagleBank Arena.
What side do I wear my tassel on?
Tassel Placement
- Undergraduate students – right
- Graduate students (PhD, MS, MA) – left
At the end of the Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, the University President will confer your degrees and ask you to move your tassel from the right to the left (undergraduates).
My family member/guest cannot climb stairs, what can we do?
They may view the ceremony from the designated seats at each portal entrance. For disability accommodations at the ceremony, please call (703) 993-9532 or email cosevent@gmu.edu.
Where is the Degree Celebration Party?
The Celebration Party is located in the Exploratory Hall Atrium immediately following the ceremony. Check back to make sure the location does not change prior to the event.
May I have more than one program?
Yes. Programs for graduates are located on tables in the area where the students line up for the procession. Programs for guests are at the entrances to the EagleBank Arena concourse level.
Where should my family stay?
What is at the information booth?
The information booths will be supplied with campus maps and maps of the seating on the EagleBank Arena floor. Programs will be distributed at the main entrances.
What's the difference between the College's Degree Celebration and the University's Commencement Ceremony?
Graduates are encouraged to attend both the university-wide Commencement ceremony, and their specific degree celebration ceremony.
Question | Mason Science Degree Celebration | University Commencement |
---|---|---|
What is it? | Degree Celebrations are a celebration of graduation sponsored by individual colleges. | Commencement is the celebration of graduation officiated by the University President. It is the official university-wide degree conferral ceremony for all graduates. |
When and where? | Friday, May 19, 2023 | Thursday, May 18, 2023 |
Who attends? | College of Science graduates and guests only. | The entire university community is invited. |
Guests and tickets | All guests are welcome. Tickets are not required. | Tickets are not required for guests. |
Recognition | All graduates are individually recognized and photographed on stage receiving their degrees. | PhD graduates are individually recognized, hooded and photographed on stage. All graduates are acknowledged, and degrees are conferred by deans/directors and university president. |
Cap and gown | Required | Required |
Speaker | Official College of Science guest speaker delivers a keynote address. 2023 Keynote Speaker: TBD Selected student speaker representing the class of 2023 also delivers an address. | Official university guest speaker delivers Commencement address. Selected student speaker representing the class of 2023 also delivers an address. |
Televised | The event will be recorded and can be found on the GMU-TV website at the end of May. | Yes, the Commencement exercises will be broadcasted on Mason's channel. Check out GMU-TV's website for complete listings. |
Additional detailed information | See more details on the College of Science degree celebration ceremony and reception. | Ceremony begins with graduates processing through campus. Degrees are officially conferred by the University President. For more information and detailed FAQs: |