Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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).

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.

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.

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. 

Several hotels are listed near the Fairfax Campus.

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.