Welcome back Class of 2024!
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 2024, please apply to graduate via MyMadison by April 1st at 5:00 p.m. to ensure that your name will be listed in the commencement program and appear on the videoboard at commencement. If you plan to graduate in December 2024, you will be able to apply to graduate via MyMadison beginning May 1st, 2024.
Login to MyMadison, head to your student tab and 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.
Spring Ceremonies
Spring Commencement Ceremonies, May 9th, 10th, and 11th in the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
Degrees will be conferred at each college ceremony and individual recognition of each graduate will occur as they walk across the stage.
Tickets are required for guests and graduates for college ceremonies. Each student will receive up to six (6) guest tickets for their friends and family. Graduates will need to obtain a ticket for themselves for entry into the arena.
Commencement Schedule
All college ceremonies will take place in the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
Thursday, May 9th
3:00 p.m. | The Graduate School
Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. | College of Science and Mathematics
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 10th
10:00 a.m. | College of Arts and Letters
Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m. | College of Education, University Studies, and the School of Professional and Continuing Education
Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. | College of Business
Doors open at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 11th
10:00 a.m. | College of Integrated Science and Engineering
Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m. | College of Visual and Performing Arts
Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
3:30 p.m. | College of Health and Behavioral Studies
Doors open at 2:00 p.m.
*Note: the College of Business does include the Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management
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 9th, 3:30 p.m. | Wilson Hall Auditorium
Nursing Convocation
Friday, May 10th, 11 a.m. | Wilson Hall Auditorium
Air Force ROTC Commissioning
Friday, May 10th, 10 a.m. | Location TBD
Army ROTC Commissioning
Saturday, May 11th, Time TBD | Memorial Hall Auditorium
Ticketing
Tickets will be required for each ceremony in the Atlantic Union Bank Center. Each student will receive up to six (6) guest tickets for friends and family. All tickets will be e-mobile tickets and will be scanned at the door. Tickets can only be requested by the graduate, through the JMU Athletic Ticketing system. Graduates will receive a link via email on March 26th.
Ticketing Timeline
- March 26th - Ticketing opens before Commencement Expo! Ticketing will open on March 26th at noon. Graduates will be sent an email from JMUGrad advising that graduates may now submit their ticket request. There will be a table at Commencement Expo to aid students on requesting tickets.
- March 26th to April 29th- Graduates may request tickets (ongoing)
- April 8th and 17th- Reminder emails sent out to graduates
- April 26th- Final email reminder to graduates reminding that ticketing ends on April 29th at noon
- April 29th - Ticketing will close at noon
How the Ticketing Process Works:
- Only the graduate can order tickets, maximum of six (6) guest tickets from their student athletics account on JMU Athletics (will be sent a link via email from JMUGrad on March 26th).
- Tickets will be e-mobile tickets. All tickets must be downloaded to an Apple Wallet or Google Play App prior to arriving at Atlantic Union Bank Center. If you choose to have all guest tickets on one device, then all guests will need to enter the arena together as one group. Graduates, you will enter separately from your guests.
- Graduates, when you request your guest tickets, you will need to select one graduate ticket for yourself to enter the arena. Graduate tickets are a different color than guests tickets.
- A barcode will not be displayed, rather the ticket will say "Hold Near Reader" for contactless entry.
- Children aged 5 and under do not require a ticket when seated on another guest's lap. However, if a child requires an individual seat, a separate ticket must be obtained for them.
- 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.*
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.
Spring Commencement Expo!
Tuesday, March 26th and Wednesday, March 27th | 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Atlantic Union Bank Center
Mark your calendar for the Spring Commencement Expo on Tuesday, March 26th and Wednesday, March 27th in the Atlantic Union Bank Center from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.! Get graduation ready at this one-stop-shop event for commencement! You only need to attend one day of Commencement Expo, please allocate 45 minutes for the event.
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 ProPics
- Visit Balfour if you wish to order a class ring or announcements
- View diploma frames 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.
Harrisonburg Activities
Harrisonburg Tourism created a comprehensive guide for commencement weekend. This guide includes dining, downtown activities, lodging, trip planning, and outdoor recreation.
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!
Congratulations Class of 2024!
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