Welcome back Class of 2023!
We hope you had a great start to your last semester here at JMU!
As you prepare for your December Commencement, please read over the monthly newsletters for important information. This is edition one of three, so be sure to keep your eye out for the next two!
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 December 2023, please apply to graduate via MyMadison by November 1st to ensure that your name will be listed in the commencement program & appear on the video board during the ceremony. The last day to apply in order to have your name in the program will be November 1st.
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.
Commencement Schedule
Winter Commencement Ceremony
(Undergraduate and Graduate)
December 16th, 2023, 10:00 A.M. | Atlantic Union Bank Center
Nursing Convocation
December 15th, 2023, 11:00 A.M. | Wilson Hall Auditorium
Honors College Medallion Ceremony
December 15th, 2023, Time TBD | Festival Center, Highlands Room
Army ROTC Commissioning
December 16th, 2023, Time TBD | Memorial Hall, Room 5110
Ceremony Details
Winter Commencement Ceremony, Saturday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m. in the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
The 2023 Winter Commencement will be a combined ceremony of both undergraduate and graduate students. This event is a ticketed event. Each graduate can request up to six (6) tickets for friends and family. Graduates will need to ensure they select one graduate ticket for themselves for entry. The graduate ticket is separate from the guest allotment of tickets.
The ceremony includes all the pomp and circumstance with live music, a guest speaker, and the procession of graduates across the stage when their names are read aloud.
The doors will open at 8:30 a.m.
Ticketing
Tickets will be required for Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m. in 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. Tickets must be requested by the graduate through their JMU Athletics student account.
Ticketing Timeline
- October 16th - Ticketing opens at noon, graduates will be sent an email from JMUGrad advising that graduates may now submit their ticket request
- October 16th to December 4th- Graduates may request tickets (ongoing)
- November 14th & 28th- Reminder emails sent out to graduates
- December 1st- Final email reminder to graduates reminding that ticketing ends on December 4th at noon
- December 4th- Ticketing closes at noon
- December 14th - Email from JMU Ticketing Office about ticket transfer, parking and other information.
How the Ticketing Process Works:
- 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 October 16th).
- 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. If you choose to have all guest tickets on one device, then all guests will need to enter the arena together as one group.
- Students, when you request your guest tickets, you will need to select one graduate ticket for yourself to enter the arena. This is in addition to the six maximum you may request.
- 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.*
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.
Commencement Expo!
Monday, October 16th & Tuesday, October 17th | 4:00-6:00 p.m. JMU Bookstore
Commencement Expo is your one-stop-shop for commencement needs. This is the first opportunity to purchase your regalia package (cap, gown, hood, and tassel). JMU preferred vendor, Balfour, will be present to showcase invitations, announcements, and rings. The JMU Ticketing Office will be present to assist you with obtaining your tickets. More information will be provided via email in the coming weeks.
We hope to see you there!
Rings and Announcements
Don't miss out on ordering your official class rings and graduation announcements before it's too late!
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, December 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
Family Engagement: (540) 568-3190 or family@jmu.edu
University Events Office: (540) 568-7787 or jmugrad@jmu.edu
Please share this information with your friends and family and encourage them to subscribe to the newsletters by emailing jmugrad@jmu.edu