Apply to Graduate!
If you are planning to graduate in May or August 2025, 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 2025, you will be able to apply to graduate via MyMadison beginning May 1st, 2025.
Login to MyMadison, head to your Student Tab & 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.
Note: the application deadline for students graduating with their master’s degree was November 1, 2024.
Senior Compass
Senior Compass is a non-credit Canvas course all undergraduate students must complete the semester leading up to graduation. Once you apply to graduate, the Senior Compass Hold will be placed on your account automatically at the beginning of the semester in which you intend to graduate; the hold will be removed once the two Senior Compass requirements are completed.
Email SeniorCompass@jmu.edu or visit jmu.edu/SeniorCompass for more information.
Spring Commencement Expo!
Spring Commencement Expo!
Monday, March 10th and Tuesday, March 11th | 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Festival Ballroom
Mark your calendar for the Spring Commencement Expo on Monday, March 10th and Tuesday, March 11th in the Festival Ballroom from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.! The expo is a one-stop-shop for commencement needs. Graduates who plan to attend the expo only need to go on one day and should set aside 45 minutes for the event. Graduates are not required to attend Commencement Expo, as you may order your regalia package online. You will need you JACard for entry into the expo.
At Commencement Expo, graduates will have the opportunity to:
- Purchase and take home your cap, gown, hood and tassel. Jostens staff will be on site to assist and ensure that you receive the proper regalia for your ceremony. (Regalia can also be purchased here!)
- Answer your commencement and ticketing questions (JMU Ticketing Office and University Events 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 the Alumni Association table to learn about alumni chapters
- Visit Balfour if you wish to order a class ring or announcements
- View diploma frames, if you wish to purchase one
- And more!
Commencement Expo is now a cashless event. The only accepted payment will be credit/debit cards. FLEX pay will not be accepted.
We hope to see you there!
Ceremony Details
Degrees will be conferred at each college ceremony and individual recognition of each graduate will occur as they walk across the stage.
Tickets will be required. Each student will receive up to six (6) guest tickets for your friends and family. Tickets are required for guests and graduates for college ceremonies.
At this time, we are unable to provide additional guest tickets. If extra tickets become available, the commencement office will reach out to the entire college to offer additional tickets. This process is dependent on RSVP submissions, therefore do not wait to secure your tickets!
Commencement Schedule
All college ceremonies will take place in the Atlantic Union Bank Center
Thursday, May 15th
1:00 p.m. | The Graduate School
Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
5:00 p.m. | College of Integrated Science and Engineering
Doors open at 4:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m. | College of Education, University Studies, and the School of Professional and Continuing Education
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 16th
10:00 a.m. | College of Visual and Performing Arts
Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m. | College of Health and Behavioral Studies | Health Sciences and Kinesiology Majors
Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. | College of Health and Behavioral Studies | Communication Sciences and Disorders, Dietetics, Health Services Administration, Nursing, Psychology, and Social Work Majors
Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 17th
10:00 a.m. | College of Business
Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m. | College of Science and Mathematics
Doors open at 1:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. | College of Arts and Letters
Doors open at 4:00 p.m.
*Note: 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 15th, 10:00 a.m. | Wilson Hall Auditorium
Nursing Convocation
Friday, May 16th, 11:00 a.m. | Wilson Hall Auditorium
Air Force ROTC Commissioning
Monday, May 19th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Union Ballroom
Army ROTC Commissioning
Saturday, May 24th, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Memorial Hall Auditorium
Other recognitions may occur by department, major, or a student group. Your college or student organization will communicate these recognitions.
Ticketing
Tickets will be required for all ceremonies hosted 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 10th.
Ticketing Timeline
- March 10th - Ticketing opens before Commencement Expo! Ticketing will begin on March 10th at noon. Graduates will be sent an email from JMUGrad advising that graduates may now submit their ticket request. A table will be available at the Commencement Expo to assist students with ticket requests. This step is just a reservation of your tickets. Electronic tickets will be released into the graduate's account the week of commencement and transfer instructions will be provided.
- March 10th to May 1st - Graduates may request tickets (ongoing).
- March 31st and April 14th - Reminder emails sent out to graduates.
- April 28th- Final email reminder to graduates reminding that ticketing ends on May 1st at noon.
- May 1st - 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 10th).
- 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.
Online Ordering is Open for Regalia!
If you are unable to attend the Commencement Expo or require your regalia package in advance, online ordering is now available through February 28th.
Buy regalia here!
Please note the following when placing your order online:
- Honor cords, awarded based on your GPA, will not be available for purchase until the Commencement Expo. If you place your order online, you will need to visit the JMU Bookstore to pick up your honor cord starting March 12th.
- The complete regalia package includes your cap, gown, hood, and tassel. If you need all items, be sure to select the package rather than ordering individual pieces.
- When placing your order online, you will need to provide the following information to help the Jostens team match your correct regalia. Height, Weight and Degree/Major (i.e., Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, etc.)
- There is a cost associated for shipping your regalia package, at an estimate of $15.
After the Commencement Expo, graduates will receive an email with details about another online ordering window. If you have questions or need assistance, please call or email the JMUGrad Office at 540-568-7787 or jmugrad@jmu.edu.
Harrisonburg Activities
Harrisonburg Tourism created a comprehensive guide for commencement weekend. This guide includes dining, downtown activities, lodging, trip planning, and outdoor recreation.
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.
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!
Download the JMUGrad App!
This is the official APP for all JMU Commencement Ceremonies. Find everything from FAQs, parking information, and interactive maps, and more! The app will officially launch at Commencement Expo on March 10th! We suggest that you download the app after the expo!
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
Congrats Class of 2025!
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.