Guest Information

Welcome to the University of Mary Washington! You may find the following resources and information helpful in planning your visit to the University.

Undergraduate Commencement

Commencement has traditionally been held outdoors on Ball Circle. As it is a lengthy event (approximately three hours) and offers no covered seating for guests, it is recommended that guests be prepared for the possibility of sitting or standing in damp conditions and/or for prolonged exposure to sun and heat.

In addition, because the ceremony site is in the center of the campus, guests need to be aware of the need for walking and standing for extended periods of time. Guests in good physical condition should be comfortable; however, those who are not used to exertion should plan to limit their activities. If necessary, guests may leave their seats during the ceremony to relocate to shaded areas, to rest in air-conditioned facilities, or to access restrooms.

Special Accommodations

Please notify the Office of Events by Friday, April 12, 2013, if you are deaf or hard of hearing and require a sign language interpreter.  UMW will not be able to fulfill requests for interpreting services after this date.  For those with documented visual impairments who require special seating near the stage area, please notify the Office of Events no later than Friday, April 19, 2013.  UMW will not be able to fulfill requests for special seating for those with visual impairments after this date.

To request special accommodations, fax 540/654-1089 or email commencement@umw.edu.

Seating in Ball Circle for the Undergraduate Ceremony is wheelchair accessible with all seating on one level and with adequate space for placement of wheelchairs throughout the area. Therefore, special reservations for wheelchair seating are not required and will not be granted.  Please keep in mind that the ground may be soft due to earlier inclement weather.

Seating

Candidates for degrees have reserved seating in Ball Circle. Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 6:30 a.m. To be assured of a seat, it is important to arrive early.

Seating in Ball Circle is wheelchair accessible. All seating is on one level with adequate space for placement of wheelchairs throughout the area. Therefore, special reservations for wheelchair seating are not required and are not granted.

Photography

A photographer from GradImages® will be at the Commencement Ceremony to photograph each graduate. Graduates will receive a free passport-sized digital proof via email within 1 to 3 days and via postal mail within 5 to 7 days following the ceremony.  After Commencement, orders may be placed online at www.gradimages.com or by calling 1-800-261-2576.

Since photographers will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax, and enjoy the ceremony.

Parking

The UMW parking deck, off Rt. 1, and lots along Sunken Road offer easy-to-reach spaces.

Parking for vehicles displaying handicap license plates or handicap parking permits issued by any state’s department of motor vehicles will be permitted to park in the lot behind George Washington Hall.

For those who may have difficulty walking but do not have a state-issued handicap parking pass, there is a drop-off point at Lee Circle.  After guests depart the vehicle, the driver must park elsewhere and then rejoin their party in Ball Circle.

Hotels and Lodging

For a listing of hotels near the University of Mary Washington, please visit the Fredericksburg Visitors Center Web Site. Here, you will find information about nearby hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, lodges, and inns. Many of these are located within two miles of the Fredericksburg campus. You will also find information about local historic sites, restaurants, and other area attractions.

Maps and Directions

Fredericksburg is accessible by transportation services from major airports in the Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA areas. Fredericksburg is also served by commercial buses and by Amtrak. FRED, the Fredericksburg Regional Transit bus system, can transport visitors around the Fredericksburg area, UMW students and employees ride free with a UMW ID.

Fredericksburg Campus Map

Fredericksburg Campus
1301 College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Directions from I-95:

The University of Mary Washington is located in Fredericksburg, Va., 50 miles south of Washington, D.C., and 50 miles north of Richmond, Va. To reach the campus from Interstate 95, take Exit 130-A. Follow Route 3 East business to the traffic light for William Street. Make a left at the light. Follow William Street to the next traffic light and make a left onto College Avenue. To reach the parking deck, continue on College Avenue to the end of campus and make a right onto U.S. 1. Make the next right, following the signs to the parking deck, which provides free parking for visitors.*

Directions from U.S. 1:

To reach the parking deck from U.S. 1 North, proceed past the intersection with College Avenue. Make the next right, following the signs to the parking deck, which provides free parking for visitors.

To reach the parking deck from U.S. 1 South, proceed past the intersection at Mary Washington Boulevard. Make the next left (not at an intersection), following the signs for the parking deck, which provides free parking for visitors.*

Directions from downtown Historic Fredericksburg or the train station:

From Caroline Street, turn left on Amelia Street. In seven blocks you will reach Washington Avenue. When you reach the end, turn left, go one block, then turn right on William Street (U.S. 3). Continue on William Street for several blocks until you reach College Avenue. Turn right onto College Avenue. To reach the parking deck, continue on College Avenue to the end of campus and make a right onto U.S. 1. Make the next right, following the signs to the parking deck, which provides free parking for visitors.*