Frequently Asked Questions, Undergraduate

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony – May 11, 2013, Ball Circle 9 a.m.

HOW LONG IS THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?    

Approximately 3 hours.

ARE TICKETS REQUIRED?

No, tickets are not required.  The ceremony is held rain or shine so please monitor the weather.

IS THERE AN EVENT FOLLOWING THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

A picnic lunch is offered immediately following the ceremony in Chandler Grove. Tickets are required and can be purchased through Dining Services.

AM I REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A CAP AND GOWN?

All degree candidates participating in the 102nd commencement exercises on May 11, 2013 are required to purchase the UMW regalia ensemble which includes a cap, gown, tassel, hood, and zipper pull.  All regalia orders must be paid in full at the time of purchase.  The University bookstore accepts Visa, MasterCard, EagleOne, cash and personal checks made payable to the UMW Bookstore.

AM I REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

ALL candidates for undergraduate degrees are expected to attend the commencement ceremony including those who finished in Summer or Fall of 2012, but it is possible to graduate in absentia.  Candidates who cannot attend must submit a written request no later than April 20, 2013, for permission to be excused to Rita Dunston, Registrar at rdunston@umw.edu.

IF I COMPLETED MY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS IN SUMMER OR FALL 2012, MAY I PARTICIPATE IN THE MAY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

Yes.  As a student, if you have already received your diploma you are on the graduation list. Please contact the Office of the Registrar at (540)654-1063 if you have additional questions.

IF I WILL COMPLETE MY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS IN SUMMER OR FALL 2013, MAY I PARTICIPATE IN THE MAY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

No.  Since you will not have completed your requirements by May, you are not permitted to participate in Commencement this year.  You will receive your diploma in October if you complete your requirements in Summer 2013 and March for Fall 2013 , and would be eligible to participate in the May 2014 ceremony.

IF A GRADUATE OR GUEST REQUIRES SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Please notify the Office of Events by 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 or for special seating for those with visual impairments after this date.

For those with documented visual impairments who require special seating near the stage area, please notify the Office of Events by April 19, 2013. UMW will not be able to guarantee special seating for those with visual impairments after this date.

To request special accommodations email commencement@umw.edu.

WILL PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS BE TAKEN OF GRADUATES?

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.

WILL FLOWERS BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE?

Yes, a flower vendor will be on campus walk for guests to purchase flowers for their graduate.  Also available this year is the option to pre-order flowers for pick-up.  If you would like to pre-order flowers please visit www.commencementflowers.com/index.php/marywashington.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A HOTEL FOR MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS?

For a listing of hotels near the University, please visit the Fredericksburg Visitors Center web site, www.visitfred.com/visitors/lodging/. 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.