Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

Graduate Commencement Ceremony – May 11, 2012 Anderson Center 7:30 p.m.

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony – May 12, 2012, Ball Circle, 9 a.m.

HOW LONG IS THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?    

Graduate – approximately one and one-half hours.

Undergraduate – approximately three hours.

ARE TICKETS REQUIRED?

Neither of the ceremonies require tickets.

IS THERE AN EVENT FOLLOWING THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

There is a reception held immediately following the Graduate Commencement at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center.

A picnic lunch is offered immediately following the Undergraduate Commencement, it is strongly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.

AM I REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A CAP AND GOWN?

All degree candidates participating in the 101st commencement exercises in May 2012 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.  The Bachelor’s Degree Ensemble is $69.99 plus tax and the Master’s Degree Ensemble is $75.99 plus tax.  Regalia is available to purchase online at www.college.jostens.com Februrary 17th through March 23rd with an additional shipping fee of $11.95.

WHEN AND WHERE IS UNDERGRADUATE REHEARSAL?

There is NO rehearsal for the Graduate Commencement

Undergraduate Commencement Rehearsal – Friday, May 11, 2012
Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall, 1 p.m.

AM I REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?

ALL candidates for graduate and undergraduate degrees are expected to attend the commencement ceremony, but it is possible to graduate in absentia.  Candidates who cannot attend must submit a written request no later than April 20, 2012, for permission to be excused. Requests may be submitted by email, fax, or U.S. mail to the Dean of the College that the graduate is attending.

College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Richard Finkelstein
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
University of Mary Washington
1301 College Ave.  Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Fax: 540/654-1164
rfinkels@umw.edu

 College of Education

Dr. Mary Gendernalik-Cooper
Dean, College of Education
University of Mary Washington
1301 College Ave., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Fax: 540/654-1080
mgendern@umw.edu

College of Business

Dr. Lynne Richardson
Dean, College of Business
University of Mary Washington
1301 College Ave., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Fax: 540/654-2430
lrichar2@umw.edu 

IF I COMPLETED MY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS IN SUMMER OR FALL 2011, 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 2012, 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 2012 and March for Fall 2012 , and would be eligible to participate in the May 2013 ceremony.

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

Please notify the Office of Events by April 13, 2012 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 20, 2012. UMW will not be able to guarantee special seating for those with visual impairments after this date.

To request special accommodations, fax 540/654-1089 or 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.

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.