Important Dates & Commencement Schedule
Start with the Registrar’s Office
Each spring, eligible students will receive an email announcement from the Registrar’s Office, stating that the office is accepting Degree Applications for the graduating class of the following year. Each student must submit an online Degree Application through Banner Self-Service during the application period, in order to be listed as a pending degree candidate. You can find more information by visiting the Registrar’s Office website.
Grad Fair – Dress for the ceremony!
March 18-19, 2026
- Date/Time: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, and Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: UMW Bookstore, Lee Hall
Graduates will be assisted with sizing and purchasing their regalia. Personalized graduation announcements, class rings, diploma frames, and photography sessions by Grad Images will also be available.
UMW regalia ensemble includes a cap, gown, tassel, and hood.
- Bachelor’s Degree Ensemble: $95.96 plus tax
- Master’s Degree Ensemble: $97.96 plus tax
The UMW Bookstore will maintain a limited inventory of regalia after the Grad Fair for in-person purchases. The bookstore is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 am – 2 p.m.
Ordering online more convenient?
Beginning March 20 through Sunday, April 12, 2026, regalia is available for online purchase. A home shipping fee and sales tax will be added to each order. Order online (available after March 20).
Senior Sunset
Monday, May 4, 2026 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location: Linden Terrace
Kick off Senior Week in golden-hour style! Join members of Senior Staff, Alumni Engagement, faculty, and staff for a relaxed evening of celebration overlooking campus from Linden Terrace. Enjoy refreshments, a cash bar, and the chance to adopt your very own Sammy D. Eagle to take along on your next adventure as a UMW alum.
The first 50 students will receive a complimentary drink ticket—so arrive early and soak in one of your final sunsets as a student.
Questions about Senior Week events? Reach out to SAE at (540)-654-3735 or sae@umw.edu!
Senior Bingo
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Location: The Underground
One last game night before graduation! Gather your friends for an evening of classic Bingo with fun prizes, snacks, and a cash bar. Whether you’re feeling lucky or just want one more memory in The Underground, this is your final chance to shout “Bingo!” as a UMW student.
Grad Cap Crafternoon
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 – 12 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Location: The Underground
Make your mark before you walk the stage. Bring your graduation cap and use our supplies to design something uniquely you. We’ll provide everything from paint pens and stencils to rhinestones and embellishments to help your cap stand out on Commencement Day. Stop by anytime during the event—no crafting experience required!
Senior Bar Trivia
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 – 8 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Location: The Underground
Put your UMW knowledge—and your random fun facts—to the test! Form a team with your friends and compete for trivia bragging rights. Enjoy wings, pizza, and a cash bar while you battle it out for prizes and the title of Senior Week Trivia Champion.
Senior Toast – Toast to success!
Thursday, May 7, 2026 – 4 p.m.
- Location: Brompton Lawn
In addition to hors d’oeuvres, seniors will enjoy a champagne toast by President Paino celebrating their pending graduation and alumni status. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
Suggested attire is dressy casual. Examples include a dress, skirt, slacks, button-down shirt, polo, or khakis.
Registration is required for this event and begins April 1, 2026.
Grad Ball – Celebrate in style!
Thursday, May 7, 2026 – 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Location: Anderson Center
All graduates are invited to celebrate in style! Light appetizers and a cash bar will be available. All undergraduates and master’s candidates are invited to Grad Ball. Graduates are offered complimentary tickets, including one for a guest.
Tickets may be acquired Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting on April 13th, at the Office of Student Activities and Engagement in the CRUC. Tickets will also be available throughout Senior Week and at the door.
Commencement Rehearsal – Practice makes perfect!
Friday, May 8, 2026 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
All degree candidates are encouraged to attend the rehearsal. Students will meet in Dodd Auditorium for instructions before assembling around Jefferson Square and processing to Ball Circle for announcements from the University Administration.
Seating arrangements for graduates
Degree candidates participating in the ceremony are provided reserved seating. A specific seating assignment will be distributed via text prior to the ceremony and confirmed at the rehearsal Friday.
Getting your name right
Mr. Jon Reynolds from the UMW Theater Department will announce your name as you cross the stage at Commencement. The University is partnering with NameCoach and utilizing AI to ensure the correct pronunciation. Students may request a preferred name, different from the printed diploma name, for the ceremony. NameCoach will be activated in March. Graduates will receive an email to their UMW email account with additional details.
Please contact (agauch@umw.edu) if you have any questions about your name announcement during the ceremony.
Commencement Ceremony – It’s your day!
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Please arrive no later than 8 a.m. in your regalia to find your place in the student line-up. Candidates for Commencement will line up around Jefferson Square located adjacent to Double Drive and the main gates to the Fredericksburg Campus.
All guests are asked to clear Campus Walk at 9 a.m. for the processional. For guests unable to attend in person, a link to view the ceremony live will be on the home page of the university.
The procession will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Candidates for Commencement will process from Jefferson Square through the Bell Tower and down campus walk to Ball Circle.