{"id":258,"date":"2015-02-12T20:35:06","date_gmt":"2015-02-12T20:35:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/commencement\/?page_id=258"},"modified":"2026-04-02T14:45:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T18:45:50","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/commencement\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-umw-hero alignfull umw-custom-block umw-hero umw-hero--dark-text umw-hero--white umw-hero--with-no-media\"><div class=\"umw-hero__inner\"><div class=\"umw-hero__media\"><\/div><div class=\"umw-hero__title\"><div class=\"container\"><div class=\"umw-hero__title__wrapper\"><div class=\"umw-hero__eyebrow\">Commencement<\/div><h1 class=\"umw-hero__title__header\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-umw-hero-ctas alignfull\"><div class=\"umw-hero__links\"><div class=\"container\"><div class=\"umw-hero__links__wrapper\">\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-commencement-faqs\">Commencement FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-general-questions\">General Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-accordion-container umw-custom-block\" data-only-one=\"true\">\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">What are future Commencement dates?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2026 &#8211; Saturday, May 9<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2027 &#8211; Saturday, May 8<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2028 &#8211; Saturday, May 6<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2029 &#8211; Saturday, May 12<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">When and where is the commencement ceremony?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p><strong>Class of 2026 &#8211; Saturday, May 9 at 9 a.m. &#8211; Noon<\/strong><br><strong>Ball Circle, Fredericksburg Campus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The University hosts a single commencement ceremony to celebrate our undergraduates and graduate degree candidates in May.\u202f Students who complete their degree requirements in August or December are invited to participate in the ceremony.\u202f All are welcome to join us in this momentous occasion.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">What time should I arrive?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>Ball Circle will open for seating at 7:00 a.m. on the day of Commencement. We ask that guests be seated prior to the 9:00 a.m. processional down Campus Walk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">How long is the commencement ceremony?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>The ceremony will last approximately three hours.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Are tickets required?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>No, tickets are not required to attend the ceremony. Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">What if it rains?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>The ceremony will be held at Ball Circle, rain or shine.\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">What can I bring to the commencement ceremony?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p><strong>Allowable<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cameras<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collapsible chairs (folding chairs are provided)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flowers (no glass vases)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Service animals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Umbrellas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Prohibited<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alcoholic beverages, flasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Artificial noise makers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coolers and containers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fireworks \/ weapons \/ explosives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flags or signs that would obstruct view<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helium balloons in the Cedric Rucker University Center<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laser pointers or selfie sticks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Do graduates receive their diplomas at the commencement ceremony?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>No, diplomas are mailed to graduates approximately 4 weeks after grades are processed to the address that the student has provided to the Registrar\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Am I allowed to decorate my regalia cap?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>All\u202fdegree candidates are welcome to personalize their caps being mindful of our community values.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Who participates in the commencement ceremony?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>All candidates for undergraduate and Master\u2019s degrees are expected to attend the commencement ceremony including those who finished in the Summer or Fall of 2025, but it is possible to graduate in absentia. Candidates who cannot attend must submit a written request no later than April 6, 2026, for permission to be excused to Reina Hammer, Office of the Registrar at <a href=\"mailto:rhammer@umw.edu\">rhammer@umw.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">If my student completed their degree requirements in the Fall, is there a separate commencement ceremony?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>There is one annual commencement ceremony each year in May. If a student completes all degree requirements in the Fall they are invited to participate the following May. Graduates may request to graduate in absentia; it is their personal choice.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Will professional photos be taken and available for purchase?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>Yes, a photographer from GradImages\u00ae will be at the commencement ceremony to photograph each graduate. Graduates will receive a free passport-sized digital proof via email within 7-10 days of the ceremony and via postal mail within 10 to 20 days following the ceremony.\u202f After the ceremony, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gradimages.com\/\">orders may be placed online<\/a> or by calling 1-800-261-2576.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are sent photographs of another student, please <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gradimages.com\/home\/ContactUs\">contact a customer service representative<\/a>. They should be able to correct the issue and get the correct photos to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since photographers will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax, and enjoy the ceremony.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Will flowers be available for sale?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>Yes, a vendor will be on Campus Walk (near Lee Hall) for guests to purchase flowers and gifts for the graduate. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecommencementgroup.com\/marywashington\">Pre-orders are encouraged<\/a> for the best selection. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accessibility\">Accessibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-accordion-container umw-custom-block\" data-only-one=\"true\">\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Where is ADA-accessible parking located?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>Those with official handicapped parking placards or license plates are eligible to park in the George Washington Hall parking lot adjacent to Double Drive. University Police will be available coordinating a golf cart shuttle service to Ball Circle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Who do I contact if someone in my family needs special accommodation?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>The ceremony location on Ball Circle is one level and fully accessible with flexible seating.\u202f There is not a designated handicapped seating area on Ball Circle. If your guest would prefer to view the ceremony indoors, the ceremony will be streamed live in Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall as well as locations in the Cedric Rucker University Center and Lee Hall 412.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The George Washington lot is reserved for handicapped parking. You must display your handicapped decal or have a designated license plate to park in this lot. On Saturday, May 9, golf cart shuttles will transport guests needing special assistance between the George Washington lot and Ball Circle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The University will be providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. Please request accommodations through the Events and Conferencing Office by emailing <a href=\"mailto:eventsrsvp@umw.edu\">eventsrsvp@umw.edu<\/a>\u202fas soon as possible to arrange for reserved seating.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Who should graduates contact for accommodations for the ceremony?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>Please request accommodations through the Events and Conferencing Office by emailing <a href=\"mailto:eventsrsvp@umw.edu\">eventsrsvp@umw.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"umw-collapsible-section umw-custom-block\"><div class=\"accordion__question\" data-js-question=\"true\"><button class=\"accordion__question__trigger\" data-js-trigger=\"true\">Who should I contact if I require ASL interpretation services?<\/button><div class=\"accordion__question__answer\">\n<p>Please request accommodations through the Events and Conferencing Office by emailing <a href=\"mailto:eventsrsvp@umw.edu\">eventsrsvp@umw.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Commencement FAQs General Questions Accessibility<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":8,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"umw_cb_additional_links":[[]],"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_advisory_expires_time":"","_advisory_meta_include":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-258","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - 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