Commencement FAQs
General Questions
- 2026 – Saturday, May 9
- 2027 – Saturday, May 8
- 2028 – Saturday, May 6
- 2029 – Saturday, May 12
Class of 2026 – Saturday, May 9 at 9 a.m. – Noon
Ball Circle, Fredericksburg Campus
The University hosts a single Commencement ceremony to celebrate our undergraduates and graduate degree candidates in May. Students who complete their degree requirements in August or December are invited to participate in the ceremony. All are welcome to join us in this momentous occasion.
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.
The ceremony will last approximately three hours.
No, tickets are not required to attend the ceremony. Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ceremony will be held at Ball Circle, rain or shine.
Allowable
- Cameras
- Collapsible chairs (folding chairs are provided)
- Flowers (no glass vases)
- Service animals
- Umbrellas
Prohibited
- Alcoholic beverages, flasks
- Artificial noise makers
- Coolers and containers
- Fireworks / weapons / explosives
- Flags or signs that would obstruct view
- Helium balloons in the Cedric Rucker University Center
- Laser pointers or selfie sticks
- Unarmed aircraft (drones)
No, diplomas are mailed to graduates approximately 4 weeks after grades are processed to the address that the student has provided to the Registrar’s Office.
All degree candidates are welcome to personalize their caps being mindful of our community values.
All candidates for undergraduate and Master’s degrees are expected to attend the commencement ceremony including those who finished in the Summer or Fall of 2024, but it is possible to graduate in absentia. Candidates who cannot attend must submit a written request no later than April 7, 2025, for permission to be excused to Reina Hammer, Office of the Registrar at rhammer@umw.edu.
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.
Yes, 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 7-10 days of the ceremony and via postal mail within 10 to 20 days following the ceremony. After Commencement, orders may be placed online or by calling 1-800-261-2576.
If you are sent photographs of another student, please contact a customer service representative. They should be able to correct the issue and get the correct photos to you.
Since photographers will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax, and enjoy the ceremony.
Yes, a vendor will be on Campus Walk (near Lee Hall) for guests to purchase flowers and gifts for the graduate. Pre-orders are encouraged for the best selection.
Accessibility
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.
The ceremony on Ball Circle is one level and fully accessible with flexible seating. 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 other locations across campus.
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 10, golf cart shuttles will transport guests needing special assistance between the George Washington lot and Ball Circle.
The University will be providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. Please request accommodations through the Events and Conferencing Office by emailing eventsrsvp@umw.edu as soon as possible to arrange for reserved seating.
Please request accommodations through the Events and Conferencing Office by emailing eventsrsvp@umw.edu.
Please request accommodations through the Events and Conferencing Office by emailing eventsrsvp@umw.edu.