Schedule & Ticket Info
May 11-13, 2012
Schedule of Events
The main Commencement ceremony is on Sunday, May 13, 2012. The complete weekend schedule will be posted on this website in late February. Event details will be subject to change and updates will be posted as necessary. Once the schedule is posted, if you print a copy, please check the website again shortly before Commencement to make sure you have the most recent version. (See the "Last updated" date in the lower right corner of the schedule.)
Any schedule changes that occur during Commencement Weekend -- including the implementation of rain plans -- will be announced on the Special Events Information Line: 757-221-3868. The recording will be updated as necessary throughout the weekend.
Ticket Information
Most events during Commencement weekend are open to all family members and guests of our degree candidates, however a few events do require tickets.
Luncheon (Saturday)
Students and their families often enjoy going to one of the many local eateries for lunch on Saturday. For those who prefer to stay on campus, we are pleased to offer a festive luncheon available for purchase. Complete a picnic ticket order form in order to purchase your tickets. The picnic menu will be posted in March.
Tickets must be ordered in advance using the Picnic Order Form (available in the spring semester). Graduating students also need a purchased lunch ticket; the luncheon is not part of the College's meal plan, and student ID cards cannot be swiped for entrance at the door. Families are encouraged to discuss lunch plans with their students before ordering tickets.
Students whose families purchase lunch tickets will receive those tickets in May along with their tickets to the main Commencement ceremony.
Mason School of Business Graduate Dinner for Undergraduate Business Students & Families (TBD)
More information about this event will be posted as it becomes available.
Main Commencement Ceremony (Sunday)
Tickets (free of charge) are required for the main Commencement ceremony on Sunday at William and Mary Hall. Students must register to participate in Commencement in order to request their allotment of Commencement tickets (typically 3-4, depending upon the number of degree candidates). Commencement tickets are distributed in late April/early May to graduating students only. Most students pick up their tickets from the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (Campus Center 219). Pick-up dates and times are announced via e-mail in the spring. VIMS students pick up their tickets from the Registrar's office at the VIMS campus. Contact the VIMS Registrar for the exact times that tickets will be distributed.
If tickets still remain after the Commencement registration period ends, they will be made available to degree candidates later in the spring. Only registered degree candidates will be allowed to request an additional ticket. If the number of requests exceeds the number of remaining seats, tickets will be distributed on the basis of a randomized computer drawing from among all of the requests received. Further information about this process will be sent to degree candidates by e-mail in March.
Special tickets are available for the disability seating section. This section is reserved for guests in wheelchairs, plus one companion each. Tickets for the disability seating section are considered part of a student's regular allotment of tickets. For more information on services for guests with disabilities, see the Disability Services page.
Students may receive Commencement tickets only once for a given degree. As students pick up tickets, their names are entered into a computer database for tracking tickets. Students who pick up tickets and later find they will not graduate in May must return their tickets to the Student Affairs office. Otherwise, they will not be able to receive tickets again the following year.
** Please note that the buying or selling of Commencement tickets is prohibited by the College. **
Departmental Ceremonies and Diploma Presentations (Sunday)
Following the main Commencement ceremony, schools and departments will distribute diplomas at locations throughout the campus and surrounding area. These ceremonies enable each department to recognize students individually. Tickets are usually not required for these events. Students should check with their major department to confirm whether or not there are any limits on attendance at the department ceremony.
Still have questions? Visit the Schedule & Tickets FAQ page.
