Winter Graduates Reception
December 15, 2012
3:00 p.m.
Chesapeake Rooms, Sadler Center
The Office of Student Affairs, the Senior Class, and the Graduate Council sponsor a reception and recognition ceremony honoring graduate and undergraduate students completing their degrees in December/January. While all winter graduates are also invited to participate fully in the official Commencement exercises in May, this reception is an opportunity for the President of the College to individually recognize those students completing degrees mid-year. Degree candidates receive a formal invitation from the Student Affairs Office just before Thanksgiving in the fall. Families are encouraged to discuss the event with their students so that the students may RSVP on the family's behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to the Winter Graduates Reception?
Business attire is appropriate for graduates and guests. Graduates do not wear academic regalia (caps and gowns) at this event.
How many people can I invite to the Winter Graduates Reception?
Unlike the formal Commencement exercises in May, this event does not require tickets. Degree candidates are invited to bring up to four guests to the reception (a suggested number based on the space limitation of the room in which the event is held).
To what extent may I participate in the May graduation ceremonies?
The Commencement ceremony that takes place in the May following the completion of your degree is your official graduation ceremony, so you will be invited to participate fully in all events of that weekend. Assuming you submit an updated (post-December) address with the Registrar's Office, you should expect to receive all of the May Commencement mailings and will be eligible to pick up tickets for the main exercises in W&M Hall. We do urge you to notify your department chair of your intent to return to campus for the May ceremonies so he/she will know to call your name during the diploma presentation ceremonies.
Why isn't there a formal Commencement Ceremony mid-year?
There are a number of reasons. Even though William and Mary has relatively few students who complete their degrees mid-year (usually 250-300 people, including both undergraduate and graduate students), the cost of multiple graduation ceremonies is prohibitive. The primary factor, however, is it isn't possible to determine whether or not mid-year degree candidates have actually graduated until final grades are calculated late in December. By that time, the winter break has begun, residence halls are closed, and the campus community has scattered. We sincerely hope that mid-year graduates and their families will be able to come back to Williamsburg in May to enjoy the unmatched pomp and circumstance of a William and Mary Commencement.
What is the significance of the January date listed on the College's combined academic calendar on the Registrar's web site?
The "degree conferral" date listed there is the date when a student's official academic record will indicate that the degree has been earned. There are no formal Commencement exercises mid-year, which is why we host the Winter Graduates Reception in December and why we encourage those completing degrees mid-year to return for their formal Commencement celebration the following May.
If you have additional questions, please contact [[w|gmhend, Greg Henderson]], Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs.