For the first time since 1980, December graduates will be invited to participate in a formal winter graduation event called the December Convocation. The 2012 event is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Patriot Center.
Every student who is a December graduate will process across the stage as their name is called. August graduates may attend the December graduation event if they did not participate in the previous May ceremonies. (December graduates may still participate in the May 2013 Commencement ceremony if they desire; individual colleges will decide whether December grads may participate in their May events).
The wearing of regalia at the December Convocation is strongly encouraged. University marshals and the platform party will wear full regalia. Graduates should secure their regalia through the Mason Bookstore. Regalia will be available at the Bookstore’s “mini” Grad Fair on Nov. 6, 7 and 8 and up until the December Convocation. Vendors selling other graduation-related items will also be at the fair. Each graduate will receive six tickets to the ceremony, and these will be available at the Grad Fair. Opportunities to pick up tickets at a later time will also be provided.
Unlike the May ceremony, students will not process into the Patriot Center but will be escorted directly to their seats by university marshals.
After the ceremony, refreshments will be set up around the Patriot Center concourse so that college representatives can mingle with their graduates.
To participate as a marshal or for academic questions, contact Janette Muir, associate provost for undergraduate education at jmuir@gmu.edu, or contact the Office of Events Management at 703-993-2853.