Graduation can be a complex event with many moving parts. Keep your big day as stress-free as possible with the information below.
What is Commencement?
University Commencement is the official graduation ceremony including degree conferral by President Washington, remarks by the both the presidential invited guest speaker and the selected Class of 2024 student speaker, with music provided by Doc Nix and the Green Machine. All Mason winter graduates are invited to attend. All Doctoral students will be recognized and hooded individually at the Commencement Ceremony. Other graduates will be asked to stand as a group when their major is called for recognition.
Tickets
All graduates will receive an email from gmuevent@gmu.edu via MarchingOrder with the subject line "Register for your Ceremony." The email will provide all necessary instructions on how to register and claim your guest tickets for commencement.
Bachelors and Masters graduates will be able to claim up to 10 guest tickets, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to invite their guests. Please note that graduates do not need a ticket for themselves; they will receive a grad pass.
After your tickets have been claimed, you can print or email them to your family/friends. All tickets are general admission.
Please note that tickets for Commencement are available through the George Mason email link for no charge/no service fee. This is the only authorized source for ceremony tickets. Please be aware that reports of individuals selling tickets and charging service fees have been reported in the past. This activity is suspect and caution is advised.
Grads
Grads should arrive one hour prior to the scheduled beginning of the ceremony. Grads will need to provide their Commencement Grad Pass for check in. Grad Passes are provided to each graduate through the MarchingOrder ticketing portal.
It is highly advised that grads use the restroom before arriving at the Eagle Bank Arena, as there are limited facilities available outside or on the arena floor level.
Guests
As a reminder, tickets will be required for any guests of George Mason graduates to enter EagleBank Arena for Commencement. Doors will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremonies. It is advisable to arrive at that time. Your guest(s) need to have access to their tickets. Please transfer tickets to them before your event. Guests enter on the South, West or North Concourse level entrances.
Parking
For all ceremonies, complementary parking will be available in Lots A, C, and K. Expect heavy traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus, particularly on Braddock Road. Drivers should follow signage and traffic controls.
Accessible parking will be available in Lot A, outside the south entrance to EagleBank Arena. Drivers should use the Roanoke River Road and Nottoway River Lane entrances to campus from Braddock Road to access accessible parking spaces.
Accessibility Needs
For accessible parking and drop-off, please use the Roanoke River Road or Nottoway River Lane entrances off Braddock road to access Lot A. ADA parking is located in Lot A.
Seating in all sections of EagleBank Arena, Rows E, F, and G, are marked reserved for special needs. These rows are on the concourse level and are easy access seating without requiring the use of stairs. Ushers are stationed at each portal to assist with seating. Guests requiring special assistance may be seated with one other guest from their party in these easy-access rows. No advanced notice is necessary to use this seating option and, again, these seats are not ticketed or individually reservable.
- Wheelchair accessible seating is available in the four corner portals 4, 8, 13, and 17.
- Ushers are stationed at each portal to help with seating.
Decorum
If you and your guests choose to attend any of the live graduation ceremonies, please show respect and dignity to your faculty, your fellow graduates, and their families by remaining for the entire event. It is not appropriate or acceptable to walk out before all fellow graduates attending have been recognized and the ceremony has officially ended. If you or your guests are not able to stay for the entire ceremony, please watch the streaming broadcast online from home or a remote location
Security
Please read all security notices to avoid issues at the entrances to the ceremonies:
We are asking all guests and graduates do NOT bring a bag to the graduation ceremonies in order to help expedite the entry for all guests. Everyone entering will be required to go through a security weapons detection monitor. If you require a bag for your personal belongings, the bag must adhere to venue policies. Please note the list of prohibited items ahead of time, so that there are no issues at the entrances.
Acceptable Bags
Clear Bag:
- Bag must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC with no obscured inside pockets
- Bag must not exceed 12”x12”x6”
- Bag may be 1 gallon plastic zip lock style bag
Clutch Style Bag or Purse:
- Non-clear clutch style bag or purse must not exceed 5”x7”
Small Medical and/or Parenting Bags:
- Will be permitted on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to increased security screening
Signs
Signs larger than 18 in by 18 in, including banners, flags, and posters, are prohibited. All signs smaller than 18 in by 18 in must comply with the following guidelines:
- Item may not be constructed or displayed in a manner that may obstruct the view of other guests, interrupt the experience of other guests, or create a safety hazard
- Signs must be constructed of paper, fabric, or poster board materials
- Item may not be commercial or political in nature nor include obscene/offensive language and/or pictures
- Item must be related to the event
- Item may not be attached to a stick/pole
- Item may not be attached, hung, taped, or draped over any part of the building
No signage will be allowed on stage.
Masks
Due to the Virginia state law that prohibits the wearing of face masks for purposes of concealing one’s identity, if you are wearing a face covering, please be prepared to show a government-issued ID, George Mason ID, or the wristband you were issued at entry. Failure to comply will result in removal from the venue.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items at EagleBank Arena include metal or glass reusable water bottles, air horns, wrapped gifts or packages, non-collapsible umbrellas and more. Prohibited items cannot be checked or stored inside the arena. View all EagleBank Arena policies for a full list of prohibited items.
All students and guests are required to follow the University and venue policies including event code of conduct, policies on disruptions and prohibited items, as well as Mason’s student code of conduct and commitment to safety and freedom of speech. Students and guests who do not observe Mason’s and EagleBank Arena’s policies and rules will not be admitted or will be required to leave the venue. Students and employees in violation of university policies and rules are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with student and employee codes of conduct.
Not seeing the answer you need? Feel free to reach out to University Events: 703-993-2853 or gmuevent@gmu.edu