Graduate School Commencement
Spring 2024 Commencement
Graduating students have the option to attend the university Commencement in Blacksburg, the university Commencement in the D.C. area, and/or the university Commencement for the Graduate School.
This year, Master's degree graduates will be recognized at individual college ceremonies across main campus, in Blacksburg. View the Commencement Spring Schedule for details.
The Graduate Commencement ceremony in Blacksburg will only be for Ph. D. candidates and interdisciplinary graduate education programs. Hooding, walking across the stage, and degree conferral will take place during the ceremony.
Register to Participate
Deadline May 1, 2024
All students (including students from previous years, and who graduated in the winter) planning to participate in a spring ceremony, please update your selection to attend Commencement: Hokie Spa --> Graduation Menu --> Graduate Student Degree Menu --> Notification of Commencement Attendance
Regalia
The proper regalia is required to participate in Commencement, please order regalia via the Hokie Shop: https://www.bkstr.com/virginiatechstore/shop/graduation
Ceremonies
No tickets are required for guests at the Blacksburg or D.C. area ceremonies. Tickets may be required for college ceremonies in Blacksburg. Please check with your college if you plan to attend a college ceremony in Blacksburg.
D.C. area Commencement
Sunday, May 12 at 1 p.m.
George Mason University
Center for the Arts
Fairfax, VA 22030
Google Maps
- Graduate check-in is 11:15am to 12:15pm. Graduates need to bring their Hokie passport or drivers license for quick check in and make arrangements for personal belongings to be held with guests until after the ceremony.
- All graduates can walk and be recognized during D.C. area Commencement ceremony. EDD & Ph.D. candidates will also be hooded during this ceremony.
- In addition, for all graduates and their guests, there will be light refreshments immediately following the D.C. area Commencement ceremony in the lobby of the Center for the Arts lobby.
- Free parking is available for graduates and guests at the Mason Pond Park Garage (GMU Campus)
- If you have questions about the D.C. area Commencement that are not answered on this page, reach out to: gssoncr@vt.edu.
Department Receptions: George Mason University Center for the Arts*
- Tier 2: Master of Information Technology
Before Commencement 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Tier 2: College of Engineering
Immediately following Commencement until 4 p.m. - Tier 3: Public & International Affairs
Immediately following Commencement until 3:30 p.m.
*Please contact your department for specifics regarding the receptions
Graduate School Commencement*
Wednesday, May 8 at 10 a.m.
Cassell Coliseum (Main Campus)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Google Maps
*ONLY Ph.D., EDD candidates & Interdisciplinary Graduate Program Master's graduates will be recognized.
University Commencement†
Friday, May 10 at 8:30 a.m.
Lane Stadium (Main Campus)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Google Maps
†Degrees will only be conferred at the university ceremony. Graduates will not walk across the stage or hear their name called.