Congratulations, Mason Graduates!
George Mason University invites you to celebrate your achievements at the Winter 2023 Commencement Ceremony on December 14, 2023.
Get Ready... Get Set... Graduate!
Before you take the stage to collect your diploma, there are few details that need your attention.
First: Get the Paperwork Done
Your first step is the Office of the University Registrar's Graduation website. There you will find timelines, along with general and detailed information regarding the entire graduation process.
Please remember that your name will not appear in the printed graduation program if you have not applied to graduate before September 30, 2023. If you miss the application deadline, you must submit a Late Graduation Application, as described on the Graduation website. Remember, you must apply to graduate even if you do not plan to attend the graduation ceremony.
Students who have placed a confidential hold on their record will be excluded from the graduation program. If you have a confidential hold and wish for your name to be included in the program, the hold must be removed by September 30, 2023.
Next: Get your Regalia
For your convenience, the University Bookstore will sponsor a Graduation Fair at the Fairfax Campus where you'll be able to purchase caps, gowns, announcement, rings, and other items. Get your photo taken in regalia and get ceremony information all in one location.
For those unable to attend the Graduation Fair or decide to participate in graduation after the fair, you will be able to purchase your regalia at the University bookstore on a first-come, first-served basis. The Science and Technology Campus and Mason Square Bookstores will also begin selling caps and gowns at this time.
From the iconic regalia you'll need for commencement, to diploma frames and class rings, we have all the details you need to show off your achievement.
We are looking for graduating students who are interested in sharing their Mason journey and experience to serve as this year's 2023 Winter Graduation Student Speaker. Written submissions are due at 11:59pm on October 9, 2023.
Then: Plan to Attend
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:30 am | Commencement Ceremony |
| 1:30 pm | Degree Celebration for CHSS, COS, SCHAR, CARTER, CVPA, CEHD |
| 5:30 pm | Degree Celebration for CEC, BUS, CPH |
All Doctoral students will be recognized individually at the Commencement Ceremony. Other graduates will be asked to stand as a group when their major is called for recognition. The Degree Celebrations will provide the opportunity for all Bachelors and Masters students to be individually recognized and walk across the stage.
Doors will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremonies. It is advisable to arrive at that time, as seating is open and available on a general admission basis to anyone with a ticket. If EagleBank Arena reaches capacity, the overflow viewing area will be in the Concert Hall on Mason Pond Drive, across Patriot Circle from the arena. Shuttles will be available at the South Entrance to transport anyone needing assistance to the Concert Hall.
Graduate Students: Working on a thesis or dissertation?
In order to be eligible to graduate in the Winter 2023 Semester, all Master's students writing theses and all Doctoral students writing dissertations must adhere to specific deadlines.
- The Format Review deadline for the Winter 2023 Semester is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27. All Master's students writing theses and all Doctoral students writing dissertations are required to submit their documents to UDTS via email for the Format Review.
- All final copies of theses/dissertations and all necessary materials are due to UDTS by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1.