Now is the time for 海角社区, friends, and family to celebrate all that you have achieved. Attend University Commencement and your Degree Celebration to commemorate your achievements.
Ready, Set, Graduate!
Your final semester at George Mason is going to go faster than you expect. Make sure you complete all the steps required for graduation. We'll keep adding information as it becomes available, so check back regularly!
First: Get the Paperwork Done
Graduation applications are due September 30, 2025. The on the application process. Certain processes may be delayed if you apply late to graduate.
You must apply to graduate to be eligible to claim ceremony tickets or receive graduation communications.
Next: Attend the Grad Fair
Attend the Winter Grad Fair to prepare for your big day. Caps, gowns, stoles, announcements, diploma frames, and more will be available at this Johnson Center event.
Winter Grad Fair will be held from 10 am to 6 pm on November 5th and 6th in the Johnson Center's Dewberry Hall.
Interested in sharing your journey and experience as a George Mason student with others? You could be the Student Speaker at Winter Commencement! Written submissions are due by midnight on October 13, 2025.
Then: Save the Date
Tickets will be required for both Commencement and Degree Celebration ceremonies. Ticket information will be available here at a later date. You must apply to graduate to be eligible to claim your tickets or receive graduation communications.
University Commencement
Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 9:30 am
EagleBank Arena
What is Commencement?
University Commencement is the official, university-wide graduation ceremony at 海角社区. This event includes:
- degree conferral by the University President;
- remarks from both the invited Commencement guest speaker and the selected Class of 2025 student speaker;
- and music provided by the 海角社区 Wind Symphony.
All winter bachelor's and master's graduates, as well as summer and winter doctoral candidates, are invited to attend. Doctoral candidates will be individually recognized and hooded during the Commencement ceremony.
Degree Celebrations
December 17 - 18, 2025
EagleBank Arena
What are Degree Celebrations?
Each School/College takes part in a Degree Celebration to honor its graduates. At these ceremonies:
- bachelor's and master's graduates will be individually recognized and photographed as they cross the stage;
- guest speakers from relevant fields will deliver remarks to the graduates.
The Degree Celebration schedule is as follows:
| School/College | Ceremony Date/Time |
|---|---|
| CEC, CPH | Wed. Dec. 17 at 4pm |
| CHSS, COS, Carter | Thurs. Dec. 18 at 2pm |
| CCB, CEHD, Schar, CVPA | Thurs. Dec. 18 at 6:30pm |
If you are a George Mason graduate from a previous semester looking to participate in a winter graduation ceremony, please email gmuevent@gmu.edu for guidance.
Please Note
Security measures will be in place at all ceremonies.
Graduates will need a Tassel State Pass in order to check in at each ceremony.
All graduates and guests will go through weapons detection systems.
See for more information on bag policy and prohibited items.
Working on a thesis or dissertation?
In order to be able to graduate in the Fall 2025 semester, all Master's students writing theses and all Doctoral students writing dissertations must adhere to specific deadlines.
If you have questions, please contact the Office of University Events (gmuevent@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2853 between 9am-5pm M-F).
Congratulations on your degree and we look forward to seeing you at this important and celebratory experience for everyone!
Go Patriots!