JMU Spring Commencement 2026
Celebrate with the class of 2026!
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DateMay 14 - 16 , 2026
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Doors OpenApprox. 60 min before the ceremony unless otherwise stated.
- Thursday | May 14 9:00 AM
- Thursday | May 14 1:00 PM
- Thursday | May 14 6:00 PM
- Friday | May 15 9:00 AM
- Friday | May 15 1:00 PM
- Friday | May 15 5:30 PM
- Saturday | May 16 9:00 AM
Event Details
Graduates will receive six tickets for their guests.
Doctoral and graduate students will participate with their respective colleges.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
9:00 a.m. College of Arts and Letters
(doors will open at 7:30 a.m.)
1:00 p.m. College of Health and Behavioral Studies
Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health Sciences, and Kinesiology Majors
(doors will open at 12:00 p.m.)
6:00 p.m. College of Health and Behavioral Studies
Graduate Psychology, Dietetics, Health Services Administration,
Nursing, Psychology, and Social Work Majors
(doors will open at 4:30 p.m.)
Friday, May 15, 2026
9:00 a.m. College of Business
including the School of Strategic Leadership Studies and the MBA program
(doors will open at 7:30 a.m.)
1:00 p.m. College of Science and Mathematics and College of Visual and Performing Arts
(doors will open at 12:00 p.m.)
5:30 p.m. College of Integrated Science and Engineering
(doors will open at 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00 a.m. College of Education, Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management, the School of Professional and Continuing Education, and University Studies
(doors will open at 7:30 a.m.)
Additional Ticket Information
Ticket reservations for all commencement ceremonies will open on March 24th at noon. All graduates will be alerted to the reservation window ahead of it opening and will receive more information via their JMU email in the coming weeks.
General Public tickets are not available. All tickets must be resereved by a graduate.
Related Links
Food & Beverages
- Concession stands will be open with food and non-alcohol beverage options during commecemet ceremonies.
- Each guest is permitted to bring one (1) unopened bottle of water into the arena.
- No other outside food or drink will be permitted inside the arena during commencement.
- Glass and metal containers are prohibited.
- All guest will be screened with walk through metal detection (WTMD) upon entry. It is strongly suggested that guests do not bring bags inside the arena.
Camera Policy
Still cameras are permitted. However, in no instance may photography interfere with access ways, aisles, or other guests' enjoyment of the ceremonies. Video cameras, monopods and tripods are not permitted. This event will be live-streamed.
Prohibited Items
- Alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, weapons, fireworks
- Animals (service animals are permitted)
- Bags larger than 12”x12”x12”
- Balloons
- Coolers
- Glass and metal containers
- Noise makers and other devices that impede the ceremonies
- Food and beverages (though one unopened bottle of water per person and food for a baby or for health reasons are permitted.) Concessions open when doors open and are located throughout the arena.
- Signs, flags, banners, or obscene or indecent clothing
- Large Strollers (umbrella style are permitted)
- Wheelies, bicycles and skateboards
- Wrapped gifts
Allowed Items
- One unopened bottle of water per person
- Small strollers (umbrella style)
- Flowers and small floral balloons
- Still cameras
Parking Information
The following lots are within a short walking distance to the Atlantic Union Bank Center:
- Ballard Parking Deck (East Campus Parking Deck) – 649 University Blvd.
- Lots D3, C12, and R4 – 1400 Carrier Drive (these lots are across from the Festival Center)
Accessible parking is located on every level of the Ballard Parking Deck (the parking deck adjacent to the Atlantic Union Bank Center).
