George Mason University will conduct its 54th Spring Commencement virtually. The ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2021. The university-wide commencement ceremony will be live-streamed, and the link will be posted on this page. We will also hold in-person graduation recognition events during the week of May 10.
Keeping Safe While Celebrating
All events will take place rain or shine. Details about alternate plans for severe weather will be sent to registered participants.
All events will follow current Virginia public health guidelines and will include social distancing.
You must wear a face covering at all times while on campus, except when photographs are being taken at the Patriot Procession or Mini Ceremonies.
All graduates and guests must complete the Mason COVID Health Check on the day of the event and must be prepared to show their green health check confirmation email to be admitted to their respective events.
All attendees, including graduates, must show their ticket for admittance to comply with contact tracing protocols.
Two Choices for In-Person Events
Graduates may choose one of two in-person options, the Patriot Procession or the Mini Ceremony. Family and friends are also invited to attend. Both will adhere to COVID-related health restrictions.
You must register to participate in either event.
The Patriot Procession
This event, open to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral candidates, will take place at the soccer stadium on the Fairfax Campus. You can select a preferred time to have your moment on stage, and your name will be announced. You can bring up to eight guests.
You will have several photo opportunities, including a photograph with your family and friends. Wearing your graduation regalia is encouraged but not required. Registration will remain open as long as time slots are available.
The Patriot Procession will be ongoing during the week of May 10. The schedule will be posted on this page.
The Mini Ceremony
Each of Mason’s academic colleges will present an event, open to undergraduate and master's candidates, which will take place outside EagleBank Arena. (Doctoral candidates have another option, with details to follow.)
In addition, 2020 graduates will have their own celebratory Mini Ceremony on Friday, May 14 (time to be determined).
You can bring up to three guests, who will be seated with you.
You must wear graduation regalia to participate in a Mini Ceremony.
These one-hour ceremonies will include brief congratulatory remarks followed by the reading of graduates’ names as you cross the stage, where you will be photographed.
There will be no formal procession or recession during Mini Ceremonies. Registration will close at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, April 16. Once registration is closed, a finalized schedule will be announced, and graduates who have registered will receive an email with instructions on how to claim their tickets.
Contact University Events if you have any questions.
The Mini Ceremony Schedule
Monday, May 10
- College of Science
- Carter School for Peace and Conflict Analysis
- College of Education and Human Development
Tuesday, May 11
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Schar School of Policy and Government
Wednesday, May 12
- Volgenau School of Engineering
- College of Visual and Performing Arts
Thursday, May 13
- College of Health and Human Services
- School of Business
Friday, May 14
- University Doctoral (All Academic Units) – Spring 2021 candidates and all 2020 doctoral graduates.
- 2020 Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremony (All Academic Units)
- Virtual Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremony - 2pm
Saturday, May 15
- Antonin Scalia Law School
Two Choices for Doctoral Candidates
Spring 2021 Doctoral candidates and all 2020 Doctoral graduates are invited to participate in a live event at which their names and degrees will be announced on the morning of Friday, May 14.
Based on current public health guidelines, hooding of doctoral candidates will not be part of the ceremony.
Choose one of two in-person options, the Patriot Procession or the Doctoral Ceremony. If you are a doctoral candidate, please do not register for the Mini Ceremony.
- You can invite up to eight guests to the Patriot Procession. Registration will be open until all slots are filled.
- You can bring up to three guests to the Doctoral Ceremony. To participate, complete the registration form by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, April 16. The ceremony details will be finalized after registration closes, and you will receive an email to claim your tickets.
Volunteer to Help with Graduation Events
We're looking for volunteers to help out with commencement events May 10 to 15.
We need faculty members to act as as marshals for the Mini Ceremonies and Patriot Procession There will be no processional or recessional for the Mini Ceremonies.
Faculty will need to wear regalia. If you need rented regalia, the graduation budget will cover the costs.
We also need staff and alumni to help with events.
Positions and duties include:
Faculty Marshal
- Act as readers at Mini Ceremony and Patriot Procession.
- Guide groups to seating in the Mini Ceremony.
- Help with Mini Ceremony dismissal by rows/sections.
- Guide groups at the Patriot Procession: Direct families/friends to observation area, direct graduates to the stage
Sign up to volunteer for the Mini Ceremony
Sign up to volunteer for the Patriot Procession
Staff / Alumni
- Man information, registration, and gift tables.
- Help guide graduates and guests to registration tables and entrances.
- Handle VIPS at Mini Ceremonies.
- Deal with issues that arise.
Virtual Event Will Include Shareable Slides for Each Graduate
Mason is working with a company called Marching Order, a virtual platform and hub, to honor our Spring 2021 graduates.
The site will give each graduate an opportunity to submit a photo and a brief message to fellow Patriots, family, and friends.
You'll receive an email with instructions on how to register, create a password, and submit the information needed to create your personalized graduation slide.
Your password link will be unique to you, so don't share it with others.
Mason's schools and colleges will also have Marching Order pages, featuring videos and their graduates.
Marching Order Timeline:
- April 19: Deadline to submit a pronunciation guide on your name.
- April 26: Deadline to upload a picture and personal message to have a slide appear on your unit’s website.
These deadlines are not flexible.
If you miss the April 26 deadline, you can still receive a blank slide to personalize and share on your social media or with family. However, it will not appear on any Mason website.
Share Your Creativity and Celebrate Your Achievement with a Decorated Cap
Many Mason graduates highlight their individuality and diversity through a creatively decorated cap via Facebook or Instagram.
Because our ceremony will be virtual this year, we’re offering you the chance to create a virtual decorated cap.
Share yours via the hashtag #MyMasonCap.