Graduation FAQ- What is the difference between Convocation and Commencement?
- Do I need tickets for the ceremonies?
- How do I obtain regalia (cap, gown, and hood) for the ceremonies?
- Do I need to participate in both ceremonies?
- Who is eligible to participate?
- Will I receive my diploma at either ceremony?
- How can I make sure I am receiving all the necessary information about graduation?
- What is the difference between Convocation and Commencement?
Graduates are encouraged to attend both the SPP Convocation and the university-wide Commencement. Highlights of both ceremonies are summarized below:
SPP Convocation Ceremony - Friday, May 18th, 2012 at 7:00pm
- Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus
- SPP graduates only
- All guests are welcome – tickets are not required
- All graduates are individually recognized and photographed on stage receiving a ceremonial "diploma"
- Caps and gowns are worn
- SPP will host a reception following the ceremony for graduates and their
guests
To RSVP for this event, please visit this link: http://policy.gmu.edu/convocation University-wide Commencement Ceremony - Saturday, May 19th, 2012 at 10:00am
- Patriot Center, Fairfax Campus
- The entire university community is invited
- Each graduate may obtain a max of (4) guest tickets - tickets are required
- Ph.D. graduates are individually recognized and photographed on stage receiving their degrees; all other graduates are acknowledged en masse
- Caps and gowns are worn
- The official university guest speaker delivers the commencement address, and a selected student speaker representing the class of 2012 delivers an address
- The event is televised
- Do I need tickets for the ceremonies?
Tickets are not required for the SPP Convocation on Friday, May 18th. For the university-wide Commencement on Saturday, May 19th, tickets are required. Each student may obtain four (4) tickets. Students will be notified via e-mail where tickets will be available for pick-up.
- How do I obtain regalia (cap, gown, and hood) for the ceremonies?
Graduation regalia will be available for purchase at any GMU campus bookstore during the spring semester. You will purchase your cap and gown based on your height, and your hood based on your specific academic program. SPP master's graduates purchase peacock blue hoods. SPP PhD graduates purchase royal blue hoods.
- Do I need to participate in both ceremonies?
While we encourage students to participate in both Convocation and Commencement, we do not require attendance at either ceremony.
- Who is eligible to participate?
Master's students who complete degree requirements in January 2012, May 2012, or August 2012 may participate in the May 2012 Convocation and/or Commencement ceremonies. PhD students who complete degree requirements in August 2011, January 2012, or May 2012 may participate in the May 2012 Convocation and/or Commencement.
- Will I receive my diploma at either ceremony?
No, except for doctoral graduates who attend the University-wide commencement ceremony. All other students will receive their diplomas in the mail approximately 6 - 8 weeks following their official degree conferral date.
- How can I make sure I am receiving all the necessary information about graduation?
Specific event details, RSVP instructions and all other graduation-related information will be communicated to students via the GMU e-mail system. Graduating students should check their GMU e-mail accounts on a regular basis to ensure receipt of this important information.
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SPP tuition for in-state students is approximately half the cost of the tuition at private competitors in the D.C. area. Employer information sessions are offered each semester with public, private, and nonprofit organizations such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, RAND, Third Way, and the Department of Treasury. More than 70% of SPP students are employed while pursuing their degrees -- classes are offered in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate full- and part-time students.
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