This page is your resource for all information about Scalia Law’s 2024 JD graduation ceremony. Visit this page often for updates.
JM/LLM graduates should visit the JM/LLM graduation information page for information about their ceremony.
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 13 | Deadline to apply for graduation with the Records Office |
| March 11 | Deadline to RSVP for SBA Reception |
| March 12–14 | Ticket pickup in the Hazel Hall Atrium—see details below |
| March 31 | Deadline to order Cap & Gown online |
| April 19 | Deadline to inform Administration of mobility issues, needs for wheelchair accessible seating, or sign language interpreter for the Law School Convocation Ceremony — contact David Hull at dhull4@gmu.edu |
| May 1 – May 9 | Pick up JD Caps & Gowns at the Mason Square Bookstore during regular business hours (Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Last chance to pick up noon on Thursday 5/9) |
| May 9 | University Commencement, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena, Mason Fairfax Campus (optional for law graduates) |
| May 10 | SBA Graduation Reception, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Hazel Hall Atrium, Scalia Law, Mason Square (Arlington Campus) |
| May 11 | Law School Convocation, 11:00 a.m.* – 1:00 p.m., Concert Hall, Center for the Arts, Mason Fairfax Campus
*Students should be on-site by 9:30 a.m. |
Graduation Information
Spring Commencement — University Wide
Thursday, May 9, 2024
10:00 a.m.
EagleBank Arena (Mason Fairfax Campus)
4500 Patriot Circle
Fairfax, VA 22030
The University Commencement is officiated by the President of George Mason University and recognizes all 2024 graduates of George Mason University. The Law School will not have an official presence, but law students may participate if they choose. Information about the University Wide Commencement can be found on the Mason Graduation webpage. Tickets to the 5/9 ceremony must be reserved via the University Commencement Ceremony ticket link.
Antonin Scalia Law School JD Convocation Ceremony
Saturday, May 11, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Concert Hall, Center for the Arts (Mason Fairfax Campus)
4373 Mason Pond Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
The Law School’s JD Convocation Ceremony is a special ceremony for JD law graduates only. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m., but students should arrive by 9:30 a.m. to gown, take a group photo, and stage for the ceremony.
Graduation Speaker
The Honorable Melissa A. Long (JD ’95)
Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Rhode Island
Ticketing for the ASLS JD Convocation
Each graduating JD student will receive six tickets. All guests, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket for entry.
You may pick up your tickets in the Hazel Hall Atrium at the following times:
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 3/12/24 | 3:30–6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 3/13/24 | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 3/13/24 | 5:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 3/14/24 | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. |
Please bring your ID for ticket pick-up. If you know you won’t need all 6 tickets, please offer them to classmates who might need more!
Doors to the Concert Hall will open at 10:15 a.m. for guests. All tickets are general admission. Graduates do not require a ticket.
If you have a guest that has mobility issues, or requires wheelchair accessible seating or a sign language interpreter, please contact David Hull at dhull4@gmu.edu no later than April 19.
COVID Policy
See Mason’s COVID webpage for information about COVID-related health measures.
Concert Hall Policies
Weapons, food, beverages, and smoking are prohibited. Photography is permitted during the ceremony but we ask that you turn off your flash. Guests may not bring large bags into the venue during Convocation; please bring only small bags or clutches. Graduates should not carry any bags or valuables with them. More information can be found on the Concert Hall house rules webpage.
Parking
Parking is available at the Mason Pond Parking Deck, just steps away from the Concert Hall. Overflow parking will be available in Lot K. Accessible parking will be provided in front of the Concert Hall on Mason Pond Drive. See a map of the Fairfax Campus and more information on parking.
Accommodations
Hotels near Mason’s Fairfax campus and the Center for the Arts’ Concert Hall include:
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Residence Inn
- SpringHill Suites
- Holiday Inn Express
- Hampton Inn
- Best Western
- Comfort Inn
Hotels near Mason Square (the Law School’s Arlington campus) include:
Local Airports:
- Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Reagan National Airport (DCA)
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
May 11, 2024 Law School JD Convocation Ceremony Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. | JD graduates enter Black Box Theater at the side of CFA’s Concert Hall. Robe in Black Box Theater. DO NOT BRING ANY PERSONAL ITEMS, PURSES, OR VALUABLES WITH YOU INTO THE BACKSTAGE AREA. There is no place to store them! |
| 10:00 a.m. | Class of 2024 group photo |
| 10:15 a.m. | Doors open for guests |
| 10:30 a.m. | Students line up backstage for procession |
| 11:00 a.m. | Convocation begins |
| 1:00 p.m. | Convocation ends, brief reception in Concert Hall lobby |
| 1:30 p.m. | Return caps and gowns to designated area (you may keep the tassel) |
| 2:00 p.m. | All graduates and guests must vacate the theater |
More detailed information about the ceremony will be emailed prior to graduation.
Photography
Mason Events Management handles the photographer for the ceremony. Photographic proofs of graduates receiving their diplomas will be emailed directly to each graduate. For more information, please visit the GradImages website.
Student Bar Association Graduation Reception
Friday, May 10, 2024
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Hazel Hall Atrium
For more information, email mstuart6@gmu.edu.
Caps & Gowns, Announcements, Class Rings, etc.
Caps & Gowns
Cap & gown orders closed on March 31.
JD Cap & Gown
The rental fee for JD cap and gown will be $136.98; you can also order packages including diploma frames and announcements from the Oak Hall website. You must provide your name, height, weight, and hat size at the link to be provided. Caps & gowns will be distributed at the Mason Square bookstore May 1 – May 9 during regular business hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. You must pick up your cap & gown no later than 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024.
Caps & gowns not picked up at the Mason Square bookstore by noon on Thursday, May 9, will be transported to the Concert Hall and to be picked up on-site.
Caps & gowns must be returned at a designated area after the convocation ceremony. The tassel is yours to keep.
Announcements, Class Rings, and Accessories
To order graduation announcements, class rings, and other accessories please visit the Herff Jones website.
Contact Information
| Questions about… | Contact | |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Eligibility | Records Office | lwrecord@gmu.edu |
| Convocation Ceremony | David Hull | dhull4@gmu.edu |
| SBA Reception | Mary Stuart | mstuart6@gmu.edu |
| Caps & Gowns | Stuart Gitow | sgitow@bncollege.com |