University prepares for in-person 2021 Winter Graduation activities

From December 14-16, 2021, George Mason University will celebrate its fall graduates in person. Graduates may choose from two options for graduation: the Patriot Procession or the formal Winter Graduation ceremony. 

Formal Ceremony – For CHSS Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Graduates  

2020 graduate Kelsey Naupari-Camacho poses in front of the George statue

The Winter Graduation Ceremony for CHSS bachelor’s and master’s degree recipients takes place on December 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. CHSS graduates will participate in a traditional ceremony with graduates from the Schar School, the Carter School, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Antonin Scalia Law School. 

This ceremony will feature speakers and musical performances honoring the graduates. All graduates will have their names called as they process across the stage, and will be professionally photographed to commemorate the occasion. Regalia is required for all graduates, and each graduate is invited to bring ten guests. All attendees commit to stay for the entire program which concludes in approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. 

Registration is required; please register here. 

Ceremonies will be live-streamed on Mason's Youtube channel. 

Formal Ceremony – Doctoral Graduates 

Two Mason graduates face towards the blooming cherry blossoms

George Mason University will honor 2021 doctoral graduates in a conferral ceremony hosted in the Concert Hall at the Center for the Arts at on December 16, 2021 at 4 p.m. Doctoral graduates do not attend the December 16, 10:00 a.m. ceremony for bachelor's and master's graduates.

Note: all attendees, regardless of age, at an indoor event or performance at the Center for the Arts, must be fully vaccinated (14 days since second shot of double-dose vaccine or 14 days since single-dose vaccine) against COVID-19 by the date of their visit and present proof of vaccination OR show a negative COVID-19 test result, upon entry into the venue. Face coverings are required indoors for patrons ages two and up. Read full CFA vaccine policy.

Tickets for guests will be required. Please register here. 

Ceremonies will be live-streamed on Mason's Youtube channel. 

Patriot Procession 

Photo of the George statue with a graduation cap on its head.

The Patriot Procession, held at Eagle Bank Arena on December 14 and 15, allows graduates to bring an unlimited number of guests for a front-row seat as they cross the stage. This is a flexible opportunity for graduates and guests to celebrate together. 

Graduates will register for a time to take their place on the Eagle Bank Arena stage.  

After the students cross the stage, they can also pose for a professional photo. Friends and family may then join the graduate for a group photo, and graduates and guests are invited to take DIY photos on the Eagle Bank Arena concourse.  

The Patriot Procession does not include a formal ceremony and regalia is recommended for photography, but not required.