2008 The Volgenau School Convocation FAQ

What's the difference between Commencement and Convocation ceremonies?

Commencement is the official University-wide degree conferral ceremony for all graduates. Only Ph.D. graduates are individually recognized and photographed on stage receiving their degrees. Tickets are required for guests and each graduate is limited to four guest tickets. Visit the GMU commencement website for more information.

Convocation is for The Volgenau School graduates only. Each graduate is individually recognized and photographed crossing the stage. All guests are welcome; tickets are not required. Caps and gowns are worn.

For 2008, The Volgenau School Convocation is on Thursday, May 15th in the Patriot Center at 6:00pm and that Commencement is on Saturday, May 17th at 10:00am in the Patriot Center.

Where do I get my cap and gown?

Faculty that need to rent regalia need to come to the bookstore and place an order before April 1. Any orders received after April 1 will be charged a $20 late fee in order to cover the cost of express shipping.

The University Bookstore will sponsor a Commencement Fair Tuesday through Thursday, March 4 – 6, 2008 from 11am to 7pm in Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center, Fairfax Campus.  Purchase caps, gowns, announcements, rings, and other items, and pick up commencement tickets all in one location.  Prince William Campus has a similar event on Monday, March 3rd from 10am to 2pm. For further information call the bookstore at 703-993-8170.

Convocation is a traditional ceremony where caps and gowns are worn by graduates and faculty. The gowns this year are green. Master's candidates must also wear a master's hood. Please state your field of study when purchasing your hood as different colors denote different fields of study (for example, economics - copper; sciences - golden yellow; arts and humanities - white). Bachelor's and master's candidates may purchase caps and gowns at the University Bookstore [(703) 993-2666]. The bookstore can also provide information about, diploma frames and class rings. Doctoral candidates and faculty should order regalia through the University Bookstore between March 7 and April 1 to avoid a $20 late Federal Express delivery fee. The rental charge for a standard cap, gown, tassel, and hood is approximately $46. Masters outfits run approximately $80 and PhD outfits rent for $102. Because of the limited supply, it is important to get all rental orders in early to guarantee appropriate hood color. Please contact Karen Eiserman at 703-993-3833.

Why do you ask how many guests I will have if tickets are not required?

We ask to obtain an estimated number of people who will be attending the ceremonies for several reasons. The Office of Events Management needs an estimate of attendees for security and parking purposes. The Volgenau School wants to insure that we have enough programs for those attending.

Have more questions? Please contact Joyce Rose or Marilyn Clark via phone at 703-993-1500.

You can respond online or send in the response form below to:

The Volgenau School Convocation
George Mason University
The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
4400 University Drive, MSN 4A3
Fairfax, VA 22030

(You may also deliver the response form in person to Room 100, Science & Technology Building II.)