So, what’s the difference between Convocation and Commencement?

Convocation (CHSS Undergraduate/Bachelor’s) - Friday, May 20, 2011

Convocation is a graduation ceremony for individual colleges. The BIS
program is housed under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
(CHSS). At this event you will wear your cap and gown and be called on stage
to be individually recognized. All students will have their name called,
walk across the stage and get their photo taken. ** No tickets are required
for guests.

The Spring 2011 CHSS Convocation is scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2011 at
10:00 AM at the Patriot Center. Detailed information, including lineup time
and instructions are provided on the CHSS website:
http://chss.gmu.edu/convocationstudentinfo.

REMEMBER: YOU MUST FILE YOUR “INTENT TO GRADUATE” VIA PATRIOTWEB BY THE
PUBLISHED DEADLINES (http://registrar.gmu.edu/graduation/index.html.)  OR
YOU WILL NOT BE CLEARED BY THE REGISTRAR FOR GRADUATION. 

** Any student who is approved for graduation with the following conferral
dates is allowed to participate: Fall 2010 (conferral date: January 15,
2011), Spring 2011 (conferral date: May 21, 2011), Summer 2011 (conferral
date: August 13, 2011)

If you are unsure if your intent to graduate has been approved, please
inquire with the Graduation Services office:
http://registrar.gmu.edu/graduation/index.html.

BIS Graduation Reception and Awards Ceremony – Friday, May 20, 2011

The BIS graduation reception will take place directly following the
conclusion of the CHSS Convocation ceremony on Friday, May 20, 2011
(location TBA) from 12pm-3pm. The Student Project Awards and the BIS Faculty
Mentor award will be presented at this time. Family, friends and faculty
mentors are welcome and encouraged to attend.

University Commencement - Saturday, May 21, 2011

The 44th annual George Mason University commencement is scheduled for
Saturday, May 21, 2011 in the Patriot Center. Graduates are requested to
arrive at the North Plaza, near the George Mason statue, for assembly
promptly at 9:00 AM. Patriot Center doors open for guests at 9:00 AM. The
ceremony begins at 10:00 AM and lasts approximately two hours. At this
event, due to the number of graduates, you will not walk across the stage
and your name will not be called.

** Tickets for guests are required for this event; please see
http://events.gmu.edu/faq03.html for more information.


More graduation related information can be found here:
http://events.gmu.edu/commence1.html