Graduation will take place at the Atlantic Union Bank Center at JMU at 7pm.
Caps, gowns, and appropriate clothing are required to participate in the ceremony.
All seniors must report to JMU by 6:15 PM. Seniors will park in the Ballard Parking Garage (across from the Costco entrance).
Families will be allowed to enter the Atlantic Union Bank Center at 6:00 P.M. at the Plaza set of doors. Everyone - grads and guests - will pass through a metal detector. Bags cannot be larger than 12”x12”x12” and will be searched by JMU personnel. Grads are encouraged NOT to bring a bag with them.
Upon entering, JMU security will conduct a search; please do not bring noisemakers, inflatable objects, silly string, etc., as these items will be confiscated. Gowns need to be unzipped, and caps need to be off.
Only empty or sealed water bottles will be permitted in the venue. Attendees can refill water bottles inside the arena.
Ensure your cap and gown look presentable (remove wrinkles). DO NOT put your gown in the dryer OR try to iron it! IT WILL MELT! Caps should be worn flat on your head, not tilted. Tassels go on the right side of your cap.
Appropriate dress for Graduation includes your choice of the following: a dress, blouse, and dress pants, shirt and tie, dress shoes, sandals, or clean boots. Footwear that is not allowed includes: ‘beach’ flip-flops, dirty work boots, and dirty tennis shoes.
Only the following honor cords, stoles, and tassels are allowed: yellow honor cords, green Governor's school cords, yellow NHS stole, Medallion awards, Valley Scholar's cords, military cords or stoles. ALL OTHER decor will be confiscated and will not be returned until the following week, when you can pick it up in the front office.
Graduation WILL BE live-streamed. Go to the following website: https://www.rcps.net/page/graduation-information
Seating and Parking
Families should park in the Ballard Parking Deck (across from Costco) or the Festival Lot.
There are plenty of Handicapped/Assisted parking spaces in the Ballard Parking Deck on every level.
Handicapped seating is available around the arena on a first-come, first-served basis. One additional person may sit in this area.
Graduation Photos
Strawbridge will take one photo of your student at graduation following receipt of their diploma. You have the option to purchase what you wish.
Images for Graduation picture days are posted online approximately one week after the event. More information will be provided prior to graduation from Strawbridge.
If you have any questions, email Strawbridge Studios at customerservice@strawbridge.net.