Winter Graduates

Ceremony Program

Welcome and Congratulations

Senior Class President

Congratulations from the Graduate Council

Graduate Council President

President’s Remarks

Katherine A. Rowe

Greetings from a Recent Graduate

Recognition of Degree Candidates

Virginia M. Ambler ’88, Ph.D. ’06
Vice President for Student Affairs

Alumni Induction

The William & 玛丽 Alumni Association

Alumni Induction Creed

As a graduate of William & 玛丽
and as a new member of the
William & 玛丽 Alumni Association,
I pledge to uphold the university's values of
Belonging, Curiosity, Excellence,
Flourishing, Integrity, Respect, and Service.

With pride, I will support and cherish
the ideals of William & 玛丽,
encouraging others to do so as well,
no matter how far from Williamsburg life takes me.

About the Ceremony

This is a ceremony to recognize winter graduates before departing William & 玛丽, but it is not a graduation ceremony.  Winter graduates are invited to attend the formal graduation ceremony in May. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and includes remarks from the Graduate Council President, Senior Class President, a young alum and the President of the university. It also includes an alumni pinning ceremony. Each winter winter degree candidate is recognized by name, at which point the degree candidate crosses a small stage to receive a "stage diploma" (actual diplomas are mailed out in January).

What to Wear

Business attire is appropriate for graduates and guests.  This is not a formal ceremony. Graduates do not wear academic regalia (caps and gowns) at this event.

Inviting Guests

To ensure seating, guest tickets are required. At this time, each winter graduate is limited to a maximum of two (2) guests to this event. The number is based on the anticipated number of winter graduates and the space limitation of the room. 

Bag Policy

We are implementing a clear-bag protocol for this event that regulates the size and type of bag that may be brought into the ceremony venue. 

Bags that are approved include:

• Clear tote bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed 24″ x 12″ x 24″
• One-gallon clear plastic zip-style bags
• Small purses or clutch bags that do not exceed 6.5″ x 4.5"
• Medical or diaper bags – diaper bags must be accompanied by a child

Bags that are not permitted include:

• Backpacks 
• Printed or tinted plastic bags
• Cinch or drawstring bags
• Fanny packs
• Camera or binocular cases
• Large purses or bags

 We will have a secure location near the ceremony venue for storing bags that are not allowed inside.

Official Degree Conferral

The "degree conferral" date listed in the Academic Calendar is the date when a student's official academic record will indicate that the degree has been earned. There are no formal Commencement exercises mid-year, which is why we host the Winter Graduates Reception in December and why we encourage those completing degrees mid-year to return for their formal Commencement celebration the following May.

Returning for the May Ceremony

The Commencement ceremony that takes place in the May following the completion of your degree is your official graduation ceremony.  You are invited to participate fully in all events of that weekend. Make sure you leave an updated address on file with the Registrar's Office.  

How You Will Be Contacted

艾尔

There are several reasons we do not host mid-year Commencement Ceremonies. Even though William & 玛丽 has relatively few students who complete their degrees mid-year, it is not possible to determine whether or not these degree candidates qualify for degree conferral until final grades are calculated late in December. We sincerely hope that mid-year graduates and their families will return to Williamsburg in May to enjoy the pomp and circumstance of a full William & 玛丽 Commencement.

Winter Graduate Bell Ringing

Friday, December 5, 2025
12 Noon - 2:00 PM

Ringing the Wren Bell at the end of one's academic journey is a cherished William & 玛丽 tradition! Winter graduates are encouraged to join us at the Wren Building on their last day of Fall Semester classes.

View 2024 Winter Graduate Bell Ringing Details