Commencement 2024
Date: Saturday, May 18
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Kaplan Arena 571 Ukrop Way, Williamsburg
Guests: Doors open at 8:00 AM. Guests Entrance is the Concourse Level with the Glass Windows and Doors. No tickets needed. Clear bag policy will be in effect. Wrapped gifts are not allowed in the arena.
Graduate Arrival: Report at 8:15 AM to the Second Floor, Arena Floor - Down the Sidewalk. Signage will be placed near the entrance.
Free Parking: Arrive early. Parking at Kaplan Arena is limited, and traffic can be heavy. Guests and Graduates will park near Compton Street.
Accessibility Parking and Entrance is in the back of Kaplan Arena. Once parked, use the ramp, and enter through the back doors. "Guests Entrance" signage will be on the doors. Kaplan Arena is accessible. The seating is located on the arena floor.
Regalia: Please enter the facility wearing your regalia, including the tam. A dressing area will not be provided. The European style gown is worn open, and tassel goes on the right before the degree is conferred. Navy or black dresses or white shirts and dark skirts or slacks are the appropriate dress beneath the gown. The last day to order regalia is March 31. Regalia pick up begins May 6 from the William & Mary Spirit Store. Rentals are due back no later than May 24. Cap and Gown General Information
Active-Duty Military and Veterans: Red, white, and blue cords will be distributed on April 24, 2024. Active-Duty Military and Veterans can wear the cord during the ceremony.
Name Cards: Names will be read during the ceremony as you are walking across the stage. Name card pickup is May 15 from 9-10 AM at the Law School Lobby and May 16 from 12-3 PM at the Law School Lobby.
Graduate Seating: LLM Graduates will be seated in alphabetical order and JD grouped (A-M and N-Z), Stage Right (GOLD SEATING AREA): Student Speakers, LLM and last names beginning with A-M. Stage Left (GREEN SEATING AREA): Last names beginning with N-Z. Your name cards will be color coded gold and green to indicate the lineup area and side of arena you will be seated in.
Processional: Follow the direction of the floor marshals. They can be identified wearing black regalia. Floor marshals will be ensuring processional lines are correct and all seats on the arena floor are filled. Please remain in your lines.
Dismissal: Please leave the arena immediately after the recessional, as another ceremony will be starting soon. Arrange to meet your guests outside of the building.
Commencement Reception
Date: Saturday, May 18
Time: 11 AM – 2 PM
Location: William & Mary Law School
Commencement Reception for Graduates and Guests
