For the fourth consecutive year, the University’s Commencement ceremony will take place on the National Mall.

Although GW has filed the appropriate paperwork, the Park Service has not yet confirmed the event. University Spokeswoman Tracy Schario attributed this to presidential inauguration activities.

“Our plan is to use the National Mall,” she said.

Set for Sunday, May 17, the class of 2009 will graduate on the Mall between Fourth and Seventh streets. In past years, Commencement was held on the Ellipse, between the Mall and the White House.

Schario said the University was pleased with past Commencements on the Mall.

“I don’t believe we even looked at the Ellipse this year,” she said.

In addition to the main ceremony, Schario said to expect the usual contingent of individual school ceremonies, as well as the interfaith prayer service and the Monumental Celebration at Union Station on Saturday night. The Verizon Center, which has been used as an alternative site in past years, has yet to be confirmed due to uncertainty over the playoff schedules of the Washington Capitols and Wizards.