Graduating students wearing their regalia, cheering

Graduation Checklist

Graduation Roadmap

Select your degree type to view the list of steps to graduation!

 

I am:
  • 1. Apply to graduate through GWeb (see application schedule below)
  • 2. Update your name and mailing address on GWeb
  • 3. Complete the Graduation Survey when it opens on March 23
  • 4. Order regalia when sales begin in November.
  • 5. Register for Commencement Week events and claim guest tickets*
  • 6. Visit the "Know Before You Go" tab on the Commencement website (available the week of May 10)
  • 7. Attend Commencement Week events
  • 8. Receive your diploma!
  • 1. Apply to graduate through GWeb (see application schedule below)
  • 2. Update your name and mailing address on GWeb
  • 3. Complete the Graduation Survey when it opens on March 23
  • 4. Order regalia when sales begin in November.
  • 5. Register for Commencement Week events and claim guest tickets*
  • 6. Visit the "Know Before You Go" tab on the Commencement website (available the week of May 10)
  • 7. Attend Commencement Week events
  • 8. Receive your diploma!
  • 1. Apply to graduate through GWeb (see application schedule below)
  • 2. Update your name and mailing address on GWeb
  • 3. Complete the Graduation Survey when it opens on March 23
  • 4. Check with your school for deadlines to complete your degree requirements
  • 5. Order regalia when sales begin in November.
  • 6. Register for Commencement Week events and claim guest tickets*
  • 7. Visit the "Know Before You Go" tab on the Commencement website (available the week of May 10)
  • 8. Attend Commencement Week events
  • 9. Receive your diploma!
  • 1. Apply to graduate through GWeb (see application schedule below)
  • 2. Update your name and mailing address on GWeb
  • 3. Complete your post-graduation plans on your CORE profile (J.D. only)
  • 4. Order regalia when sales begin in November.
  • 5. Register for Commencement Week events and claim guest tickets*
  • 6. Visit the "Know Before You Go" tab on the Commencement website (available the week of May 10)
  • 7. Attend Commencement Week events
  • 8. Receive your diploma!
  • 1. Apply to graduate through GWeb (see application schedule below)
  • 2. Update your name and mailing address on GWeb
  • 3. Complete the optional Graduation Questionnaire (you will receive an invitation by email).
  • 4. Order regalia when sales begin in November.
  • 5. Register for Commencement Week events and claim guest tickets*
  • 6. Visit the "Know Before You Go" tab on the Commencement website (available the week of May 10)
  • 7. Attend Commencement Week events
  • 8. Receive your diploma!

Visit the Law School Commencement site for information about graduation events and services.
 

*Registration for Commencement Week events will open in late March

Eligible bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students should get ready for your big day with this graduation checklist:

1. Apply to Graduate* and confirm diploma details

  • Review deadlines in the table below
  • Direct questions about your graduation application and changes to your diploma to the Office of the Registrar: diplomaatgwu [dot] edu

Deadlines

For questions regarding your graduation application and changes to your diploma please contact the Office of the Registrar: diplomaatgwu [dot] edu.

Completing requirements in:Fall 2026Spring 2027Summer 2027
Online graduation application opens:March 30November 9TBD
Online graduation application must be submitted by:November 15March 15

April 1*
*For Summer graduates to participate in the Spring 2027 Commencement ceremony

July 15**
**For Summer graduates not participating in the Spring 2027 Commencement ceremony

Name Changes must be processed NO LATER THAN:December 20April 19

April 16*
*For change to appear in Commencement publications and on diploma if participating in the Spring 2027 ceremony

August 19, 2027**
**For change to appear on diploma only

Address Changes must be submitted by:December 20May 14August 19
Date of graduation printed on your diploma:January 8, 2027May 16, 2027Aug 31, 2027 or Sep 1, 2027

* You may apply to graduate after you complete registration for your final semester of classes.

2. Order regalia (cap and gown) when sales begin in November.

3. Complete the graduation survey to register for Commencement Week events

  • Undergraduate and Graduate surveys open after spring break
  • M.D. students will receive a survey invitation for an optional Graduation Questionnaire via email.
  • Law Students do not complete the graduation survey, they should complete their CORE profile to register for Commencement Week events

4. Register for Commencement Week events and claim your guest tickets.  Registration opens in late March.


Optional Checklist Items

Optional graduation items to consider:

  • Enter the Commencement Student Speaker Competition early in the spring semester
  • Purchase commemorative gifts at the GW Campus Store or online at gwshops.com.
  • Nominate someone to receive an honorary degree at Commencement on the National Mall.  Nominations received by September 30 will be considered for Commencement 2027.  Nominations received after that time will be reviewed for future ceremonies.
  • Make an appointment to have your Cherry Tree Yearbook picture taken.
  • Update your information with GW Alumni.
  • Discover officially licensed GW graduation gifts from M.LaHart & Co., featuring jewelry, watches, and personalized accessories. Each piece is designed to commemorate your achievement and serve as a lasting memory of your time at GW.