School Celebrations

All schools and colleges will host a celebratory experience for their graduating students in May. At GW these are called "school celebrations."

Graduating students will receive individual recognition, including having their names announced, shaking hands with their dean, and having an individual photo taken. These celebrations include remarks from school leaders and other prestigious speakers. No diplomas are presented at school celebrations; they are mailed to the address listed in the graduate’s record.

Review the Commencement Week Schedule for dates, times and locations of school and college celebrations.

Jump to a topic:

Accessibility

Visit our Accessibility page for information about accessibility at school celebrations.

Food and Beverages

No food or beverages are allowed inside school celebrations on campus. They are allowed at all other locations on campus unless otherwise noted in the venue.

Honors

It is at the discretion of schools and departments to decide how they will recognize graduates that have earned Latin honors (magna cum laude, summa cum laude) or academic honors. Please contact your school or department for more information.

Lost and Found

Items lost on the Foggy Bottom Campus will be turned in to the university’s Lost and Found location, which is open from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Parking

Information about parking on campus is available through Business Services.

Photos and Video

A university-designated vendor will be at each school celebration to capture photos as graduates walk across the stage. Students will be able to purchase the photos after Commencement Week. For the safety of all guests and graduates, these are the only photographers allowed near the stage. No private or personal photographers are allowed near the stage, nor will they be given access to any media risers; they are allowed in other areas of the venues that are open to the public and around campus.

A university-designated vendor will livestream and record all school celebrations. Those videos will be available on the schools’ websites after Commencement Week.

Photo and Video Consent

Photos and/or videos of attendees will be taken and may be shared on university social media accounts, websites, and marketing materials. Review GW's Statement of Privacy Practices for more information.

If you have concerns, please contact Events and Venues at [email protected] or 202-994-7470.

Registration

Visit our Register for Commencement Week page for more information about registration for school celebrations.

Restrooms

The Charles E. Smith Center, the University Student Center, and Lisner Auditorium have restrooms, including ADA-accessible restrooms, available for guests.

Summer and Fall Graduates

Summer, fall, and spring graduates from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs are invited to attend school and college celebrations in May, where they will walk across the stage and be recognized individually for their achievements. It is at the discretion of schools and departments to hold specific events for summer or fall graduates.

WiFi Access

WiFi is available for guests on the Foggy Bottom Campus. Please visit the Division of Information Technology’s website for instructions to connect to the guest wireless network.