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GW Commencement on the National Mall - Sunday, May 18, 2025

Important Dates

Apply to Graduate

Spring 2025 graduates must submit a Graduation Application in GWeb by March 14, 2025.

Summer graduates who plan to attend the May commencement ceremony must apply for graduation after registering for summer 2025 courses no later than April 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am finishing my degree in the summer, can I participate in commencement?

Yes, just apply for summer graduation in GWeb by April 1, after you register for summer courses, to ensure you are included in the commencement program.

If I am a fall 2024 graduate, can I participate in commencement? 

Yes, all fall 2024 graduates are eligible to participate and will be included in communications.

What if I miss the March 18 (or April 1 for summer) application deadlines in GWeb?

You can still apply for graduation in GWeb, but inclusion in the celebration program cannot be guaranteed due to publishing deadlines. 

What if I didn’t receive a confirmation after applying to graduate?

You can check DegreeMAP to confirm that the application is on file.

If an application is on file for you, then you will see the words "Sought-Applied to Graduate" or "Applied Late Degree Clearance" in the "Graduation Application" field on your DegreeMAP audit. This is located near the top, in the same section as your name, GWID, Major, etc.

Does the Elliott School provide graduation cords or stoles?

Cords are handled by each organization. If you are involved in a group that you know or think might provide cords or stoles for graduation, we encourage you to contact that organization. If you are an Elliott School Dean's Scholar, you will be contacted about graduation cords for that program. Otherwise, there are no cords associated with Elliott School degree programs and Elliott does not provide cords or stoles for Latin Honors.

Are there two ceremonies for graduation? Which should I attend?

Yes, there is an Elliott School ceremony on May 16 AND a GW-wide commencement ceremony on May 18. You can attend both and the content will be different at each event! At the Elliott School ceremony, each graduating student will be recognized individually and cross the stage.

Please also refer to the University Commencement site for additional Frequently Asked Questions and answers.

Accessibility

GW is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. Please see the information regarding Smith Center and National Mall accessibility on the University Commencement website.

Questions?

Contact us at [email protected].

View Past Celebrations

Contact us at [email protected] with questions.