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Save the Date:
The Elliott School of International Affairs
2024 Commencement Celebration
ESIA Commencement Celebration
Friday, May 17, 2024
12:00-2:00 pm
Charles E. Smith Center
Each graduate will receive 5 guest tickets.
GW Commencement on the National Mall - Sunday, May 19, 2024
Elliott School Celebration - Student Speaker Competition
Starting on Monday, February 12, graduate and undergraduate students of the graduating Class of 2024 are invited to enter the Elliott School of International Affairs Student Speaker Competition for the chance to address their classmates and other members at the Elliott School Celebration on May 17, 2024.
To be eligible, students must be in good academic standing and meet one of the following criteria:
a. graduated in Summer 2023 (did not attend 2023 commencement)
b. graduated Fall 2023
c. applied or planning to apply to graduate in Spring 2024 or Summer 2024
To enter the competition, please submit this form and the following:
- A biography (maximum 100 words or less)
- Text of the speech you would deliver at Celebration if you are selected
- A video or audio recording of your speech (maximum length of three minutes)
- Statement of Interest
Finalists will be invited to an audition in front of the student speaker committee. Please direct questions to [email protected]
The deadline to submit materials is 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 10.
Graduation Checklist
- Apply to Graduate
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Spring 2024 graduates must submit a Graduation Application in GWeb by March 18, 2024.
Summer graduates, who plan to attend the May commencement ceremony, must apply for graduation after registering for summer 2024 courses no later than April 1.
- Commencement Registration: Coming Soon!
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Coming Soon: March 27, 2024
Each summer 2023 and fall 2023 graduate, and each spring 2024 and summer 2024 graduating student who has submitted a graduation application in GWeb is eligible to participate in school celebrations and Commencement in May and to have:
- up to 5 guests for the May 17, 2024 Elliott School Celebration.
- up to 6 guests for the May 19, 2024 Commencement on the National Mall.
Registration will open March 27.
- Regalia Information
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Students are required to wear academic dress (cap and gown) to participate in commencement ceremonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- If I am finishing my degree in the summer, can I participate in commencement?
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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 2023 graduate, can I participate in commencement?
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Yes, all fall 2023 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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Yes, there is an Elliott School ceremony on May 17 AND a GW-wide commencement ceremony on May 19. 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].
GW ALMA MATER
Hail Alma Mater
To thy spirit guiding,
Knowledge thy closest friend
In its strength abiding,
Pledge we fidelity
Ne'er its place resigning,
Hail thee George Washington!