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May 14 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 23: Beta Gamma Sigma Induction Ceremony & Reception

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
University Student Center, Continental Ballroom, Third Floor
By invitation only. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony.

Thursday, April 30: Class of 2026 Soirée

7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
University Student Center, Grand and Continental Ballrooms, Third Floor
By invitation only

Tuesday, May 12: Online Graduate Programs Celebration (Virtual)

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The virtual celebration link will be distributed to graduates, families and guests in advance.

Thursday, May 14: Undergraduate Programs Celebration

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Charles E. Smith Center
Each graduating student will receive six guest tickets. 
A reception will immediately follow in Oglethorpe Great Hall (Duquès Hall, first floor lobby).

Friday, May 15: Master’s and Doctoral Programs School Celebration

3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Charles E. Smith Center
Each graduating student will receive four guest tickets. 
A reception will immediately follow in Oglethorpe Great Hall (Duquès Hall, first floor lobby).

Sunday, May 17: GW University Commencement on the National Mall

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
National Mall
Each graduating student will receive six guest tickets. 

Use this checklist to stay on track for commencement. It outlines key steps and important deadlines to help ensure you’re prepared for graduation.

Apply to Graduate

Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026 candidates will need to apply to graduate.

Apply Now  

Review Application Deadlines  

Complete the Mandatory Graduation Survey

This survey is designed to help GW learn more about the experiences and future plans of our students. Your answers will be used to evaluate existing programs, to design new ones, and to advise current and future students.

This survey will take more than 20 minutes of your time. All responses are confidential.

Complete the survey  

Complete Professional Outcome (Career) Survey

GW Business wants to celebrate your success! Share your plans—whether you're starting full-time work, studying abroad, going to grad school or not sure yet—by filling out the GW Business Professional Outcome Survey for a chance to win prizes. Submit your survey by May 17, 2026!

Prizes and incentives, for those who complete the survey:

• May 2026 Graduates:  Entered into a raffle for a GW diploma frame
• Current Students: Enter to win GW Business swag, like coffee mugs
• All Respondents: Possible feature as a GW Business Alumni spotlight

Complete the Outcomes Survey  

Confirm Diploma Details

Graduating students should verify the accuracy of their diploma details, such as diploma name and mailing address, by making necessary revisions. For more information, visit Diplomas and Certificates.

If the diploma/certificate is mailed to the address of record and it is returned, there will be a fee of $25.00 for re-mailing (additional fees may apply for international mailing), or $50.00 to replace a lost diploma.

Sign Up to Receive Updates from Georgie

Sign up to receive updates from Georgie, GW’s chatbot that provides 24/7 support to graduates and families. Text "Hi" to 1-877-838-0027 or visit Georgie on the Commencement website. Messaging and data rates may apply; you may opt out at any time.

Purchase Regalia & Keepsakes

Regalia

All students participating in school celebrations and Commencement on the National Mall must wear regalia. Active service members may wear their dress uniform in lieu of regalia. 

Order Regalia:

• Early bird prices end Wednesday, February 4.
• Online sales end Thursday, April 2.
• Students may visit the Campus Store to order regalia in-person (beginning in April, Date TBA). Supplies are limited.
• Master's students and doctoral candidates may reference a list of hood colors associated with GW’s majors.
• If purchased from another vendor, regalia should be navy blue or black and appropriate for the degree being awarded during Commencement Week.

Learn more and order regalia  

Keepsakes

Keepsakes such as announcements, class rings, diploma frames, and stoles, are also available at the GW Business Campus Store or at the Winter Grad Fair from February 25-27. These keepsakes are not required to participate in Commencement activities.

GW Business does not provide hoods or cords and stoles for Latin Honors. 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 in advance. Undergraduate students will receive a medal at their school celebration.

Yearbook

Yearbook orders and portrait sitting appointments can be made with GW Cherry Tree.

Attend Grad Fair

The Winter Grad Fair
February 25-27, from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily
GW Campus Store

At the Grad Fair, you will be able to take professional portraits with GradImages, buy regalia and keepsakes at discounted prices through Jostens, and the GW Campus Store will have in-store incentives, including raffle prizes awarded throughout the day and chances to win large daily prizes.

Additional departments participating include the Office of University Events, Office of Alumni Relations, and more!

Register for School Celebration & Commencement

Registration will open in the Spring 2026 semester.

If you have questions about the registration process, refer to the how to register guide or contact commencementgwu [dot] edu (commencement[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Name Recording:
Graduating students have an opportunity to select either an AI-generated recording of your name or provide a phonetic spelling and recorded audio version. If you decide not to use the AI-generated file, a vocalist will use that information to dub an audio file of your name that will be played as you cross the stage at the school celebration. Additional instructions will follow.

Consider applying for Student Speaker Competitions & Banner Bearer Nominations

GW Commencement on the National Mall Student Speaker Competition
Graduating students are invited to enter the Student Speaker Competition for the chance to address their classmates and other members of the GW community at the university-wide Commencement on the National Mall in May. The Commencement Student Speaker Competition will begin early in the spring semester.

Learn more about the GW Student Speaker Competition  

GW Business School Celebrations Student Speaker Competition 
GW Business graduating students are invited to enter the School Celebrations Student Speaker Competition to share their wisdom and experience with their classmates and other members of the GW community at their respective celebration. The competition will open in the spring semester.

Learn more about the GWSB Student Speaker Competition  

Banner Bearer Nominations
Banner bearers will participate in GW Commencement on the National Mall by carrying the GW Business banner during the academic processional and recessional. Five banner bearers will be selected: two undergraduate, two master’s and one doctoral candidate. Nominations will open in the spring semester.

Learn more about the Banner Bearer Nominations  

Request Letter of Invitation for Overseas Guests, if applicable

Letters of Invitation can be used by current students to invite friends or family members to the United States. Students must have applied for graduation to request a letter of invitation for the graduation ceremony. The request must include the proper spelling of each visitor's name and their relationship to the student requesting the letter.

For more information, and to request a letter of invitation, visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Update Your Information with GW Alumni

Stay connected with your alma mater by updating your contact information with GW Alumni.

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