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

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

6:00 - 6:45 p.m. | Reception
6:45 p.m. |  Program
University Student Center, Continental Ballroom, Third Floor
By invitation only.

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 five 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.

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 Outcomes (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 Outcomes 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:  Enter 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:

• Online sales ended Thursday, April 2
• Students may visit the Campus Store to order regalia in-person (beginning Thursday, April 16). 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. 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.

Register for School Celebration & Commencement

The deadline to register and approve your name recording has passed.

Manage Your Registration & Guest Tickets  

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.

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.

Update your information  

We invite all families and friends of the Class of 2026 to watch the undergraduate and the master's and doctoral school celebrations via live stream. Please press play at that time to begin the live celebration.

Commencement on the National Mall will be live-streamed on the GW Commencement site on Sunday, May 17.
Following the events, video recordings will be posted in the same location.