Graduation Requirements & Checklist
GRADUATION
GRADUATION
CHECKLIST
Prepare for your big day with this graduation checklist:
- Apply to Graduate
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- Confirm you have completed all degree requirements by checking the University Bulletin and your transcript in GWeb.
- Ensure you have paid all bills on your GW Student Account.
- You must apply for graduation via the online application in GWeb no later than the deadlines listed below. Please refer to the online application instructions for step-by-step assistance completing your application.
Students should submit a graduation application for the semester they plan to complete all academic requirements. Commencement ceremony participation preference is submitted through the application.
Completing Requirements In: Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Fall 2024 Application Opens Nov 13 March 15 April 1 Application Deadline March 18 April 1: For Summer graduates to participate in the Spring 2024 Commencement ceremony
July 15: For Summer graduates not participating in the Spring 2024 Commencement ceremony
Nov 15
Please direct any questions about the graduation application to the Office of the Registrar.*Please note: Graduation applications filed for past semesters are not automatically updated to the next semester or summer session. You must re-file for the current semester or summer session. Any graduation fees paid will transfer to your new application.
- Complete the Graduation Survey
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You must complete the survey before you can register for Commencement events (please wait 6 hours after completion before attempting to register for Commencement events). The survey is designed to help GW and GSEHD learn more about your experience and future plan.Ph.D. candidates only: Register for and complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates. This survey may be completed online. Please forward your confirmation email from the Survey of Earned Doctorates to your graduate office.
- Register for Spring 2025 Commencement Events
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Registration will open in the Spring 2025 semester, at which time directions will be provided.)Participation in the annual commencement ceremony on the National Mall, held in May, is open to degree-seeking students who have applied to graduate in the current spring semester, or the preceding fall or summer semesters.
You must apply to graduate and complete the graduation survey before registering for Commencement events.
If you have questions about the registration process, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or contact commencement@gwu.edu.
- Prepare for Commencement
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- Order regalia: Updated ordering information will be provided in advance of Spring 2025 ceremony.
- Submit your name pronunciation: To ensure that your name is pronounced correctly during graduation, GW has partnered with MarchingOrder. You can submit a phonetic pronunciation and record your name. If you do not record your name by the listed deadline, a faculty reader will announce your name at the school celebration.
- Though not required, we encourage all graduating students to:
- Show us how you're celebrating by tagging GSEHD on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin and using the hashtags #GWCommencement and #GSEHDgrad in your posts!
For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the Commencement website.
- Prepare for Day-Of Celebrations
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Learn where to be and when along with important event information >View all GW Commencement on the Mall Details >
For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the Commencement website.
- Confirm or Update Your Name/Mailing Address
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- Check your name in GWeb. This is the name that will be printed on your diploma.
- If you would like to change the way your name appears on your diploma/certificate after you apply for graduation, you must submit a Biographical Update Form making sure to indicate that you have Applied to Graduation prior to the posted deadlines to avoid fees for replacements. A “name change” may refer to a formal legal name change, or updating the existing name of record to include a middle name or initial, capitalization, adding an accent or punctuation, etc. For information regarding a name change, contact the Registrar’s Office (registrar@gwu.edu).
- Names bust be updated by the following deadlines:
Spring 2024
Summer 2024
Fall 2024
For change to appear in Commencement publications/diploma:
April 19
April 19
Dec 20
For change to appear on diploma only:
May 16
Aug 19
Dec 20
- Verify your mailing address to which your diploma will be shipped to. Read "Address Changes/Returned Diplomas" for more information.
- Addresses must be updated by the following deadlines:
Spring 2024
Summer 2024
Fall 2024
May 16, 2024
Aug 19, 2024
Dec 20
- Update your contact information with the Alumni Association to stay connected to GW.
Please note: Diplomas and certificates are ordered after they have been awarded, but first they must be cleared by your college/school. Diploma/certificate delivery is typically 6-8 weeks after awarding if mailed within the US, or 8-10 weeks for international mailing. A diploma/certificate will not be mailed if there is a financial hold on your account. Learn more about diplomas >
- Check your name in GWeb. This is the name that will be printed on your diploma.
We Want to Highlight YOU!
As you prepare for graduation, we would love to hear about your journey and what's next. Please submit a quote and a photo for inclusion on GSEHD's social media channels. Let's celebrate your success together!