Graduation Requirements & Checklist

1. Confirm you have completed all degree requirements by checking the University Bulletin and your transcript in GWeb.
2. Ensure you have paid all bills on your GW Student Account.
3. 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.
 

You may apply to graduate after you complete registration for your final semester of classes.

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.
 

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.
 

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.

Commencement registration is now open! Before registering, make sure you:

• Apply to graduate
• Complete the mandatory graduation survey

Graduates must register, and record their names, by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, April 18, 2025. You may register and claim tickets after, but will not have the option to verify your name pronunciation or record your name.

 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).

Register for Commencement, Modify Your Registration, Manage Guest Tickets, and more  >
 

• Order regalia
  • Early bird prices end January 31
  • Online sales end April 2
  • Students may visit the Campus Store starting April 12 to order regalia in-person
  • You have the option to purchase a regalia set or purchase individual items a la carte
• 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.
• For summer and fall graduates: Check your email storage limit. All future Commencement Week-related messages will be sent to your GW email address. Once you complete your degree requirements, you are subject to the alumni email storage limit.
• Though not required, we encourage all graduating students to:
  • Enter the Commencement Student Speaker Competition (Opens in January)
  • Nominate someone to receive an honorary degree at Commencement on the National Mall
  • Make an appointment to take your Cherry Tree yearbook photo
  • 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.
• 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.
 

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.
 

• 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 (registrargwu [dot] edu (registrar[at]gwu[dot]edu)).
  • Names bust be updated by the following deadlines:

*If needed, you may order a replacement or duplicate diploma.

• 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:

• 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 >