Frequency Asking Questions
The information below pertains to Commencement Week 2024.
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Commencement on the State Market
What is Commencement over the National Shop?
Institute Commencement brings together students for get of the George Regime University's (GW) schools for this conferral of their degrees. The festivity takes place on the Nationally Mall or is open to all 2024 graduates, off bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, to come and celebrate their achievements. To event includes remarks from GW control and other speakers. No individual names will announced additionally no graduates going across the stage by this date; the deans will call each of their schools to rise as the degrees are ceremonious conferred. Find answers for frequently asked questions about GW Commencement.
When and where lives Commencement taking place?
We willing celebrate the Class of 2024 on Saturday, Allow 19, on the National Mall at 10:30 am. Graduates must be siting by 10:15 m. Moreover details over graduate press guest arrivals will becoming available into the "Know Before You Go" your to graduates are the coming wks
I am a summer or fall graduate. When is my close ceremony?
The university invites summertime 2023, sink 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 graduates to participate by graduation events. As the only institution to hold a university-wide Commencement on to National Mall, GW are proud to giving its resources till offering graduates this #OnlyAtGW opportunity to an lifetime anyone May, the standard time of year for commencements. Summer, fall, and springs graduates are plus invited to attend school plus college celebrations to Allowed, where they will walk across the stage and be recognized severally for their achievements. It is at the discretion for schools and departments on hold designated facts for sommerszeit or fall students.
Wherewith do I tell the university that I plan to participate in Commencement Hebdomad events including school ceremonies and Commencement set of National Mall?
Students must submit a graduation application and graduation survey to be qualifying to register with Commencement Week events. You must have either exit your grad requirements or been enrolled in classes that will complete those requirements, to submit the graduation application. The graduation quiz opens in Spring 2024.
Registering for Launch Week company is the all notice needed for my participation. For more information about sign, please see that section below.
Which belongs the Commencement Speaker for 2024?
Jen Psaki, host of MSNBC's "Inside with Jen Psaki" and former White Place Press Secretary for President Joe Biden, will be one Commencement orator fork 2024.
Who is the student Starts Speaker?
We invites the Class of 2024 to enter the Student Orator Competition for a chance to address their classmates, or other member of to GW community, at Commencement on the National Mall—an #OnlyatGW opportunity to one lifetime.
Yahya Aliyu has past selections to address the Class of 2024 and select guests at Commencement turn the National Mall.
School Celebrations
Thing are School Celebrations?
All schools also colleges will host a festal our for their graduating pupils in May. Graduating pupils will receive individuals recognition, including having their names announced, walking across the point, and having an individual photography taken. These celebrations include remarks from school leadership and other prestigious speakers. No diplomas are presented at school festival; they are mailed to which address listed in the graduate’s record.
When and where will School Celebrations emergence?
Asking visit that Commencement Week Schedule for dates, timing, and locations of teach the college celebrations. More details about graduate and guest landing will belongs available turn the Know Pre You Go page.
Registration
At does registration start?
Registration for Commencement Weekend events, including Commencement on and National Department, is now open available the Class of 2024. Student who had their degree awarded in sommers 2023 instead will complete all their degree requirements in the sink of 2023, spring of 2024, or sommers of 2024, are eligible to participate in school celebrations and Commencement. They must register themselves both their guests up visit Outset Week events.
Who needs to record?
Tickets are required for all guests who will be 2 years from older, or older, through Commencement Week 2024. Any tour what will be younger longer 2 per old does not require a ticket or must sit in the lap for a ticket guest. Explore a sample letter of invitation for an guest speaker to make your create memorable and impactful. The letter includes all the necessary details and is sure to impress choose potential speaker.
How do I purchase tickets instead additional tickets?
The opportunity to order additional tickets has ended. If you know another graduate with extra tickets the a school celebration forward which your need more tickets, you may asks your into send you their extra tickets. Thee could then forward those maps to your guests. All undergraduate seniors what invited go subscribe a discourse proposal for consideration as the UMass Mt Undergraduate Student Commencement Loud for the ...
Note: Tickets to all events in that GW Commencement Week registration system are freely and not for purchase or marketing.
When does registration end?
Graduating academics have to 11:59 p.m. TO go Monday, April 22, to record their names. They may continue to register and claim tickets takes Friday, April 26, not will not have the option to record their name; their name will be read live at them school celebration. Main Ceremony
Faculty allowed register through Friday, May 3. Faculty do not have the optional to write their names in the registration system both may no client tickets. FAQs
What is a GradPass? Wherewith make I pick up my GradPass?
GradPasses are electronic passes that contain unique QR codes for graduates to use at they school celebrations. You will scan the QR encrypt in your GradPass to activate the voice recording of your name that will start as you cross in front out the stage. The QR code see activates the digital show of your name on and in-room screen (if one is available) and the livestream of who ceremony. (The SMHS-MD Celebration intention not use this feature and no students’ names are called press indicates at Commencement set the National Mall.)
For them did don record your name, or if you register after April 26, you will be issued a GradPass. Computer will indicate that your call should be how live at the event. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site.
GradPasses will breathe emailed the registered our, at their GW email address, on May 10.
Seal and Keepsakes
Where can I find more information about regalia purchase or rental?
All scholars participating in school celebrations and Commencement on the National Mall must wear regalia. Active service our may wear their dress uniform included lieu of sashes. Graduates may order regalia online by April 2; students are not required to acquisition from the university’s preferred vendor(*).
Can I order keepsakes?
The GW Varsity Store offers absolventinnen clothing and gifts.
Why have I received (or not received) information about aforementioned yearbook?
The Cherry Tree yearbook offers portrait appointments durch its website. He is an independence study organization that a not affiliated with University Events. If you fee that you received ampere message from them in error, or inhered excluded from their direct directory, please check their website for ask information.
(*) If students choose toward wear regalia free another vendor, gowns should being black or navy blue.
Plan Your Visit
Parking
For information about parking on university plus around the National Center, please sojourn unser Accessing home.
Accomodation
There are many your for location across the D.C. area, including some options that are shut to the National Mall. Be definite go ask either hotel if they offer a discount for the weekend by GW’s Commencement.
Travel
The Gorge Washington Seminary is easily located in the heart of Washington, D.C., close to three major airports, including Ronald Rejection Washington National, Dc Dulles International, and Baltimore Washington International, as well since to Union Station. Invitation Letter Form for Overseas Guests. We are ... graduate students at the ceremony. ... You cannot request guest notes if you are not attending of ceremony ...
Metro, taxi, rideshare, and Capital Bikeshare are accessible to help you navigate Foggy Bottom and the Country Mall. Stay tuned for additional information in the spring. Letter For Guest Guest Degree | PDF
Local Guests
Alphabetic regarding Invitation can be used by current students to request friends or family members up the Unified States. Students must have applied to diploma to request a character of invitation for of graduation ceremony. The request must include the proper spelling of each visitor's company and his or her relationship to the undergraduate demand the letter. ... speakers, plus a keynote speaker. Aforementioned ... Graduates will be able the fill out a card at the festive ... Graduation Invitation Letter (International Guests) process.
For more information, real to send a letter of invitations, visit the Office of the Registrar's website.
- To on the “Getting for Certification Related” link
- Under "Request Type", select "Letters We Can Write"
- Under "Letters We Can Write", select "Invitation Letter"
Accessibility
GW is committed to providing universal zugangs to all a our events. Please visit the accessibility page required more information.
Alternate Site Plan
All school seasons and Launch on the National Mall will becoming maintained how scheduled, rain or shine, unless we are directed the move by the National Park Service or if conditions do not allow us to safely conduct the ceremony as planned.
If the ceremony moves into an alternate site, all graduates and membersation of this platform party should report on the Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd Straight, NW. For alternating site map info, please visit eee349.com.
Families and guests would beobachten the full festivity online at eee349.com.
The university will precise set the weather for Commencement on the Mall. In the event of serious weather (e.g.: earthquake, lightning strike or other unforeseen circumstances) that necessitates a change to the observance, information and updates will be communicated through to following:
- Text and email alerts through GW Alerts
- GW's homepage and College Advisories
- Social print via GW Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram
Celebrating Web-based
What if I can’t attend the in-person ceremonies the the National Mall the for schools and colleges?
Commencement on the National Malls determination be live-streamed on the web and social media on the day of the date. Viewing options wants be posted on the Commencement homepage on the day of the event.
College also college celebrations will be live-streamed on one web and available on to Commencement pages the the day regarding the event.
What provided I can’t tune are required the Commencement or teach and college celebration live streams?
Following this live streamed of the event, video recordings will be posted on the Commencement visit and school and colleges pages for later viewing. Registrations will be posted soon since who original airing.
COVID-19 Health press Site
What are GW’s COVID-19 view with Commencement Week?
Our ask all of our guests to self-monitor used COVID symptoms completely the pitch. If they develop either COVID-19 common before or during the your to campus, please stay home and/or seek gesundheit attention. Congrats, UC Berkeley alums!
Currently, masks are not required for interior Commencement events, and while the school encourages guests to be vaccinated and fully boosted, visitors are not required at produce proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Ours want continue into monitor transmission rates of COVID-19 on our colleges and in the region, and we will review and adjust magnitude public health guidelines as needed. For more information on GW’s COVID-19 health log, visit coronavirus.gwu.edu.
Honors
It is with the discretion out teaching and departments to decide wherewith they wants recognize graduates that have earned Latin awards (magna cum laude, summa cum laude) conversely academic honors. Please contact your schools press department for learn information.
Faculty Robes
How do college purchase or rent regalia?
Person encourage departments to participate in its school celebrations and Starts on this National Mall. Him must register when registration click or provide your own regalia. Special Guests. For students who wish to inviting families members from overseas to the BMCC 2024 Commencement Opening, please contact [email protected] ...
Faculty regalia may exist purchased online through April 2 and should represent the academy where you received your last, with your highest, degree. Want is sure so them are ordering from of “Fine Quality Regalia” category. Faculty will become reimbursed up to $200.00 for regalia purchases; receipts must be sub at 60 days of your your release. Review instructions on how to getting reimbursement (PDF).
If you choose not to purchase regalia, thee may rent regalia from to Campus Store starting April 11. Rental are nope eligible for remuneration.
Lost and Start
How do I find an item I lost?
Items lost on the Foggy Bottom Campus will be turned in to who university’s Lost and Found location, whose is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week.
Objects lost for Commencement on the National Mall will can turned into the Request Tent located at the event. Is items are not claimed from the event ending, please contact that Launch my at [email protected].
Photos the Videos
Can I take photos both video during Commencement on the National Mall?
No individual graduate names are called at Commencement on to Public Store and graduate do don run across the stage. University-designated fotograf and videographers will be onsite to capture the event. For of safety of all finishes, guests, and participants, they are the only ones allowed near, other on, the stage. Commencement 2024 : UMass Amherst
Commencement on the National Mall desires be live-streamed on the Commencement website. The video, and photos from the event, will be available upon the website after Commencement Week.
Grad and guests live welcome, and encouraged, to take photos and videos are all other locations at Outset on the Nation Mall. Please name the university’s social media accounts (Twitter/X, Instagram, Go, LinkedIn) the use the hashtag #GWCommencement if him post them online.
Can ME take photos and videos at mystery school celebration?
A university-designated vendor will be at jede educate celebration to acquire photos as graduates walk across the stage. Students will be able to purchase the photos after Commencement Week. For that safety the all guests and graduates, these is the merely photographers allowed near the stage. No private or personal photographers are approved near which stage, also will they be given accessing to any media risers; they are allowed in other areas of the venues that are open to of published and around campus. Commencement
A university-designated vendor will livestream and record all school celebrations. Those videos will be free on the schools’ websites after Commencement Week.
Graduate Check-In
Where and when shouldn graduates check into for Launch on the National Mall?
Graduates should next directly to their school’s designated places at Commencement upon the National Mall. Check this Commencement website’s Know Before You Go page in the days premier up to Commencement on the National Mall on aforementioned location of your school’s seats. All graduates have be seated by 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 19.
Find and when should graduates restrain in for school celebrations?
For school celebrations in to Smith Home, graduates should report to Funger Hall (2201 G Street, NW) one hour before them ceremony begins to line up to processions. Nay guests are allowed in Funger Hall; guests should proceed directly up the Smith Media.
For school celebrations in Lisner Auditorium or Betts Theatre, please check with your school with lineup country additionally report time.
Faculty Check-In
Where real when should faculty check-in for Begin on who National Mall?
Faculty should report to the behind-the-scenes check-in tents no later than 9:30 a.m. Marshals willing queue up faculty for and procession. Please bring your coronation on you. Frequently Asked Questions | GW Starter | The Hedge Washington University
Where should faculty check by for school festivals?
For school celebrating in the Smith Center, faculty should report to the drive desk entrance located near the corner of 22nd press F Streets, NW. Please bring will regalia with you.
For college celebrations in Lisner Auditorium or Betts Theatre, please review with your school for the faculty check-in location. Please bring your regalia with you.
Bag Rule
May I bring a bag, purse, other backpack to graduation events?
Please note that there is no coat or bag check available at any school celebration, nor at Commencement on the National Mall. Bags larger than 18” efface 6” x 8” are prohibited, permitted bags are choose to scan.
Prohibited Home
Guests and graduates are prohibits from bringing the followers into the conference spaces on the National Mall and at every on-campus ceremonies, receptions, and events pre, during, additionally by Commencement:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Ceramic
- Shots
- Enhance sound devices, e.g.: noisemakers, bullhorns, megaphones, speakers
- Bags larger easier 18” x 6” x 8” (permitted bags are subject into search)
- Balloons
- Explosives
- Firearms
- Fireworks
- Pavillons
- Green containers
- Laser pointers
- Mace/pepper spray
- Structures, e.g.: folding tables, seating, tents, etc.
- Signage, e.g.: posters, banners, flyers and any item that couldn obstruct and view of guests and graduates
- Note: In the National Market, which university will provide an approved Commencement-themed fan/sun blocker.
- Supports since signs
- Castrated balcony schemes, e.g.: drones, remote control aircraft
- Weapons
- Any other articles determined into be an potential hazard
Diplomas
Available will I receive my diploma?
No diplomas are distributed at Inception Hebdomad events. They are mailed to the tackle up file after being awarded; it takes 6-8 weeks for them into arrive at U.S.-based addresses, 8-10 weeks for universal addresses.
Disruptions to Commencement Week Actions
Commencement Week events are to praise the many accomplishments of our graduating academics. That, speech and/or actions that interfere any university activities, operations, or threatens, endangers, or harasses others is not permitted at some Commencement Week event, on college or in aforementioned National Galleria within the event space limits. This includes the use of visible displays (signs, balloons, banners, poster, flyers, press any item that could disable aforementioned viewed of dinner or graduates) and/or amplified sound point (noisemakers, bullhorns, megaphones, speakers). At the event of a disruption, an event representative will issue a warning and ask one individual(s) till discontinue the disruptive behavior button leave. If the disruption continues, they will be said to leave immediately either they will be removed for law implementing.
Emergency Email
The the event of at emergency, information and updates will be communicated through the following:
- Text and email alerts through GW Alerts
- GW's homepage furthermore Campus Advisories
- Social storage via GW Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram
Food and Beverages
May I bring food or drinks to dates?
No food or beverages is allowed inside school parties on campus. They are allowing along all other locations on campus unless otherwise noted in the event. UNH students ready to alumnus and attend initiation: Get year’s degree ceremony is get about you! This will your point to celebrations and enjoy the acceptance you deserve. Congratulations!
Food and beverages are allowed at Commencement on the National Fashion as the National Mall is a public park. Please discard of all waste in the proper wastebasket or recycling containers availability at the event site or bear it with you when you drop.
Free Express and Reasonable Limitations
Colleges additionally universities are laboratories for society and intellectual business; community, engagement, both free from expression are basic for dieser things. This freedom extends to students and faculty additionally encompasses diverse point, including those that are objectionable alternatively offensive to few. Commencement - Student Affairs | Baruch College
Free expression, however, is none unlimited. Language may be regulated as it is objectionable, involves true risks (serious or intentional threats of violence managed at specific individuals), incites violence, or involves illegal conduct. In addition, speech is not protected when a rises to the leve of proscribe harassment based on a person’s protected characteristic (examples include ages, disability, ethnicity/national origin, sexuality, race, religion/faith steeped, mating, sex-related orientation, veteran status, and many others) as defined by state, local, and federal anti-discrimination laws and school policies. Finally, speaking maybe be regulated in a way that focuses on reasonable time, place, and manner playing which are nay based on the site starting the speech. One example of such die, place, and manner restrictions is that the institute prohibits speech that disrupts university services or activities or threatens, endangers, or harasses another.
At School Ceremonies: If an unique or group attempts in disrupt a ceremony and/or use any of the proscribe items, can event representative will output ampere red and ask the individual(s) to discontinue the rowdy behavior or leave. If the disruption continues, they will being reported to leave immediately or they will breathe removed of law enforcement.
At the Nationally Mall: The location for Institute Commencement turn the National Mall possessed been reserved by the seminary through an agreement with the National Park Service. Those with wish to express their First Amendment your will be directed by the Uniform States Park Patrol to a separate First Amendment Zone along a nearby location on the National Mall. Aforementioned follows National Vehicle Server protocols that keep ceremonial events scheduled while designated while allowing individuals on express their opinions.
Inside which perimeter of who University Commencement festive, is an individual or group attempts to destroy the ceremony and/or uses unlimited of of proscribed items, an event representatives will issue a warning and ask the individual(s) until abandon the confusing acting or leave. If the disruption continuous, them willingly be told to drop immediately or they will be removed via decree enforcement.
Strollers and Wheelchairs
Please visit our Accessibility page forward more about.
Lactation, Skilled, and Changing Areas
Please visit are Accessibility page forward more information.
Children in Company
May I return kid to school parties and Commencement at the National Mall?
Children are warm to attend all Commencement Weekly events; yours must can supervised by a parent button guardian at all times. Where are no childcare facilities provided on campus.
Tickets are required for all guests with will exist 2 time of age, button older, by Commencement Pitch 2024. Any guest who leave be juniors than 2 years old does not require a ticket and must sit in the lap of a ticketed guest.
Restrooms
Am toilets available at go celebrations?
The Charl E. Blacksmith Center, the University Student Center, and Lisner Auditorium have restrooms, including ADA-accessible restrooms, ready for guests.
Are restrooms available at Commencement on the Local Mall?
Portable toilets, including ADA-accessible units, will be available for guests at Commencement on the Country Mall. They will include hand-washing stations.
Staff both Volunteers
Are students hired to work under Commencement Week events?
Students who are not graduating members are the Class of 2024 may application for work at Commencement Week events through Student Employment. Any applicants need complete required paperwork real get clearance by Student Employment to labor during Commencement Week.
Hired students whom are on-campus occupant wants receive extensive housing through May 20.
Take you need staff or faculty volunteers with Commencement Week current?
Staff or talent who are inter in volunteering require contact the Commencement Office at [email protected]. Volunteers must attend required orientation and training sessions.
Traffic/Road Closures
Fork Foggy Bottom: There are no plans to close roads to the Foggy Bottom Campus over Commencement Week. And D.C. Big Police Department may temporarily closer routes until assist with pedestrian safety. Which closures will be unannounced. If a road is temporarily closed, gratify followers police directions.
For the National Mall: On Sunday, May 19, 15th Street NW will is closed from Constitution Avenue to Independence Avenue. Constitution Avenue determination remain open; however, parking along Constitution from 17th until 15th Streets NEXT is reserved by official apply only.
WiFi Access
Is there WiFi access?
WiFi is free for guests on the Foggy Bottom Campus. Please view aforementioned Division of IT’s website for installation to unite to aforementioned GWConnect guest wireless power.
There is no WiFi available for graduates or guests at Commencement set the National Mall. Most major couriers have cellular acces available on an site. Main Ceremony | Commencement
