Graduation
Before you can walk across the stage in your cap and gown there are several final steps to complete, including applying to graduate. The graduation process starts several months before graduation -- this page outlines the procedures you should follow.
You will be a graduate only after you have completed all degree requirements (see your advisor) and have no financial obligations to the university. The degree designation (BS, MS, MPH, MHA, DrPH or PhD) may be used after your name only you have completed all degree requirements and your degree has been awarded. Although degrees are conferred at the end of each semester, formal commencement ceremonies are held only in May.
Application for Graduation
You must complete the Registrar Office's online application for graduation by the appropriate deadline. View step-by-step instructions on how to complete the online application.
Deadlines:
Visit the Office of the Registrar's Graduation Deadline page for the most up-to-date information.
The online graduation application has several purposes, including:
- Notifying the Office of Student Records to begin your degree clearance process. Student Records staff will review your academic record and verify that it is possible for you to complete the degree requirements by the end of the semester.
- Informing us of your plans to attend the annual spring commencement ceremony held in May. If you are not sure whether you will attend, we recommend you check the "yes" box, because your plans may change. Only those who check the "yes" box will receive details about participating in the ceremony.
- Ensuring that your name will be correct in the commencement program and on your diploma.
***Please note that if you are unable to complete all degree requirements by the end of the semester, your application will be processed not cleared and you must re-apply before the deadline for the appropriate semester using the online application for graduation.
May Commencement Ceremonies
The annual commencement ceremonies take place in May to commemorate the graduation of students from the University and the Milken Institute School of Public Health. Please note that participation in commencement does not confirm that you have been cleared for graduation. The University graduation will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2027 at 10:30 a.m. The School of Public Health Celebration will held be on Thursday, May 13 at 5:00 p.m. Please visit the University's Commencement on the National Mall web page for up-to-date information about the May 2027 Commencement Week activities.
Eligibility to Participate in Commencement Ceremonies
If you have applied to graduate in the spring semester, or if you graduated in the past fall or summer semesters, you are eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremonies.
In addition, according to the university's "Walk-Through Policy," you may participate in the spring commencement ceremonies if you are an undergraduate or master's-level student with:
- a reasonable expectation of completing your degree requirements during the upcoming summer; and
- you need no more than nine credit hours during the summer semester to graduate
The maximum of nine credits is a firm policy and not subject to petition or appeal. Doctoral graduates of the prior summer, and fall semesters are invited to participate in May Commencement. However, only Spring doctoral candidates who have successfully defended their dissertation and completed all degree requirements by the Spring term University ETD deadline, may participate in the May commencement ceremony.
Commencement Packets and Tickets
Information on commencement packet pick-up for eligible participants will be found on the Commencement web site. Only students who have applied for graduation and indicated they will attend the ceremony, and who have completed the online graduation survey will be issued packets and tickets. You must present a valid identification card (e.g., GWorld card, driver’s license, passport) when picking up your packet.
Please note: Students who apply after the published deadlines are not guaranteed commencement materials and may not be listed in the commencement program.
Regalia (Cap and Gown)
Caps and gowns worn by students at commencement must be ordered by early April in order to have it in time. Get more information on regalia.
Printed Commencement Program – University and School Ceremonies
Your name will only appear in the Milken Institute SPH commencement program if you have submitted your Application for Graduation by the deadline and have met the above-stated eligibility criteria. Your name will be listed alphabetically by Degree. Make sure your name is spelled correctly (including capitalizations!) in GWEB, this is where we pull your name.
Diploma and Transcripts
Your diploma will be mailed to you about three months after your official date of graduation. If you are moving, please make sure that the Office of the Registrar has your new address by updating it through GWeb or by completing a Biographical Update Form available on the registrar's website.
Your official transcript reflects the awarding of your degree and the date of your graduation and, therefore, can be issued to you only after your official graduation date.
- You may request a copy of your official transcript by submitting a request directly through Parchment Transcript Services.
- For additional details on requesting a transcript, please visit the Registrar website.
If you are a currently enrolled student, you may also review your unofficial transcript online via GWeb.
If you need verification of your graduation before your final transcript and diploma are available, you can request it using the Request for Certification Services Form or by logging into GWeb, accessing the National Student Clearing house section and selecting "Obtain an Enrollment Verification".
Who To Contact For Assistance
If you have questions regarding the commencement ceremonies, please contact our Student Services Team atgwsphosa
gwu [dot] edu ( gwsphosa[at]gwu[dot]edu).