Commencement: Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the instructions to apply to receive your master’s degree, Ph.D. or graduate certificate.

Choose the May 31 date option. Your degree will still be conferred on the day of the commencement ceremony.

You must apply to graduate no later than February 1 if you wish to have your diploma available at the commencement ceremony and have your name and graduation information printed in the Commencement Book. This early deadline is necessitated by the production schedules of the diplomas and Commencement Book.

After February 1, you may still apply to graduate until May 1. If you do so, you will still be able to participate in the commencement ceremony, but your diploma will not be available at commencement and your graduation information will not be in the Commencement Book. The May 2026 Commencement Book will feature the names of graduates from December 2025, as well as degree candidates from May 2026 and August 2026.

If you don’t see the “Apply to Graduate” option on your GU Experience account, please submit the following information to your program Director of Graduate Study (DGS) and Program Coordinator as soon as you can:

• Expected Graduation Date
• Full Legal Name
• Mailing Address

You will need to adhere to all graduation application deadlines.

Visit Diploma Information for the diploma timeline. Students cleared to graduate in May will receive their diploma at the May commencement ceremony.

The diploma dimensions are 17 inches (43 cm) wide by 14 inches (35.5 cm) high. Diploma frames are available at the Georgetown University Bookstore in the Leavey Center.

The diploma is written in Latin; an English translation is provided with your diploma (example translation).

To change your address to which your diploma will be sent, please email gradstudentservices@georgetown.edu with your new address.

All graduates participating in Commencement are required to wear the appropriate academic regalia – gown, hood, cap, and tassel. Standard regalia will be available for purchase in the University Bookstore.

To find the color to order for your academic regalia, please refer to the Academic Regalia page on the Graduate Studies website. Hood linings for BGE degrees are as follows:

• Master of Science (M.S.): Gold
• Executive Master’s: Peacock Blue
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Royal Blue

Master’s Students: You will receive instructions on how to wear your regalia as you line up for Commencement. You can also watch our quick video guide: “How to Put On Your Commencement Regalia.”

Yes. The May 2026 commencement ceremony is for students who have been or will be awarded a master’s degree or Ph.D. in December 2025, May 2026, or August 2026..

Master’s Students: Tickets are not required for the Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Healy Lawn; seating is available on a first come, first served basis starting at 7:45 a.m. Students will be informed during the spring semester if the public health situation necessitates changes to this policy.

Note that if the ceremony is held in McDonough Arena due to severe weather, tickets will be required. Ticket instructions are sent in emails from gradlife@georgetown.edu. Follow the link from the email to claim the severe weather tickets.

Ph.D. Students: To be announced

Master’s Students: The 2026 Graduate Commencement Ceremony will be held outdoors on Healy Lawn in the event of rain. In case of severe weather such as electrical storms, the site for the ceremony is McDonough Arena. If there is a severe weather announcement, all graduates are to report directly to the white tent in front of McDonough Arena at 7:30 a.m. for the lineup.

In the event of severe weather, the University will make an announcement on the morning of commencement day on the Georgetown University Commencement page and students will be notified via email right away. Weather announcements will also be available through our University Weather line at 202-687-7669.

Note that if the ceremony is held in McDonough Arena, severe weather tickets will be required. Ticket instructions are sent in emails from gradlife@georgetown.edu.

Ph.D. Students: The 2026 School of Medicine Commencement Ceremony will be held outdoors on Healy Lawn in the event of rain. In case of severe weather such as electrical storms, the site for the ceremony is McDonough Arena.

In the event of severe weather, the University will make an announcement on the morning of commencement day on the Georgetown University Commencement page and students will be notified via email right away. Weather announcements will also be available through our University Weather line at 202-687-7669.

Master’s Students: Free accessible shuttle buses, wheelchairs and sign language interpreters are available. Instructions for making a request for accessibility needs are sent in emails from gradlife@georgetown.edu. Follow the link from the email to submit accessibility needs.

You can find more information on the Commencement Accessibility page.

Ph.D. Students: Free accessible shuttle buses, wheelchairs and sign language interpreters are available. You can find more information on the Commencement Accessibility page.

The commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on the Georgetown University Facebook page. Other livestreams will be announced in advance on social media.

Master’s Students: We ask that you remind your family and guests that they MAY NOT approach the stage during any part of the ceremonies to take photos.

Ph.D. Students: To be announced

Master’s Students: A professional photographer from GradImages will be taking pictures during the commencement ceremony. They will be contacting you directly by mail and email with your proofs. If you have any questions, please contact them directly at 800-261-2576.

Ph.D. Students: To be announced

The May 2026 Commencement Book will feature the names of graduates from December 2025, as well as degree candidates from May 2026 and August 2026.

Find the commencement day schedule on our Commencement page: Master’s Students Commencement Schedule, Ph.D. Commencement Schedule