Do I need to register to attend the commencement ceremony on May 1?
Yes. To view or submit your graduation application, login to jwuLink, go to Pages > Student Account > Graduation Application.
The Commencement Registration Form will be available soon.
How should I dress under my gown?
Wear professional attire with comfortable dress shoes. Stiletto heels may not be the best choice as you will be going up and down stairs in the building as well as on and off stage. Place tassels on the front, right side of your cap.
Do I receive my diploma at commencement?
Graduates receive a diploma cover only at commencement. Diplomas are printed and mailed after the degree verification process is complete, which ends approximately 6-8 business weeks after the end of each semester. Please contact Student Academic Services with any questions.
I'm finishing my associate degree now and continuing for a bachelor's degree. Do I have to attend commencement now or can I wait?
You have the option to attend commencement this year for your associate degree or you can wait to attend commencement in the year when you finish your bachelor’s degree. Or, you can attend both commencements. It’s your choice; your name will be printed in the program regardless of attendance at commencement.
I cannot or do not want to attend commencement. Do I need to tell anyone? Will my name be printed in the commencement program?
It is helpful to know you are not attending; however, notice is not required if you are not attending. When the Commencement Registration form is available, please be sure to complete it.
Your name will be printed in the program regardless of attendance, but it will not be announced since you will not be in attendance to cross the stage.
If I am not attending commencement, do I still need to complete exit counseling?
If this is your last semester at JWU and you have student loans, this is a requirement.
How do I submit or view my graduation application? What is it?
To view or submit your graduation application, login to jwuLink, go to Pages > Student Account > Graduation Application.
Fill it out to specify how you want your name printed on your diploma and where you want it mailed.
How do I order my regalia?
- Place your order online Order Your Regalia Here
- Herff Jones will ship your order to a specified address, or the Village Bookstore. The deadline to order online is March 3, 2025.
- JWU does not have a graduation fee; however, students must purchase their cap, gown & hood
- 2025 associate degree regalia (cap, gown, tassel): $43
- 2025 bachelor's degree regalia (cap, gown, tassel and hood): $75
How do I complete student loan exit counseling?
Step 1
Complete Student Loan Exit Counseling (if spring semester is your final term of enrollment and if you have student loans)
- View your student loans (Financial Aid Review button).
- Complete exit counseling (follow link & instructions).
- PRINT proof of completion.
Step 2 (Undergraduate spring grads only)
Complete The Outcomes Survey
- Invitations will be emailed from "JWU Institutional Research" beginning in April.
- Follow instructions to complete this very brief survey, which asks what you are doing after graduation (working, pursuing an advanced degree, etc.).
- PRINT proof of completion.
AS degree students continuing for a BS degree at JWU are not required to complete this survey.
What if I will be off campus during the spring semester and my graduation semester is spring, summer or fall?
If you have federal student loans, you will receive instructions during your graduation semester to complete student loan exit counseling.
What's a Name Card?
It's used to announce your name when you cross the commencement stage. If necessary, to make sure your name is pronounced correctly, write clearly and directly on your card the best way to pronounce your name.
What name gets printed on my Name Card and in the Commencement Program?
Your name will match what's listed on your Graduation Application, which you can view in jwuLink.
What if I prefer to use a different first name (other than my legal name) on my Name Card and/or in the Commencement Program?
Please submit the Graduation Name in Use form by April 4, 2025. If the submission deadline is missed, your name card can be adjusted the day of commencement (simply cross out your first name and write in your preferred name).
Will the ceremony be videotaped or streamed live?
The ceremony will be live streamed. Watch your JWU email for link information.
Where can I park my car when arriving at commencement?
Parking will be free for students and families in the main parking lot for Bojangles Coliseum.
Is there a special section for wheelchairs?
Yes, ADA seating is available at several locations throughout the Coliseum on a first come, first served basis. Seating in these areas is limited to the wheelchair user and one guest. Other members of the party are required to locate seating elsewhere in the venue. Review seating details via Bojangles Coliseum.
Are wheelchairs provided?
It is recommended that if a member of your party requires ambulatory assistance, you should provide your own wheelchair.
What if I or one of my guests need other accommodations?
Any student or guest needing reasonable accommodations due to a disability to attend this commencement ceremony are encouraged to contact the Charlotte Graduation Chairperson at commencement.clt@jwu.edu no later than April 11, 2025. The venue is generally ADA compliant, offering accessible seating for audience members and ramp access to the stage for students. American Sign Language interpreters will be onsite for the ceremony. Please reach out should you have any questions or concerns.
Have other questions?
Please email commencement.clt@jwu.edu