2236 Charlotte Commencement Preparations | Johnson & Wales University
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Your Commencement Checklist
Preparations

This page is your pre-Commencement checklist and includes everything you need to do before the momentous day.

1) Check jwuLink & Email

Check email and announcements often through jwuLink for important university updates about Commencement.

2) Review Your GPS/Degree Audit

For participation in the May 2025 Commencement ceremony and inclusion in the Commencement program, degree-seeking students must fall into one of the following categories:

  • Students who are awarded a degree in the Fall 2024 semester.
  • Students who are registered for the Spring 2025 semester and have a Spring 2025, Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 graduation date.
3) Submit a Graduation Application

In jwuLink go to Pages > Student Account > Graduation Application at least one semester prior to program completion.

4) Complete Loan Exit Counseling

If you have no federal loans or you have a graduation term of summer or fall , bypass the exit counseling.

Step 1: Complete Student Loan Exit Counseling
If the spring semester is your final term of enrollment and if you have student loans, follow these steps:

  1. View your student loans (Financial Aid Review button)
  2. Complete exit counseling (follow link & instructions).
  3. Print proof of completion.

Step 2: Complete the Outcomes Survey
For undergraduate spring grads only.

Invitations will be emailed from JWU Institutional Research, beginning in April.

  1. Follow instructions to complete this very brief survey, which asks what you are doing after graduation (working, pursuing an advanced degree, etc.).
  2. Print proof of completion.

Note: Associate degree students continuing for a bachelor’s degree at JWU are not required to complete this survey.

5) Order Your Cap & Gown

JWU does not have a graduation fee; however, students must purchase their cap, gown and hood. 2025 costs are as follows:

  • Associate degree regalia (cap, gown and tassel): $43
  • Bachelor’s degree regalia (cap, gown, tassel and hood): $75

Your options for ordering:

  • Place your order online Order Your Regalia Here
  • Herff Jones will ship your order to the Village Bookstore OR to a specified address. The online order deadline is March 3, 2025.
6) Check Your Account Status

You are urged to check your financial account status with Student Financial Services prior to Commencement. All financial obligations (including library and athletic fees) must be met in order to receive your diploma.

7) Reserve a Hotel

Need hotel rooms for family or friends? Reserve them now. Review Travel & Accommodations for further details.

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