Checklist & Preparations
Get Ready for Commencement
Consider this page your pre-Commencement checklist — this sequence of tasks includes everything you need to do before the big day.
Check Email | Review GPS | Submit Grad Application | Complete Loan Exit Counseling | Order Cap & Gown | Check Status | Find a Hotel | Reserve Tickets
1) Check jwuLink & Email
Check your JWU 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 awarded a degree in the Fall 2024 semester.
- Students registered for the Spring 2025 semester and with 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,
- View your student loans (Financial Aid Review button)
- Complete exit counseling (follow link & instructions). Print proof of completion.
Step 2: Complete the First Destination Survey
For undergraduate spring grads — including associate degree students continuing for a bachelor’s degree: Share your post-graduation plans and help other current and future students with their career planning by completing the First Destination Survey. Look for an email from the Provost on March 31.
5) Order 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:
- Order regalia here.
- Herff Jones will ship your order to a specified address. The online order deadline HAS BEEN EXTENDED to April 7, 2025.
6) Check Your SFS Account Status
You are urged to check your financial account status with Student Financial Services (SFS) 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.
8) Attending Charlotte Commencement
Tickets will be emailed the first two weeks of April.