Programs & Eligibility

Who's eligible for 2025 Commencement? Who can walk in the graduation ceremony?

Students must fall into one of these categories:

• Registered for the Spring 2025 Semester with a Spring 2025, Summer 2025, or Fall 2025 graduation date.
• Awarded degree for the Fall 2024 Semester.

Is commencement the same thing as graduation?

No, graduation refers to when your degree is officially awarded and your diploma gets mailed. Commencement is the graduation ceremony that is held once per year.

What's a Graduation Application and why do students need to fill it out?

You are required to fill out this application to specify 1) how your name is printed on your diploma, and 2) the address where your diploma is mailed. Also, your application determines which semester you are reviewed for degree completion/graduation.

Note: If you're finishing internship or other credits in the upcoming summer or fall semesters, then you should select Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 on your Graduation Application.

What are my commencement options if I have a Fall 2025 graduation date?

You can choose to participate in this year's commencement or next year's. It's your choice (if you are not attending this year, no notice is required and you may disregard any reminders and invites you receive).

What are my commencement options if I'm finishing an associate degree and continuing for a bachelor's?

Some students choose to participate in commencement twice – now for their associate degree and again later for their bachelor's. Other students choose to wait to participate in commencement once when they're finishing their bachelor's degree. It's your choice (if you are not attending this year, no notice is required and you may disregard any reminders and invites you receive).

How and when will I receive my diploma?

You will be reviewed for graduation (degree completion) at the end of the semester that's listed on your Graduation Application. The review process lasts approximately 30 business days. When degree completion is verified and your degree has been officially awarded, your diploma will be ordered at that time and mailed to the address that's listed on your Graduation Application. You will be notified via JWU email at the beginning and end of this review.

What's the Commencement Program?

The printed program, available at commencement, outlines the order of exercises, ceremony details, and the names of eligible candidates for graduation. (Once the program is printed and after commencement, we will print an addendum that reflects late additions or changes. If interested in receiving a copy, please email grad.pvd@jwu.edu to request a copy.) Names that are included in the program should not be used as an indicator of final degree completion. All graduation requirements must be verified as satisfied before a student is officially graduated and their diploma is mailed. 

Programs By Year: