Cap/Gown, Name Card & Tickets

Graduating students, please review all of the below FAQs in order to receive your graduation regalia, name card, and guest tickets (required for the undergraduate commencement only). Note: Instructions will be emailed to eligible Providence-based students when it is time to complete these activities.

 

Where do I get my cap & gown? How should I dress for commencement?

Please complete an online order before April 5, 2025. We recommend the ship-to-home option. To make an exchange or in-person purchase, visit the campus bookstore. The cost is $43 for 2025 associate degree regalia; $75 for 2025 bachelor's degree regalia; and $84 for 2025 master's degree regalia. Please note:

• All degree recipients except AS degree candidates will receive a graduation hood, which is a piece of academic regalia worn during graduation to symbolize a person's academic achievement and degree. Place the hood (pictured below) over your shoulders and then unfold it to expose the colors. The hood indicates the wearer's degree, discipline, and institution. Hoods vary in length, shape, and color (Gold for Arts; Drab for Business, Commerce, Fine Arts, Sciences; Light Blue for Education; Slate Blue for Occupational Therapy; Green for Physician Assistant Studies).
• To remove wrinkles from your gown, tumble dry it on low in a dryer and then place it on a hanger (DO NOT IRON).
• Under the gown, plan to wear professional attire with comfortable dress shoes.
• Wear the tassel (included with your cap) on the front-RIGHT of the cap if you're receiving an associate or bachelor's degree; the front-LEFT of the cap if you're receiving a graduate degree.

Who gets a graduation cord? Who gets a graduation stole?

A cord is a rope-like strand worn during graduation to represent an academic achievement, affiliation, or legacy. JWU recognizes two types of cords only. A stole is a decorative sash worn during graduation to represent a student's academic achievements, extracurriculars, and other affiliations. JWU recognizes one type of stole only.

• Gold Cords will be distributed to undergraduate degree recipients with a 3.5 or higher GPA as of the fall semester. If you qualify, your cord will be given to you during the Graduation Fair.

• Blue & White Cords will be distributed to undergraduate degree recipients who are members of the following groups: Athletes (4-year students with a 3.5 or higher GPA), CAT, FSLT, OA, RA, SGA, and UIB/CAB Executive Board. If you are in one of these groups, please contact your group's advisor/coach/manager to receive your cord.

• Honors Gold Stoles will be distributed (by the Honors Program director) to undergraduate degree recipients in the Honors Program who have a 3.4 or higher GPA as of the fall semester.

What's a name card? Can I use a different first name at commencement?

At the Graduation Fair, you will receive your name card. Keep it in a safe spot and bring it with you to your graduation ceremony. This card is used by announcers to read your name out loud when you cross the commencement stage (note: there is no alphabetical order).

The name printed on your card will match what is listed on your Graduation Application, and it's the name that will be included in the commencement program. If necessary, to make sure your name is pronounced correctly, write directly on your card the best way to say your name out loud.

If you prefer to have a different first name (other than your legal name) printed on your name card and/or used in the commencement program, please submit the Graduation Name in Use form by April 4, 2025.

Tickets are not required for graduate commencement (there is ample seating); however, tickets are required for undergraduate commencement.

Undergrads, pick up your tickets during the Graduation Fair and keep them in a safe spot (we CANNOT replace them if lost). You are allotted up to five (5) tickets for guests (a ticket is NOT needed for yourself). Tickets are general admittance; seating is open and not assigned. For guests in wheelchairs, accessibility tickets are available upon request during ticket pickup. Any guest who will be occupying a seat needs a ticket (infants aged 2 or under who will be sitting on a lap will not need a ticket).

Tickets are complimentary, have NO MONETARY VALUE, and may not be bought or sold (this is considered a university violation and will trigger the conduct review process). 

How can I get extra tickets for undergraduate commencement?

After all Graduation Fairs have concluded, JWU will distribute unclaimed tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Instructions will be posted to the commencement group in jwuLink.

If you have tickets you don't plan to use, please give them to other students who've asked for them; or return them to the University Events office (Friedman Center). Students may post reasonable requests for extra tickets in the commencement group in jwuLink.

Tickets should NEVER be sold or bought (this is considered a university violation and will trigger the conduct review process).

When is the Graduation Fair?

This is where you will get your name card, pick up guest tickets (undergrads only), and check in with various departments and programs who will answer questions, review your account, chat about your plans, offer congratulations, and more! In addition, professional photographers will be present during the fair for graduation portraits (there are limited spots, so please register in advance).

Please review the commencement group in jwuLink for Graduation Fair dates, times, and instructions. If you cannot appear in person, please email events@jwu.edu with a detailed message to make alternate arrangements.

If I have federal student loans, do I need to complete Student Loan Exit Counseling before going to the Graduation Fair? What is exit counseling?

If you are finishing your final classes/credits in the current term, then yes. Please complete exit counseling online at studentaid.gov.

If you will be finishing remaining classes/credits in a later term, then no. Please wait until your final semester to complete exit counseling.

Remember, repayment for most loans starts six (6) months after you leave school. Before leaving school, you are required to complete online exit counseling with the Department of Education. The purpose of exit counseling is to ensure you understand your student loan obligations and are prepared for repayment. You'll learn what your federal student loan payments will look like and receive a recommended repayment strategy that best suits your future plans and goals.