Cap/Gown, Name Card & Tickets
Please review all of the below FAQs. Note: Reminders will be emailed to eligible Providence-based students when it is time to complete these activities.
How do I get my graduation cap & gown?
The cap & gown order website opens November 1, 2025. Place an online order by no later than March 2, 2026 for the campus pickup option or April 13, 2026 for the ship-to-home option (we recommend the ship-to-home option). Costs and payment options are detailed on the ordering website. If necessary, visit the campus bookstore to make an exchange or in-person purchase. To remove wrinkles from your gown, tumble dry it on low in a dryer (DO NOT IRON) and then place it on a hanger.
Recommended: Wear professional clothing attire with comfortable dress shoes.
Who gets a tassel and who gets a graduation hood? How do I wear them?
A tassel is provided along with the cap in all graduation regalia orders. Place the tassel on the front-RIGHT of the cap if you're receiving an associate or bachelor's degree; place it on the front-LEFT of the cap if you're receiving a graduate degree.
A graduation hood (pictured below) is included in all graduation regalia orders (except for associate degree-only candidates). The hood is worn to symbolize a person's academic achievement and degree. Hoods vary in length, shape, and color; a hood reflects the wearer's degree, discipline, and institution. Place the hood over your shoulders and then unfold it to expose the colors.
Who gets a graduation cord?
A cord is a rope-like strand worn during graduation to represent an academic achievement, affiliation, or legacy. To wear a graduation cord, place it around your neck over your gown, ensuring both ends hang evenly in the front. Adjust the cords to be symmetrical and secure them at the back of your neck with a safety pin to prevent them from slipping. JWU recognizes two types of cords 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.
Who gets a graduation stole?
A stole is a decorative sash worn during graduation to represent a student's academic achievements, extracurriculars, and other affiliations. To wear a graduation stole, drape it over your head so it rests on your shoulders, ensuring it is centered and balanced with equal lengths on both sides. JWU recognizes one type of stole only:
- 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 nickname or preferred 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). If you are part of the Graduate Studies Ceremony, you do not need to attend the Graduation Fair - instead, your card will be ready for you the day of commencement at the AMP (pick up your card after passing through the entrance for grads).
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 3, 2026.
Are tickets required for commencement? How many tickets do I get?
Tickets are required for the Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony, and are issued directly to the student. Tickets are complimentary, and may not be bought or sold (this is considered a university violation and will trigger the conduct review process).
- Pick up 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, which means seating is open and not assigned.
- For guests in wheelchairs, tickets for specified accessibility areas 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 an adult's lap for the duration of the ceremony will not need a ticket.
Tickets are not required for the Graduate Studies Graduation Ceremony (there is ample seating).
Can I get extra tickets for the Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony?
After all Graduation Fairs have concluded (in April), JWU will distribute unclaimed tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Instructions will be posted to the Providence 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).
What is the Graduation Fair? When is it?
As a graduating student, at the Grad Fair, you will:
- Pick up your commencement name card (all students), gold cord (undergrads only with a 3.5 or higher GPS as of fall), and guest tickets (undergrads only).
- Check in with staff from various offices who will chat about your plans, answer questions, and offer congrats.
- While supplies last, enjoy sweet treats and get free swag.
- If interested, sit for senior portrait photos (limited spots, appointment required, small fee).
Grad Fair dates, times, and locations are posted to the Providence Commencement group in jwuLink. Upcoming fairs include:
- Spring Graduation Fair & Senior Portraits (Downcity) on Wed, Apr 1, 10:00am - 4:30pm @ Pepsi Forum (Wales Hall)
- Spring Graduation Fair & Senior Portraits (Harborside) on Thu, Apr 2, 10:00am - 4:30pm @ The Wildcat Center, Student Lounge (2nd Floor)
Are you in a master's or other graduate program? It is not required that you attend this fair. Instead, your commencement name card will be ready for you when you arrive at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Pick up your card after passing through the security entrance for grads (back of arena). As a reminder, tickets are not needed for the Graduate Studies Graduation Ceremony.
If I have federal student loans, do I need to complete Student Loan Exit Counseling? What is exit counseling?
- If you are finishing your final classes/credits in the current term, then yes, 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.
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.