Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

Spring 2026 Commencement Information

Gardner Webb University will host Spring Commencement Ceremonies on Friday, May 8, 2026, in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center.

• 9:00 am – Undergraduate Ceremony:
  Includes all bachelor’s and associate degree candidates. Participating students will have their name called to walk across the stage.

• 2:00 pm – Graduate Ceremony:
  Includes all master’s and doctoral candidates. Participating students will have their name called and be hooded on stage.

The Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center is located on our beautiful campus at 110 South Main St, Boiling Springs, NC 28017.

View GWU Campus Map

• 9:00 am – Undergraduate Ceremony:
  Students graduating with a bachelor’s or associate degree will participate in this ceremony and should arrive between 8:00-8:15 am. Students should report to the Bost Gym for check-in and line up.

  Family and guests should proceed directly to the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Doors will be open by 7:30 am.

• 2:00 pm – Graduate Ceremony:
  Students graduating with a master’s or doctoral degree will participate in this ceremony and should arrive between 1:00-1:15 pm. Students should report to the Bost Gym for check-in and line up.

  Family and guests should proceed directly to the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Doors will be open by 12:30 pm.

So that we might prepare for your presence at the ceremony, we ask that graduates confirm your participation in Commencement by March 18, 2026.

RSVP Today

Tickets are not required.

Directional signs and uniformed officers will be available to guide visitors. There will be a variety of parking options on throughout campus.

Graduate candidates will be hooded during the ceremony.

You are all encouraged to purchase your attire by March 13, 2026 to ensure that you receive your order in time for commencement. Please place your order early!

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1052325/Gardner-Webb-University/

• The “Graduation Caps & Gowns” icon is for all graduates including bachelor, master, and doctoral candidates.
• The “Fine Quality Regalia” icon is optional for doctoral candidates who wish to order finer quality regalia for long-term use.

If you have questions, you will need to contact Jostens customer service number at 1-800-854-7464 to order graduation gowns.

Undergraduate Latin honors recipients will be presented with cords at student checkin before the ceremony. Other cords (clubs, organizations, honor societies, etc.) should be provided to recipients prior to the ceremony.

Eligibility for undergraduate Latin honors can be found in the Academic Catalog under Graduation Honors.

Yes, you should wear your academic regalia to the Commencement ceremony.

Your diploma will be shipped directly from Jostens to the mailing address provided on your graduation application. Please allow approximately 6-8 weeks for delivery.

If you have already submitted your RSVP, and need to identify a member of your party that may need accommodations, we ask that you complete the form below:

Commencement Accommodations

The University will make accommodations and auxiliary aids available to persons with disabilities attending officially sanctioned University events upon request ten (10) working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] to make a request.

The ceremony will be available on the Gardner-Webb website, livestreamed on Facebook, and on YouTube.

Gardner-Webb University Website
Gardner-Webb University Facebook
Gardner-Webb University Youtube Channel