Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

Information for Graduates, Family and Friends

Commencement will be held Friday, December 15, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at the Paul Porter Arena in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. The Commencement Ceremony will be followed by College or School Recognition events at various locations on campus. Ticket information, weather plans, schedules, parking and more can be found below:

Friday, December 15, 9:00 AM, University Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony is for all 2023 graduates along with previous graduates returning to walk.

Schedule of Events:

 

Time Event Type Location
9:00 AM University Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony LYCC
11:00 AM College of Health Sciences Recognition Event LYCC
11:00 AM School of Divinity Recognition Event Dover Chapel
1:00 PM College of Business Recognition Event LYCC
3:00 PM College of Arts & Sciences Recognition Event Dover Theatre
5:00 PM College of Education Recognition Ceremony Dover Theatre

So that we might prepare for your presence at the graduation services, we ask that you confirm your participation in December Commencement  by November 10, 2023.

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.

Doctoral candidates will be hooded on Friday, and should will wear full regalia to the recognition event as well.

You may order from: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1052325/Gardner-Webb-University/

Undergraduate academic honor recipients will be presented with cords before Friday’s ceremony, and should plan to wear these to the recognition event. Other cords (clubs, organizations, honor societies, etc.) should be provided to recipients before arrival on Friday.

Yes, you should wear your academic regalia to both the Friday graduation ceremony and the recognition event.

Your diploma will be shipped to your home address directly from Jostens. These should arrive approximately 6-8 weeks after the ceremony

Some restricted items include but are not limited to:

  • Food/Drink – bottled water is acceptable
  • Bags *must be clear
  • Umbrellas
  • Strollers

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.

**We will be making updates to the FAQ please continue to check back here in the future*