Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

Information for Graduates, Family and Friends

Commencement will be held May 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Spangler Stadium. Ticket information, schedules, parking and more can be found below:

Spring 2025 Commencement Information

Commencement will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in Spangler Stadium. Doctoral students will be hooded during this ceremony. ln addition, all participating students will have the opportunity to have their name read and to walk across the stage.

For Commencement on May 8th, students should arrive by 5:30 p.m. Students should report to the practice soccer field for line up.

So that we might prepare for your presence at the ceremonies, we ask that you confirm your participation in Commencement by April 1, 2025.

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 Thursday.

You are all encouraged to purchase your attire by March 28, 2025 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 undergrad & master graduation candidates.
  • The “Fine Quality Regalia” icon is for Doctoral candidates to order their special custom GWU regalia.

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

Undergraduate academic honor recipients will be presented with cords before Thursday’s ceremony. Other cords (clubs, organizations, honor societies, etc.) should be provided to recipients prior to the ceremony.

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

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
  • 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*