Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., University Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony is for all 2024 graduates along with previous graduates returning to walk.

Schedule of Events:

For Commencement on May 2^nd, students should arrive by 6:00 and meet at the practice soccer field for line up.

For Recognition events on May 3^rd, students should arrive an hour before their ceremony. For events in Spangler stadium, students will meet at the practice soccer field. For events in LYCC, students will meet in the Dover Theatre.

So that we might prepare for your presence at the graduation services, we ask that you confirm your participation in May Commencement by April 12, 2024.

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, and will wear full regalia to the recognition event as well.

You are all encouraged to purchase your attire by March 27, 2024 to ensure that you receive your order in time for the May 2 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 in the 4 cohorts 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, 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 Thursday.

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