2025 FAQ
Q. When will I receive my diploma?
A. Diplomas will be shipped to all students (except for Graduate School) early in the summer. All diplomas should be delivered by mid-July, provided that we have a valid mailing address on file and that the students do not have financial holds.
If a student receives a damaged diploma, they should take photos of the damage and email them to us at studentrecords@georgetown.edu, and we will file a claim with Jostens for a replacement.
Q. Do my family and friends need tickets for commencement ceremonies?
A. All commencement ceremonies (except for the School of Health), the Senior Convocation and the Baccalaureate Mass are planned as outdoor events. Outdoor ceremonies do not require tickets, and seating is available first-come, first-serve. The School of Health Commencement ceremony will take place in Gaston Hall, rain or shine, and will require tickets.
In the event of severe weather, outdoor ceremonies are moved to the rain site, McDonough Gymnasium. Because of space capacity at McDonough Gymnasium, rain site tickets may be required. The process for claiming them will be communicated by each school and will be provided on each school’s commencement website as needed. Guests that are not able to secure rain site tickets will be able to view the ceremony livestream.
Q. What if I need to request an accommodation?
A. Requests for special seating accommodations, as well as wheelchair requests, should be submitted through the dean’s office of whichever school’s ceremony you are trying to attend. Students should do this when registering with their Dean’s office through the Marching Order process. Students will receive more information about this in the spring semester. All of the commencement ceremonies have ASL interpreters.
Q. Will the Commencement ceremonies be livestreamed?
A. Yes, the ceremonies will be broadcast live on the University Facebook page.
Q: Are there any items not permitted at Commencement events?
A. For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, we ask that you leave the following items at home: weapons (including pocket knives), non-collapsible umbrellas, metal or glass containers (there will be water stations throughout campus), backpacks or large bags, brooms or poles, animals (except service animals), noisemakers (including loudspeakers, cow bells, air horns, bullhorns and whistles), large signs or hanging items that block the views of others, drones, and skateboards, hoverboards or non-ADA use scooters (bicycles should be parked at designated bike racks).
Q: How is Georgetown ensuring that Commencement is safe and celebratory?
A: Our focus is on celebrating the graduates and their families. We are monitoring events in the region and across the nation and we have enhanced security and planning. As we plan for many scenarios, we maintain a commitment to our Speech and Expression policy, which ensures freedom of expression but does not permit disruptions.
Q. How do I obtain my academic regalia (i.e., robes, hoods, caps/tassels)?
A. Academic regalia is required to participate in the commencement ceremony and can be purchased in-person or online from the University bookstore. Students must have a gown, hood, and cap/tassel or tam/tassel for the ceremony. Stoles and keepsake tassels are available for purchase but are not required.
If undergraduate students have their robe from their New Student Convocation, they only have to purchase their cap/tassel and hood; otherwise, they should purchase the complete regalia package.
For graduate and professional students, please refer to your school’s website for information on how to obtain your academic regalia.