Directions for all Undergraduate Students

Academic Costume

Caps, gowns, and hoods must be purchased from Jostens at the Georgetown University Bookstore from February 7 – May 16. Below are the special bookstore hours during Commencement week:

  • Monday, May 11– Friday, May 15: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 16: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Caps, gowns, and hoods are boxed a month in advance of Commencement. It is recommended that the academic costume be obtained as early as possible so that any wrinkles may hang out.

The cost of the undergraduate academic regalia is $85.00. If you still have your gown from New Student Convocation, you will only need to purchase the cap, tassel and hood which costs $53.00. Since caps, gowns, and hoods are purchased, there is no necessity to return them.

Senior class convocation – Thursday, May 14, 2020 (McDonough Arena)

The Senior Convocation marks the official inauguration of the University’s 2020 Commencement Ceremonies. It will take place on Thursday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. The procession will form at 1:00 p.m. on the sidewalk between the Jesuit Residence and Southwest Quad Dorms. Students will walk with their friends, irrespective of school or alphabetical order. Academic gowns will be worn. Hoods are not worn. Caps are optional.

In the event of inclement weather, the procession will form in McDonough Tent. More information will be sent to each member of the senior class via e-mail.

Undergraduate commencement ceremonies – Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 2020

Specific directions for the academic procession for commencement will be distributed by the office of the dean.

In the event of inclement weather, the Commencement Exercises scheduled for Healy Lawn will be held in McDonough Arena. A change to the rain site for Commencement will be the decision of the individual Dean’s Office close to the time of the ceremony. If in doubt, please call the University Weather Line at (202) 687.7669 or check our Commencement website.

Baccalaureate Mass – Sunday, May 17, 2020 

Assembly

Since your degrees will have already been conferred (except for Law and Med), hoods as well as caps and gowns are to be worn at Mass. The tassel on the cap is to be worn on the side of the left eye at all times. Graduates will receive further instructions regarding Baccalaureate Mass in May.

Timetable

8:40 a.m. – Graduates line up
8:55 a.m. – Procession begins
9:00 a.m. – Ceremony begins

Recessional

There will be a recessional of graduates following the Baccalaureate Mass. Follow the directions of the Chief Marshal in exiting from the seating area. Graduates and their guests may proceed to the Commencement Brunch which will immediately follow mass (tickets are not required).