Eligibility & Diplomas
Which students are eligible to participate in commencement? The following Providence Campus students are eligible to attend 2013 Commencement and will have their names printed in the commencement program
- As of March 22, 2013, enrolled in the spring term with a graduation term of spring 2013, summer 2013 or fall 2013 for a degree program
- Awarded a degree in the fall 2012 or winter 2012-13 terms.
Do I get my diploma at commencement? No. Diplomas are not distributed at commencement. Graduates are given a diploma cover containing a letter from the Alumni Association.
When and how do I get my diploma? Upon graduation, your degree will be awarded. Your academic transcript will reflect this achievement. The graduation review process takes three to four business weeks following the end of a term. Once awarded, your diploma will be printed and mailed to the address specified on your graduation application in jwuLink. After you have been verified as a graduate, please allow up to 3 additional weeks for your diploma to arrive. Diplomas will be issued provided all financial obligations with the university have been met and there are no other holds or outstanding issues on your record (e.g., outstanding library fee, unreturned athletic gear).
What’s the difference between graduation & commencement? Graduation refers to actually receiving a degree or certificate of completion once Johnson & Wales University has verified you as having met all degree or certificate requirements. Commencement is a ceremony. It is an opportunity for students, families, friends, and the JWU community to celebrate their academic accomplishments. Participation in commencement does not mean that students have graduated. Students must satisfy all graduation requirements before officially graduating and receiving a diploma.
If I’m eligible to attend commencement, how do I get my cap and gown? Please refer to the cap & gown steps.
I’m finishing my associate degree now and continuing on for a bachelor’s degree. Do I have to attend commencement now or can I wait? Each degree has its own separate graduation date. You have the option to attend commencement this year for your associate degree or you can wait to attend commencement in the year when you finish your bachelor's degree. Or, you can attend both commencements. It's your choice; your name will be printed in the program regardless of attendance at commencement. If you plan to wait to attend commencement, you are not required to complete exit counseling now.
I cannot or do not want to attend commencement. Do I need to tell anyone? Will my name be printed in the commencement program? No notice is required if you are not attending. Your name will be printed in the program regardless of attendance, but it will not be announced since you will not be in attendance to cross the stage.
If I am not attending commencement, do I still need to complete exit counseling? If you have student loans, yes — this is a requirement.