JWU

Commencement Regalia & Tickets

Graduation Regalia

This is the traditional ceremonial clothing worn during commencement to visually represent an academic degree, field of study, and JWU’s institutional heritage.

Cap:

  • Flat, square hat (also called a mortarboard)

Gown:

  • Formal ceremonial robe
  • To remove wrinkles, tumble dry it on low in a dryer and place on a hanger (DO NOT IRON)
  • Under the gown, wear professional clothing attire with comfortable dress shoes

Tassel:

  • Decorative pendant made of bundled threads attached to the center button of the cap
  • Undergrad programs: Place the tassel on the front-RIGHT of the cap
  • Grad programs: Place the tassel on the front-LEFT of the cap

Hood:

  • Decorative cape-like garment worn around the neck that drapes down the back
  • Hood colors and sizes vary to represent the wearer’s degree level or field of study
  • Hoods are worn by all degree candidates EXCEPT those earning associate degrees
  • How to wear: Place the hood over your head so it drapes down your back with the velvet side facing up and the small tapered end resting against the front of your neck

Stole:

  • Decorative scarf-like sash worn draped over the shoulders to show special achievements or group memberships
  • JWU issues one type of stole: Honors Gold Stole
    • Distributed by the Honors Program director to undergraduate degree recipients in the Honors Program who have a 3.4 or higher GPA as of the fall semester
  • How to wear: Put the middle of the stole behind your neck > drape both matching sides evenly over your front shoulders > let the pointed ends hang down toward your knees > pin the fabric to your gown if it slides

Cord:

  • Thin, twisted rope accessory worn around the neck to recognize special achievements or group memberships
  • JWU issues two types of cords:
    • Gold Cord: Undergraduate degree recipients with a 3.5 or higher GPA as of the fall semester (distributed at the Graduation Fair)
    • Blue & White Cord: Undergraduate degree recipients who are student-athletes bachelor’s degree candidates with a 3.5 or higher GPA or members of CAT, FSLT, OA, RA, SGA, and UIB/CAB Executive Board (distributed by advisors, managers, and coaches)
  • How to wear: Drape the center of the cord around the back of your neck so that the two equal ends hang down symmetrically over the front of your gown
Order Your Graduation Regalia

➔ November 1 and after: Go to the order website to complete your purchase, which includes cap, gown, tassel, and hood (hood n/a for associate degree regalia) — the homeship option is recommended

➔ April 6 and after: Go to the JWU Bookstore if you placed a pickup order

➔ April 12: Deadline to place an order for the homeship option

➔ Exchanges or late purchases: Visit the JWU Bookstore in person

Name Card

  • Pick up your card when you arrive at the coliseum, after you pass through the security check.
  • This card is used by announcers to read your name out loud when you cross the commencement stage (there is no alphabetical order).
  • To ensure correct pronunciation, write directly on your card the best way to say your name out loud.
  • Printed name for the Name Card and the Commencement Program will match what is listed on your Graduation Application.
  • To have a different name printed on your name card or in the Commencement Program, submit the Graduation Name in Use form by April 2, 2027.

Tickets

  • Tickets are required for all guests attending commencement (graduating students do not need tickets for themselves).

Pickup Instructions:

  • Pick up commencement tickets at a Grad Grab & Go (see below)
  • Keep them in a safe spot, we CANNOT replace lost tickets

Ticket Policies:

  • Each graduating student is allotted six (6) commencement tickets
  • Each guest occupying a seat needs a ticket; however, infants aged 2 or under who will be sitting on an adult’s lap for the duration of the ceremony do not need a ticket
  • Tickets are complimentary, have no cash value and cannot be purchased
  • The sale of commencement tickets is prohibited and will trigger the conduct review process

Commencement Seating:

  • Tickets are general admittance, there is no assigned seating

Extra Tickets:

  • After all Grad Grab & Go events have concluded, JWU will distribute unclaimed tickets to graduating students on a first-come, first-served basis (look for notices in the Charlotte Commencement community in jwuLink)
  • Unused tickets may be given freely to others in need or returned to the Executive Office (Academic Center, Floor 5)
  • Students may post reasonable requests for extra tickets in the Charlotte Commencement community in jwuLink

Grad Grab & Go

Go to any Grad Grab & Go taking place on campus May 3-5 to pick up your commencement tickets and your Gold Cord if you qualify (3.5 higher GPA as of fall).