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 4 year 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
➔ 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)
➔ March 4: Deadline to place an order for on-campus pickup at the Spring Graduation Fair (Downcity or Harborside)
➔ April 6 and after: Go to the JWU Bookstore if you placed a late pickup order or did not attend a grad fair
➔ April 12: Deadline to place an order for the homeship option
➔ Exchanges or late purchases: Visit the JWU Bookstore in person
Name Card
- 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.
Undergraduate Program Students:
- Pick up your card at a Graduation Fair (see below)
- Keep your card in a safe spot and bring it with you to the Amica Mutual Pavilion
Graduate Program Students:
- Pick up your card when you arrive at the Amica Mutual Pavilion
- After you pass through the security check, stop at the welcome table to get your card
- You do not need to attend a Graduation Fair
Tickets
- Tickets are required for all guests attending Undergraduate Commencement (graduating students do not need tickets for themselves).
- Tickets are not required for guests attending Graduate Studies Commencement (this is a smaller ceremony and there is ample seating).
Pickup Instructions:
- Pick up commencement tickets at a Graduation Fair (see below)
- Keep them in a safe spot, we CANNOT replace lost tickets
Ticket Policies:
- Eeach graduating student is allotted five (5) 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
- To use wheelchair/accessibility sections, guests must have Wheelchair Accessibility Tickets — graduating students must request these tickets during ticket pickup
Extra Tickets:
- After all Graduation Fairs have concluded, JWU will distribute unclaimed tickets to graduating students on a first-come, first-served basis on Extra Ticket Day on April 15, 2027
- Unused tickets may be given freely to others in need or returned to the University Events office (Friedman Center)
- Students may post reasonable requests for extra tickets in the Providence Commencement community in jwuLink
Graduation Fair (for Undergraduate Students)
- This is where you pick up your commencement name card, tickets, and Gold Cord if you qualify (3.5 or higher GPA as of fall).
- Plus, get free JWU branded bag, stickers, and treats while checking in with various offices who will chat about your plans, answer questions, and offer congrats.
- In addition, professional photographers will be present to take senior portraits for a small fee – signup info will be announced in jwuLink.
Dates:
- Dec 1, 2026, 9:30am-4pm @ Pepsi Forum (Wales Hall): Fall Graduation Fair — Fall Grads & Students Off Campus During Spring
- Apr 5, 2027, 9am-4pm @ Pepsi Forum (Wales Hall): Spring Graduation Fair — Downcity
- Apr 6, 2027, 9am-4pm @ Wildcat Center, 2nd Floor Lounge: Spring Graduation Fair — Harborside