2023 Commencement Celebration Schedule
In addition to the law school diploma celebration, we are recognizing our 2023 graduates in many other ways. View the full celebration event schedule below. Stay tuned for future updates on commencement events.
Commencement registration is now open! Before registering, make sure you:
If you have questions about commencement, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or contact [email protected]. Registration will close on May 12, 2023.
Order Academic Regalia
Deadline to Order: Thursday, April 13, 2023
Rental caps, gowns, and hoods will be provided to all law school graduates through the Jostens. Please order your regalia before the deadline. JD and SJD candidates should select the "Doctorate Tam, Gown, Tassel, Hood" and MSL and LLM candidates should select the "Master Tam, Gown, Hood."
5 Conversations with Justice Breyer
Tuesday, May 16
4:30 pm
Jack Morton Auditorium
In the second installment of the series, 5 Conversations with Justice Stephen Breyer, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will be interviewed by Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew about Harvard Law School (student and teacher), Justice Goldberg clerkship, and the Antitrust Division.
Graduate Photo at the Lincoln Memorial
Tuesday, May 16 from 8-10 am
Wednesday, May 17 from 8-11 am
Lincoln Memorial
Sign up coming soon
Commemorate completing your law degree with an #OnlyAtGW photo! To kick off the festivities, join Dean Matthew, friends, and classmates for a very special photo shoot at the Lincoln Memorial. Photos will be offered on two days, May 16 from 8-10 am and May 17 from 8-11 am. More information and sign up coming soon.
Dean's Reception
Friday, May 19
7-9 pm
National Portrait Gallery
Limit 3 guests
The Dean’s Reception will be held at the National Portrait Gallery (Smithsonian Institution) at 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC. Each graduate will receive 3 electronic tickets for family and friends.
Registration now open
Academic Awards Ceremony
Saturday, May 20
11 am
Betts Theatre, University Student Center
Invitation Only
The Academic Awards Ceremony will be held at Betts Theatre, University Student Center, 800 21st Street NW, Washington, DC. Please note that this event is by invitation only. More information coming soon.
Registration now open
Pro Bono Recognition Celebration
Saturday, May 20
3 pm
Betts Theatre, University Student Center
Invitation Only
The Pro Bono Recognition Celebration will be held at Betts Theatre, University Student Center, 800 21st Street NW, Washington, DC. Please note that this event is by invitation only. More information coming soon.
Registration now open
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Friday, May 13 | 7:30 am - 9 pm |
| Saturday, May 14 | 7:30 am - 9 pm |
| Sunday, May 15 | 7 am - 5 pm |
Location
Science and Engineering Hall
800 22nd Street, NW
Washington, DC
University-Wide Commencement Celebration
Sunday, May 21
10:30 am
National Mall
Limit 6 guests
The University Commencement Ceremony on the Mall will begin with an academic procession at 10 am, and remarks will begin at 10:30 am. Each graduate will receive 6 electronic tickets for family and friends.
Registration now open
Class of 2023 Photo
Sunday, May 21
1:15 pm
The Class of 2023 photograph will be taken on the corner of 20th and G Streets, NW, Washington, DC.
Law School Diploma Celebration
Sunday, May 21
3 pm
Charles E. Smith Center
Limit 5 guests
The Law School Diploma Ceremony will be held at the Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC. The academic procession will begin at Funger Hall at 2:30 pm, and remarks will begin at 3 pm. Each graduate will receive 5 electronic tickets for family and friends.
Registration now open
Special Notes
Guests and Registration - Registration is now open!
Accessibility - GW is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have questions about accommodations, contact Disability Support Services at [email protected] or visit our Accessibility information webpage. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
COVID-19 Requirements - We ask all of our guests to self-monitor for COVID symptoms throughout the week. If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms before or during your arrival to campus, please stay home and/or seek medical attention. Currently, masks are not required for indoor Commencement events, and while the university encourages guests to be vaccinated and fully boosted, visitors are not required to produce proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. For more information on GW’s COVID-19 health protocols, visit coronavirus.gwu.edu.
University Celebration and Activities - For a complete schedule of university and law school activities throughout Commencement Week, please visit commencement.gwu.edu.