2025 Commencement Celebration Schedule
In addition to the law school diploma celebration, we are recognizing our 2025 graduates in many other ways. View the celebration event schedule below. Stay tuned for future updates on commencement events.
Official Law Event Commencement Schedule
Order Academic Regalia
Deadline to Order: Wednesday, April 2
In the dropdown menu, please select either the JD option or the LLM, MSL, or SJD option
Commencement Photoshoot
Monday, May 12 | 9 am-Noon
Tuesday, May 13 | 9-11 am
Constitution Gardens on the National Mall
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!
Dean's Reception
Friday, May 16
7-9 pm
National Portrait Gallery
Each graduate will receive 4 electronic tickets for themselves, family and friends
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.
Pro Bono Recognition Celebration
Saturday, May 17
11 am
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.
Academic Awards Celebration
Saturday, May 17
3 pm
Betts Theatre, University Student Center
Invitation Only
The Academic Awards 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. A live-steam will be available on the website at 3 pm.
University-Wide Commencement Celebration
Sunday, May 18
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.
| 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
Class of 2025 Photo
Sunday, May 18
1:15 pm
The Class of 2025 photograph will be taken at Potomac Square on G Street between 20th and 21st St, NW, Washington, DC.
Law School Diploma Celebration
Sunday, May 18
3 pm
Charles E. Smith Center
Limit 5 guests
Doors will open for guests at 2 pm
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. A live-steam will be available on the website at 3 pm.
SBA Events
Join us for fun events leading up to the Law School Diploma Ceremony! If you have any questions, please email sbapresident
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu (sbapresident[at]law[dot]gwu[dot]edu).
| Event | Date/Time | Location | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bus City Tour at Night | May 12 at 7 pm | Pick-up & Drop-off at GW Law (2000 H Street) | Reserve Tickets (Guest $10+fees) |
| Sunset River Cruise on Potomac | May 13 at 7 pm | Georgetown Harbor - should arrive around 6:30 pm | Reserve Tickets (Guest $15+fees) |
| Mini Golf at Swingers | May 14 at 3 pm | Dupont Circle Location (1330 19th St NW) | Reserve Tickets (Guest $10+fees) |
| Sip and Paint | May 15 at 2 pm | Student Conference Center (SCC) | Reserve Tickets (Guest $10+fees) |
| Dean's Reception Afterparty | May 16 at 10 pm | Pearl Street Warehouse |
FAQs
- I didn't get a ticket for a SBA event I wanted.
That is okay, please add yourself to the waitlist. We will try to add more capacity as it becomes available.
- Can I bring a guest?
Of course, however, we will charge them a small fee. We only have a limited number of guest tickets because we would like to prioritize students. If your guest doesn't get a ticket, please add them to the waitlist!
- Are these family friendly events?
Some events are! Monday's open-top bus tour and Tuesday's Potomac River cruise are family-friendly. However, Wednesday's mini golf and Thursday's sip and paint are 21+.
- What happens when I'm on the waitlist?
If someone cancels their ticket, you will be notified in order you are added to the waitlist. We will also use the waitlist to gauge interest to add more capacity, for example, we will be able to add another bus to the night tour, and another boat for the river tour.
Special Notes
Accessibility - GW is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have questions about accommodations, contact Disability Support Services at dssgwu [dot] edu (dss[at]gwu[dot]edu) or visit our Accessibility information webpage. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Lodging - There are many options for lodging across the DC area, including some options that are close to the National Mall. Be sure to ask any hotel if they offer a discount for the weekend of GW’s Commencement.
University Celebration and Activities - For a complete schedule of university and law school activities throughout Commencement Week, please visit the GW commencement website.
GW Commencement FAQs - Find answers to frequently asked questions about GW Commencement.