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GW Commencement on the National Mall - Sunday, May 18, 2025

Important Dates

Elliott School Student Speaker Competition

As you count down the days until graduation, you're probably beginning to reflect on your Elliott School experience. If the feelings of nostalgia inspire you to share your story and bestow words of wisdom and hopes for the future onto your fellow classmates, we want to hear from you. 

We are looking for one student to represent the graduating class of 2025 as the Elliott School Student Speaker.

One student will be selected to share their experiences, lessons learned, and words of encouragement on stage in front of fellow graduates, family, friends, faculty and staff at the Elliott School Celebration on May 16, 2025.

Eligibility

Undergraduate and Graduate students in good standing are eligible to apply.

Students must meet one of the following criteria:

• graduated in Summer 2024 (did not attend 2024 commencement)
• graduated Fall 2024
• applied or planning to apply to graduate in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025

Submission Process

Prepare and upload the following:

• A speech of less than 4 minutes that is of general interest to graduates, faculty, staff and guests and is relevant to graduation. The speech you submit should be the one you intend to deliver for the Elliott School Celebration.
• a video or audio recording of your speech
• statement of interest
• short bio (100 words or less)

The Competition will open Monday, February 10 and will close on Sunday, March 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No late submissions will be accepted. Students chosen for auditions will be contacted via email by March 20.

SUBMIT YOUR SPEECH

Apply to Graduate

Spring 2025 graduates must submit a Graduation Application in GWeb by March 14, 2025.

Summer graduates who plan to attend the May commencement ceremony must apply for graduation after registering for summer 2025 courses no later than April 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am finishing my degree in the summer, can I participate in commencement?

Yes, just apply for summer graduation in GWeb by April 1, after you register for summer courses, to ensure you are included in the commencement program.

If I am a fall 2024 graduate, can I participate in commencement? 

Yes, all fall 2024 graduates are eligible to participate and will be included in communications.

What if I miss the March 18 (or April 1 for summer) application deadlines in GWeb?

You can still apply for graduation in GWeb, but inclusion in the celebration program cannot be guaranteed due to publishing deadlines. 

What if I didn’t receive a confirmation after applying to graduate?

You can check DegreeMAP to confirm that the application is on file.

If an application is on file for you, then you will see the words "Sought-Applied to Graduate" or "Applied Late Degree Clearance" in the "Graduation Application" field on your DegreeMAP audit. This is located near the top, in the same section as your name, GWID, Major, etc.

Does the Elliott School provide graduation cords or stoles?

Cords are handled by each organization. If you are involved in a group that you know or think might provide cords or stoles for graduation, we encourage you to contact that organization. If you are an Elliott School Dean's Scholar, you will be contacted about graduation cords for that program. Otherwise, there are no cords associated with Elliott School degree programs and Elliott does not provide cords or stoles for Latin Honors.

Are there two ceremonies for graduation? Which should I attend?

Yes, there is an Elliott School ceremony on May 16 AND a GW-wide commencement ceremony on May 18. You can attend both and the content will be different at each event! At the Elliott School ceremony, each graduating student will be recognized individually and cross the stage.

Please also refer to the University Commencement site for additional Frequently Asked Questions and answers.

Accessibility

GW is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. Please see the information regarding Smith Center and National Mall accessibility on the University Commencement website.

Questions?

Contact us at [email protected].

View Past Celebrations

Contact us at [email protected] with questions.