Commencement - Gardner-Webb University
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Commencement
About Gardner-Webb
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Office of the Registrar
Commencement
Commencement is a ceremony steeped in tradition and celebration! Gardner-Webb Commencement ceremonies bring together faculty, staff, friends and family to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Commencement ceremonies are held twice per academic year in fall (December) and spring (May). Summer graduates are invited to attend fall Commencement.
Fall Commencement
Friday, December 11, 2026
Ceremony Time TBA
Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center
Gardner-Webb University
110 South Main St
Boiling Springs, NC 28017
Spring Commencement
Friday, May 08, 2026
Undergraduate Ceremony
9:00am
Graduate Ceremony
2:00pm
Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center
Gardner-Webb University
110 South Main St
Boiling Springs, NC 28017
Apply for Graduation
Apply For Graduation
Auxiliary Aid Request Form
Commencement FAQ
Commencement RSVP
Download Press Release Template
Graduation Information
Local Accommodations
Order Cap, Gown & Regalia
Order Replacement Diploma
Commencement FAQ
Graduation Information
Participation in Commencement
Students should first apply for the graduation term in which you will complete your degree requirements. So that we prepare for your attendance, students please confirm if you will or will not attend Commencement by using our RSVP link below. Guests do not need to RSVP.
Apply For Graduation
Student RSVP for upcoming Commencement ceremony
Guests do not need to RSVP.
Commencement RSVP
Petition to Walk Early
Eligible graduates may petition to walk early if all degree and graduation requirements are met and you will have no more than two (2) outstanding courses totaling six (6) credit hours or less remaining to complete all degree requirements. Inquiries can be sent to
[email protected]
. Students graduating in previous terms who wish to participate in a future Commencement should contact the Registrar’s Office:
[email protected]
Cap, gown, regalia ordering link
Order Cap, Gown & Regalia
Diplomas
Students will receive a diploma cover as you cross the stage at Commencement. All graduates will receive a diploma. Diplomas are ordered and will be shipped directly from Jostens to the mailing address provided on your graduation application. Please allow approximately 6-8 weeks from your degree conferral date for delivery. Anyone needing to order a
replacement
diploma, please visit this page:
Order Replacement Diploma
Tickets
Tickets are not currently required for guests.
Commencement Accommodations
Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request. Please submit requests at least 10 days prior to your Commencement event. To identify a member of your party that may need accommodations, we ask that you complete this form
Auxiliary Aid Request Form
Places to Stay Near Gardner-Webb University
Local Accommodations
Share the Good News
If you would like to share the good news of your graduation with your hometown newspaper, download the press release template, fill in your name along with the city and state, and send to your local paper. Graduates are listed in alphabetical order by city.
Download Press Release Template
For any questions regarding commencement, please direct your inquiries to the Registrar’s Office.
Registrar Services
Registrar Services
[email protected]
(704) 406-4260
See More
GRADUATION ATTIRE
Get ready to cross that stage with confidence!
You are all encouraged to purchase your attire by October 24, 2025 to ensure that you receive your order in time for commencement. Please place your order early!
Undergraduate & Graduate Attire
Graduation attire for undergraduate and graduate students is available through Jostens online. Please select “Graduation Caps & Gowns” to purchase your attire.
Order Graduation Attire
Doctoral Regalia
All doctoral candidates MUST order their graduation attire directly from Jostens at the link below. Please select the “Fine Quality Regalia” to order your special custom GWU regalia.
Order Fine Quality Regalia
Share your grad photos with us by using #GWUGrad26