Skip to main content
  • Call Now
  • Request Info
  • Menu

Search form

  • JWU Main Site
  • jwuLink
  • Apply Now
  • Hide nav
  • Request Info
  • 1.855.598.1881

JWU

  • Academics
    Academics
    Academics Home Academic Calendar Online Catalog and Student Handbook On-Campus Programs
    • Business
      • BS – Accounting
      • BS – Advertising & Marketing Communications
      • Doctor of Business Administration
      • BS – Business Studies
      • BS – Digital Marketing & Social Media
      • BS – Fashion Merchandising & Retailing
      • BS – Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
      • BS - Marketing
      • BSBA – Business Administration
      • BSBA – Entrepreneurship
      • BSBA – Human Resource Management
      • BSBA – International Business
      • BSBA – Management
      • BSBA – Operations & Supply Chain Management
      • BSBA – Enterprise Risk Management
      • MS – Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development
      • MS - Finance
      • AS – Business Administration
      • Accounting
      • BS – Finance
      • Business Communication
      • Communication for Change
      • Foundational Operations & Supply Chain Management
      • MS – Operations & Project Management
      • Operations & Supply Chain Management
      • Technical Writing & Editing
    • MBA
      • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
      • MBA – Finance
      • MBA – Hospitality
      • MBA – Human Resource Management
      • MBA – Information Security/Assurance
      • MBA – Organizational Psychology
      • MBA – Operations & Supply Chain Management
      • MBA – Organizational Leadership
      • MBA – Nonprofit Management
      • MBA – Sport Leadership
      • MBA – General (One Year)
      • MBA – Global Fashion Merchandising Management
      • MBA – Project Management
    • Criminal Justice
      • MS – Criminal Justice
      • MPA – Criminal Justice
    • Culinary
      • BS – Baking & Pastry Arts & Food Service Management
      • MS – Food Safety
      • BS – Culinary Arts & Food Service Management
      • Professional Craft Brewing
      • BS – Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
      • BS – Food Industry Compliance Management
    • Engineering
    • Health Science
      • BS – Public Health
      • Public Health
      • Sports Nutrition
    • Hospitality
      • BS – Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
      • BS – Food Industry Compliance Management
      • BS – Hospitality Management
      • BS – Hotel & Lodging Management
      • BS – Residential Hospitality Management
      • BS – Sports, Entertainment, Event – Management
      • BS – Tourism & Hospitality Management
      • MBA – Hospitality
      • MS - Hospitality Management
      • MS – Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development
      • MS – Sport Leadership
      • Food Compliance
      • Hospitality
      • Quality Assurance in Hospitality
    • HR Management
      • BSBA - Human Resource Management
      • MBA - Human Resource Management
      • MS – Human Resource Management
    • Liberal Studies
      • BS – Liberal Studies
    • Nonprofit Management
      • Nonprofit Management
      • MS – Nonprofit Management
      • MPA – Nonprofit Management
      • MBA - Nonprofit Managment
    • Psychology
      • BS – Psychology
      • MBA – Organizational Psychology
      • MS – Organizational Psychology
    • Public Administration
      • MPA – General
      • MPA – Criminal Justice
      • MPA – Nonprofit Management
      • MPA – Homeland Security
      • MPA – Human Resource Management
    • Political Science
      • BS - Political Science
    • Sport Administration
      • BS – Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management
      • MBA – Sport Leadership
      • MS – Sport Leadership
    • Technology
      • BS – Computer Science
      • BS – Digital Marketing & Social Media
      • MBA – Information Security/Assurance
      • MS - Data Analytics
      • MS – Instructional Design & Technology
    • Sociology
      • BA - Sociology
  • Admissions
    Admissions
    JWU Admissions
    • Admissions Home
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Apply Online
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Transfer Students
    • Doctoral Admissions
    • On-Campus Admissions
    • International Admissions
    • Career Coach
    • Returning Students
    • Tuition and Fees
    • JWU Military
  • Financial Aid
    Financial Aid
    JWU Financial Aid
    • Financial Aid Home
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Scholarships and Grants
    • Military Benefits
  • Student Services
    Student Services
    JWU Student Services
    • Student Services Home
    • Academic Calendar
    • Career Resources
    • Academic Resources
    • Commencement
    • Technical Resources
  • Corporate Partnerships
    Corporate Partnerships
  • Blog
    Blog
  • About
    About
    About JWU
    • About JWU Online Home
    • Read Student Testimonials
    • Tour an Online Classroom
    • Two JWU Grads, One MBA Journey
    • Learn from Experienced Faculty
    • Meet Our Team
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Discover the JWU Difference
    • JWU Athletics
    • Attend a Virtual Open House
    • Video Library
    • Priorities Survey for Online Learners
  • Apply Now
    Apply Now
  • jwuLink
    jwuLink
  • JWU Main Site
    JWU Main Site

You are here

JWU Online > Student Services > Commencement
Experience. Success.

Commencement

Commencement

2020 COMMENCEMENT (Updated 5/21/2020)

In April, when the University announced the rescheduling of the Providence Campus commencement ceremonies to August 22, we thought the date was far enough in the future that restrictions on gatherings would no longer be in effect. Unfortunately, due to the timeline the Rhode Island Governor has put forth regarding the resumption of activities in the state, large scale events, such as concerts, festivals, and commencements, will not be permitted this summer.

Below is a list of each campus's commencement websites. Please click on the campus name for commencement updates and information:

Providence Campus

Charlotte Campus

To all of the students who are completing their studies this year at JWU, we share in this disappointing and unfortunate turn of events. Regretfully, 2020 has become a year when many of the traditional face-to-face events that we enjoy annually have been cancelled or rescheduled due to public health restrictions. We are exploring how we will come together in 2021 to recognize and honor our 2020 graduates and will share our plan with you in the coming months.

2020 has also become a year when we re-imagine and find new ways to stay connected and share the joys of life. While the pomp & circumstance may be different this year, we’re as proud as ever to honor the graduating Class of 2020. We invite you to share your graduation celebrations on social - tag us @JWUOnline or #JWU2020. 

General Commencement Information for Online Students

Each year, students enrolled in online programs are invited to participate in Commencement ceremonies at the Providence Campus. However, students may choose to attend Commencement at an alternate campus. Students are encouraged to refer to Commencement website for information on Commencement ceremonies. Doctoral candidates may only participate in the Providence Campus ceremony.

Graduation refers to actually receiving a degree or certificate of completion once Johnson & Wales University has verified you as having met all degree or certificate requirements. Commencement is a ceremony. It is an opportunity for students, families, friends, and the JWU community to celebrate their academic accomplishments. Participation in commencement does not mean that students have graduated. Students must satisfy all graduation requirements before officially graduating and receiving a diploma.

Degree-seeking students must fall into one of the following categories: 1)The student is awarded a degree in the fall 2019 term/semester or winter 2019–20 term 2)The student is enrolled in the spring 2020 term/semester and, as of March 13, 2020, has an expected degree completion term/semester of spring 2020, summer 2020 or fall 2020.

To participate in the May commencement, students must: Submit an online graduation application for the term in which they expect to complete their requirements complete required student loan exit counseling obtain your cap and gown. Information regarding cap and gown ordering for online students will be emailed in early 2020. (Note: Students who have borrowed student loans and have not completed student loan exit counseling will not receive a cap and gown. Students will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony without a cap and gown.

How do I obtain my cap and gown?

Online students will receive communication to their Wildcat email with a form to order their cap & gown. Your cap & gown will be shipped to your home. The Providence Campus Bookstore will be processing all online cap & gown orders, regardless of the campus where you plan on attending commencement. Contact Molly Peabody 401-598-1445 or [email protected]) with any questions.

As an online student, how do I obtain my ticket(s) for the Providence undergraduate commencement ceremony?

Tickets are required for the undergraduate commencement ceremonies in Providence. (Graduates themselves do not need tickets; tickets are for guests.) To obtain tickets, email [email protected] from Wildcat email address with the following information: (1) J number; (2) which ceremony, based on major, you plan to attend; (3) the number of tickets you are requesting (six is the maximum number of tickets).  

Do I have to attend commencement at the Providence Campus?

Students enrolled in online programs are invited to participate in Commencement ceremonies at the Providence Campus. However, students may choose to attend Commencement at an alternate campus. Students are encouraged to refer to the Commencement website for information on Commencement ceremonies. Doctoral candidates may only participate in the Providence Campus ceremony.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas are not distributed at commencement — graduates are given a diploma cover containing a letter from the Alumni Association. Participation in commencement does not confirm graduation. Graduation is not recorded until up to 30 days after the term has ended, grades have been received, and the degree audit of each expected graduate reviewed to confirm requirements have been satisfied. Awarded diplomas are mailed about 6 weeks after a term ends; see full policies.

I cannot or do not want to attend commencement. Do I need to tell anyone? Will my name be printed in the commencement program? 

No notice is required if you are not attending. If you do not attend, your name will not be printed in the program and it will not be announced since you will not be in attendance to cross the stage. 

If I am not attending commencement, do I still need to complete exit counseling? 

If you have student loans, yes — this is a requirement.

commencement
Student Success Stories
"The program has been great! I work full-time and complete my courses each semester without hassle."
  • Read more about Testimonial - Shanelle Groce - MBA
Shanelle Groce
Shanelle Groce 17 MBA
"So far, I am blessed to have had very understanding and gracious instructors who have worked around my sometimes hectic work schedule."
  • Read more about Testimonial - Theresa Chance - Marketing
Theresa Chance
Theresa Chance 18 BS - Marketing
"They have an amazing reputation and produce world-class employees that are fitted with the right education to lead the workforce."
  • Read more about Testimonial - Kyle Fuller - MBA – Hospitality Management
Kyle Fuller
Kyle Fuller 17 MBA - Hospitality Management

  • Now accepting applications
  • Apply now
  • Admissions

Career Coach

Continue to Career Coach

You are now leaving Johnson & Wales’ (JWU) site and going to a site not operated by us. We are not responsible for the content or availability of any site other than our own.The information provided on the site is provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). EMSI has indicated to us the information provided is fair and reasonable. We do not make any representations or warranties, nor do we accept liability or responsibility, as to the accuracy or use of the information.  Additional links may also be provided, including those relating to employment opportunities. 

You are responsible for performing due diligence, such as ensuring the listings are for actual jobs and that your private and personal information are protected, when using or relying on information from any site.

 

Johnson & Wales University
115 Cedar St.
Providence, RI 02903
855.598.1881

© 2020 Johnson & Wales University
Privacy Policy  Nondiscrimination Policy

 

  • Contact Us
  • Accreditation & Approvals
  • Online Student Consumer Information
  • Catalogs
  • Handbooks
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
Back to top