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Regalia is an official symbol of the University during the Commencement Ceremony. All participants are required to wear full academic regalia consisting of a traditional blue gown and mortarboard (cap) with a tassel. Gowns must remain formal and unmodified, with no personal embellishments or modifications. Optional items may include sashes/stoles, medallions or cords provided by a university office or organization.

If decorating mortarboards, decorations must be minimal, non-distracting, and not interfere with the ceremony. Decorations should be expressions of well-wishes, gratitude, or affiliation with University-recognized organizations. All decorations must remain flat and cannot disrupt others' view. Prohibited decorations include threats, profanity, obscenity, nudity, defamatory speech, or communications that violate University Community Standards. The University reserves the right to request removal of inappropriate decorations, even during the ceremony. Non-compliant participants may be asked to remove unapproved items or be removed from the ceremony.

For full guidelines on regalia and mortarboard expectations, please review the official policy here:

To preserve the dignity of these events, all participants must adhere to ºÚÁÏÍø Community Standards. Do not engage in behavior that interrupts University functions, including displaying signs, balloons, flags, or banners. Air horns, noisemakers, and sports equipment (like beach balls) that may disrupt the ceremonies are not permitted. These expectations help ensure a dignified and respectful celebration for all graduates, families, guests, and the entire ºÚÁÏÍø community.

For full expectations regarding conduct at Commencement events, please review the official guidelines:

Graduate Commencement: Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. — ~1.5 hours
Baccalaureate Mass (Undergraduates): Saturday, May 17 at 4:30 p.m. — ~1.5 hours
Undergraduate Commencement: Sunday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m. — ~2.5 hours
All times are approximate and may vary slightly.

No. Business attire is appropriate (button-down shirts, dresses, etc.).

The initial regalia pickup occurred during the Graduate Fair, April 16–17 in the Lombardo Student Center, with additional pickup dates on April 9, 10, and 23, 2025. If you have not yet picked up your regalia, the deadline is Tuesday, May 12, and you must pick it up from Rodman 304. Email commencement@jcu.edu to schedule a pickup time. After May 12, regalia will only be available on Commencement morning at the Help Desk (second floor of Dolan near check-in). Note that we cannot guarantee availability of your size if you haven't already ordered. Extra regalia items will be available at the Help Desk, but quantities and sizes are limited.

All graduates must check in at the Dolan Science Center between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. on the day of your ceremony. Rehearsal will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m. Both check-in and rehearsal attendance are required.

You can use the Commencement Voicemail at 216-397-6638 to record the pronunciation of your name. Have your Banner ID ready before calling. Undergraduate students from Arts and Sciences should press 3, and those from Boler College should press 4.

All personal belongings should be left at your seat or with your guests during the ceremony, including when you come forward to receive your diploma.

If severe weather is projected, ceremonies will move to the Varsity Gym in the Student Center. This decision will be made by 5:00 p.m. the evening before and communicated via the website and social media.

For Undergraduate Ceremony (May 18): Each graduate will receive two wristbands at check-in for guests to enter the Varsity Gym. Wristbands will ONLY be distributed on Commencement day. Graduates may share extra wristbands with other graduates' guests.

For Graduate Ceremony (May 17): There is sufficient seating for all guests in the Varsity Gym. No wristbands are required.

All other guests can view the livestream from the Varsity Gym in the D.J. Lombardo Student Center or from another location.

For complete details, please visit the Commencement Rain Plan page.

Yes. For the Undergraduate Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, complimentary light breakfast and beverages will be available to graduates in the Dolan Science Center beginning at 9 a.m. Water stations will be located around campus.

Faculty & Staff Tents with light refreshments and desserts will be located on the Main Quad after the Undergraduate Ceremony on Sunday, May 18. There will be separate tents for Boler, College of Arts and Science, and College of Health where you can meet with faculty and staff.

On May 23, 2025, you will receive an email with a link to your official digital diploma from ºÚÁÏÍø’s partner vendor Parchment. That email allows you to review and, if necessary, update your mailing address for your printed diploma.

After you receive the email from Parchment on May 23, 2025, you have 72 hours to update your domestic mailing address. Please note that once we submit your information to Parchment, international mailing addresses cannot be changed; only domestic addresses can be updated within the 72‑hour window.

If you’re participating in Commencement, you’ll receive a cover at the ceremony. If you’re not participating, you may pick one up at the Registrar’s Office at no charge.

Please notify the Registrar’s Office at registrar@jcu.edu.