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Georgetown Law Commencement - FAQs ruler

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Select a category below to be directed to the appropriate question group.

Commencement Ceremonies
     (about the ceremony format, rain site tickets, and honorary speakers)

Gala Tickets
    (about the location, tickets, parking and attire)

Caps & Gowns
     (about rental costs and gown returns)

Visiting Away Students
     (about getting tickets when away)

Other
     (about graduation announcements, class rings, international guests, hotels, section speakers, and more)


2010 Commencement Ceremonies

How does the Georgetown Law Commencement Ceremony work?

In sunny weather, we hold the ceremony outside on Healy Lawn. 

The Law Center's Commencement Ceremony (the last of seven Georgetown ceremonies that weekend) is essentially in two parts.  After the graduates process, Dean Aleinikoff conducts the Commencement Ceremony (the "Main Ceremony"), which includes the presentation of the honorary degrees and the Commencement Address from the Honorary Degree Recipient.  This first part of the ceremony typically lasts about one hour. 

After this, there are six separate "Diploma Presentation Ceremonies" for the five J.D. sections and the LL.M. students; these ceremonies are where the students will actually be presented with their diplomas. The Main Ceremony begins at 2 p.m. and the Diploma Presentation Ceremonies begin around 3 p.m.  The Diploma Presentation Ceremonies are followed by a reception for J.D. and LL.M. students.  Please consult the schedule of events for further information and locations. 
Is there only 1 Commencement Ceremony? No.  There is a Main Ceremony, where we will hear our distinguished speaker, at 2pm, and Section Ceremonies that will be held in locations around main campus at 3 pm.  The Section Ceremonies are where you will actually receive your diploma.
Where is Commencement held? At Georgetown University's Main Campus, 37th & O Streets, NW. 
When are tickets needed? If it rains, Rain Site tickets are required to attend the Main Ceremony at 2pm. Tickets are not required to attend the Section Ceremonies, rain or shine.
When are tickets NOT needed? If it is not raining on May 23 at 2pm, Commencement will be held outdoors, and tickets will not be required.
How do I get Rain Site tickets? You may pick up 2 tickets at the Office of Student Life in Room 171 beginning March 15th.  This 1st round of distribution will continue through April 16th.  There is no charge for Rain site tickets.
How do I get extra Rain Site tickets after I pick up my first 2? On April 19th, a second round of distribution of Rain Site Tickets begins. Individuals can then pick up 2 additional Rain Site tickets for commencement, again at no charge.
If I forget to pick up my first 2 Rain Site tickets during the first distribution round, can I get 4 tickets during Round 2? No.  After April 19th, Round One distribution is over. You will only be able to pick up a maximum of two Rain Site tickets, even if you are coming in for the first time.
What do I do if I lose my Rain Site tickets? Unfortunately, we will not be able to replace any lost or stolen tickets.
What do I do about guests without Rain Site tickets? If it rains, these guests will view the Main Ceremony from the Pavilion tent outside of the McDonough Arena. There they will view the distinguished speaker from a satellite TV projector. They will be able to attend the 3pm Section Ceremony for diploma distribution without a ticket.
Is there parking available at Main Campus? Free parking is available, but it is limited.  The parking lots are approximately a 10 minute walk from the Commencement sites, under the Southwest Quad.
Is there handicapped assistance available? Transportation will be available to take handicapped individuals from the parking lots to the Commencement sites. Golf carts and shuttles will also be available to transport the handicapped and elderly to various Commencement sites around main campus.  Signs will indicate locations.  Contact Marianne Huger with the Office of Disabilities, at 202-662-4042 with questions.
Who is the honorary degree recipient? This information has not been announced.  Traditionally, Georgetown University does not announce the recipients of honorary degrees until about a week before Commencement.
Who selects the honorary degree recipient? The Honorary Degree Committee, which is composed of deans, faculty and a student.


Gala Tickets

What is the Graduation Gala? The Gala is a black tie optional dinner/dance that features a live dance orchestra. A dinner buffet, wine & beer bar, soft drinks and coffee are included.
Where is the Gala held? The National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW
How do I get there?  Is there parking available? Please use METRO (Red Line to Judiciary Square, F Street Exit) or taxis.  There is no available parking.
How much do Gala tickets cost? Graduate tickets cost $40 each. Guest tickets - for family and friends - cost $70 each.  Prices are applicable from March 15 through April 16 .
How many tickets can I purchase? You may purchase ONE graduate ticket per graduate, and up to FOUR guest tickets per graduate.
When do ticket sales begin? Sales begin March 15th and continue until tickets sell out.
Where do I purchase tickets? Tickets must be purchased IN PERSON in the Office of Student Life, Room 171.
How do I purchase additional tickets? You may add your name to the Ticket Request list.  By adding your name to this list, you will be notified by April 19th if we have Gala tickets still available for purchase.  If tickets are still available, you will be able to purchase additional tickets at $70 each until April 24th.  Tickets will be sold first come, first serve to those on the request list.  On April 28, ticket prices increase to $80 each.
What happens on April 28th? All ticket prices increase to $80 each. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis until sold out.
What is the attire for the Gala? Black tie optional. Most gentlemen wear suits or tuxedos, most ladies wear cocktail or evening dresses.
Will tickets sell out? Don't wait to buy your tickets. We can almost guarantee that gala tickets will sell out.
What do I do if I lose my Gala tickets? Come to the OSL in person.  Fill in your information on the "Lost Ticket" List.  We will verify your purchase with our records.  You will be required to show ID at the door, to verify your information with this list.
Can I bring a child to the Gala? Yes, although it is primarily an adult event.  Tickets for children between the ages of 5 and 12 are half price ($35.00).  Children under 5 are free.
Where can I find out more about the Gala? Please click here for more information regarding the Gala.


Caps & Gowns

How do I rent a cap and gown? Go to www.jostens.com and follow their links.
How much does it cost to rent regalia? $59 plus tax and shipping.
When can I order my cap & gown? You can order online starting Jan. 19th.  You must order by April 14th to ensure delivery in time for Commencement. 
If I am visiting away, how do I rent my cap and gown? You can order it online, at www.jostens.com. Your regalia will be shipped to your home.
Are a cap & gown required? No.  Cap and Gown are optional.  Most graduates choose to wear the regalia.
How do I return my regalia? You must return it to the Main Campus Bookstore in the afternoon after Commencement is over.


Visiting Away Students

Will I be able to get tickets if I am not on campus? Unless a student is officially visiting away for the semester, they must come to the Office of Student Life IN PERSON to obtain all tickets.
If I am officially visiting away for the semester, how do I obtain Rain Site and Gala tickets? Mail your request to the Office of Student Life, Attn: Chris Falk.  All requests must be submitted in writing, must include any necessary payments, and must abide by all restrictions.  The tickets will then be available to be picked up at the Office of Student Life, Room 170 the week before Commencement. 
What if I work in the city? No! You must come and claim your tickets in person. Mailing tickets is only for students not in this time zone!


Other

Where can I get personalized graduation announcements? You may purchase them at www.jostens.com.
Where can I have graduation portraits taken? Call Graduation Images at 1-800-424-3686 to inquire about possible portrait sessions being held in the DC area.  On Campus portrait session tend to be in early February.
How can I order the individual Commencement portraits taken in February? Contact Graduation Images, either on their website or by phone at 1-800-424-3686.  Make sure to specify that your portraits were taken at Georgetown Law.
Will photos be taken at the Commencement Ceremony? Yes.  Graduates will have an opportunity to purchase photos taken with diplomas at Commencement.  Photos will be taken at Commencement by Graduation Images.
Where can I purchase a class ring? You may order a ring online at http://www.jostens.com. Jostens will also be tabling for a couple of days at the McDonough Chapel tables later this semester at a date to be detemined.
How do I obtain a VISA letter for international guests?  Please contact commencement@law.georgetown.edu for more information, with the subject line "VISA Request."
Where can I find a list of hotels for Commencement Weekend? Visit our website, here.
How does the Section Speaker selection process work?

Each section gets to select a speaker to give a short speech (5 minutes or less) at their diploma ceremony.  Speeches will be recorded on video and posted online.  Graduating students from your section will have one week to view the speeches and cast votes for a section speaker.  If you are interested in speaking at Commencement, please follow this process:

In February: Sign up to audition in the Office of Student Life, Room 170 McDonough.  Sign up to record your speech in the Office of Audio Visual Services.  Voting will take place in March. 

Please note: You must be signed up in order to make an audition tape for consideration.  A detailed criterion for speeches is available here or via hard copy in the Office of Student Life.  Please stop by the office (McDonough 171) for more information.

Section Speaker Winners will be announced at the end of March.

 

Any further questions?

Please email commencement@law.georgetown.edu or contact the Office of Student Life at (202) 662-9292.  

 

 

Hotung Building

feel free to contact us at commencement@law.georgetown.edu

Revised October 22, 2009 (acf)