Doctoral Hooding & Reception
Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
Doctoral Hooding & Reception
Thursday, May 14, 2026 • 5 p.m. EDT
Lisner Auditorium
Columbian College doctoral graduates, along with their families and friends, are invited to attend the in-person Doctoral Hooding Celebration on May 14 at Lisner Auditorium. Graduates will need to RSVP to attend the doctoral hooding ceremony and also register themselves and their guests in order to obtain tickets. There will be a reception in Kogan Plaza immediately following the Hooding Celebration at 6 p.m. Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
All graduates are invited to attend the May 17 University-wide Commencement on the National Mall.
We look forward to celebrating the class of 2026! Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #CCASOnward.
Register for Commencement!
Before registering, make sure you apply to graduate and complete the graduation survey. In the registration portal, you will also indicate whether you plan to attend any departmental/program receptions. Graduates must register, and record their names, by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 21, 2026. If you have questions about the registration process, refer to the how to register guide or contact commencement
gwu [dot] edu (commencement[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Each CCAS undergraduate will receive 4 guest tickets to school ceremonies. Doctoral and master's graduates will receive 6 guest tickets to celebrations.
Bag Policy for School Celebrations
Bags larger than 5”x7”x 0.75” are prohibited at all school celebrations and Commencement on the National Mall. Diaper and ADA/medical bags up to 16”x16”x8” will be allowed. For more information and a list of prohibited items, see the GW Commencement website.
Watch the Livestream
The CCAS Doctoral Hooding Celebration ceremony will be livestreamed
in this space on Thursday, May 14. Stay tuned!
GW ALMA MATER
Hail Alma Mater
To thy spirit guiding,
Knowledge thy closest friend
In its strength abiding,
Pledge we fidelity
Ne'er its place resigning,
Hail thee George Washington!