John Carroll University

How do I apply to graduate?

The graduation application is available in your student profile on Banner. Click on the “Apply to Graduate” link under the menu on the left-hand side. Please follow the graduation application instructions carefully, and choose your graduation term based on when you will take your last class.  You can submit the graduation application only ONCE.

Even if you have choose not to participate in the 2024 Commencement ceremony, you still need to apply for graduation if you are completing your degree requirements in Spring 2024 or Summer 2024.

What can keep me from graduating?

There are a few things that can keep any student from receiving a diploma, participating in the ceremony, and receiving a transcript.

Ineligibility includes the following: failure to complete all academic requirements as specified by the student’s respective dean’s office; failure to pay any balance that is owed to JCU; finally, any fines and/or overdue books not returned to the library by May 1, 2024.

How do I order my regalia (caps and gowns)? 

Information regarding caps and gowns is emailed weekly to all graduates who are approved to graduate via the registrar. The deadline to order regalia is February 26th 2024. If you have missed the deadline or have not been receiving regalia information via email please email commencement@jcu.edu. 

How do I confirm my Jostens order?

Jostens will email a confirmation number to the email the graduate provides when ordering through their site. Please check all email folders for the confirmation number including your spam folder. You are able to confirm your order on the Jostens site. From the My School Store Tab. Scroll down to Customer Service and Select Order Status. 

Please ensure that you ordered through the link emailed from commencement@jcu.edu which contains the regalia portal to John Carroll University. Please direct all questions to commencement@jcu.edu regarding regalia.

How do I pickup my regalia?

Regalia will be available for pick-up on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, and Wednesday, April 17th, 2024, from noon to 6:30 p.m in the LSC Conference Room in the Lombardo Student Center. Please note these days on your calendar so that you remember to pick up your regalia at the appropriate time. Please note all regalia is automatically shipped to campus for the graduate fair regardless of information put into Jostens. Regalia does not ship to graduate home/personal addresses.

Do I need tickets for graduation?

Due to commencement being held outside on Hamlin Quad. It is open seating, there are no tickets required nor is there a limit on the number of people a graduate can bring. 

TBD for Commencement Exercises, 2025

As part of the John Carroll tradition, we offer many unique events and opportunities to our graduating seniors.

• Beaudry Award

  • In honor of Robert Beaudry ’50, the Beaudry Award is given each year at graduation to the young man or woman voted the most deserving of the honor by graduating students. The award recognizes outstanding service in four areas:

    • academic achievement
    • leadership
    • service to John Carroll and/or the greater community
    • Christian life

  • The Beaudry Award is the only student award given at graduation. Nominations are held during the spring semester.  Any student, faculty, administrator, or staff may nominate a graduating senior. Contact Campus Ministry at 216.397.4717 for more information.

• Millor Orator

  • In honor of the late Rev. William J. Millor, S.J. who served the university in a variety of posts over 28 years, representatives of the Senior Class each year designate a member of the graduating class to make a presentation at the annual commencement.

• ROTC Commissioning Ceremony

  • Contact the Military Science Office at 216.397.4421 for details and further information.

• Baccalaureate Mass

  • The Baccalaureate Mass will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024 on Hamlin Quad. Recognizing that St. Francis Chapel is a very special place on campus for many of our graduates, the chapel will be open for reflection throughout the weekend.

At Commencement, there will be an opportunity to purchase food and beverages, as well as make purchases from the University Bookstore.

Familes are encouraged to book hotels early as multiple institutions in the Cleveland area typically host Commencement on the same weekend. A list of recommended hotels is available here.