In 2009, a year after the opening of Georgetown’s LGBTQ Resource Center, the University held its first Lavender Graduation, a now annual celebration in the Healey Family Student Center, to honor graduating members and allies of the LGBTQ community.

Senior Week is a century-old Georgetown tradition celebrating seniors prior to graduation. Originating with a modest event schedule in 1923, Senior Week now features a range of events throughout the week and is highlighted by the Senior Ball at Union Station.

Now an annual tradition, the first Senior Convocation was held in 2000. After transitioning to independent graduation ceremonies for each of the four undergraduate schools, the University created Senior Convocation as a space for all graduating seniors to gather together with University faculty and staff.

The Georgetown Mace heads the University academic procession in any ceremony where degrees are awarded or the faculty appears in formal academic regalia. Traditionally carried by either the University’s Provost or Registrar, students often see the mace featured at New Student Convocation in the fall of their freshman year and then again at Senior Convocation and Commencement. 

Georgetown University (then Georgetown College) received its charter from Congress, allowing it to award degrees, in 1815. Congressman William Gaston of North Carolina, Georgetown's first student, helped the college receive its charter.

Georgetown University's commencement has evolved significantly from its beginning a two-person graduation in 1817. Today, each school hosts its own commencement ceremony.