2019 Commencement

ALL REGALIA ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY MARCH 8

At Emory, BSN graduates wear a cap, gown and tassel and MSN graduates wear a cap, gown, hood, and tassel. All gowns are black except Emory’s custom doctoral robes which are Emory blue and gold. All hoods and PhD or DNP robes feature the color of the discipline traditionally designated for the degree the student earned. Students who earn dual degrees should wear the discipline color for the ceremony in which they will participate. When students purchase regalia, they should be sure of and specify exactly which degree they are earning. For additional information about Commencement regalia, click here. 

BSN AND MSN GRADUATES

Rentals:

- no rental option for Bachelors/Masters/MD

Purchases:

- Shop online at emory.shopoakhalli.com between 2/8 and 3/7 (store pickup or home shipping available)

OR

- Visit the bookstore starting 2/20 to buy in person

PhD AND DNP GRADUATES 

Rentals:

- Order online at  emory.shopoakhalli.com between 2/8 and 3/7

Purchases:

- Complete attached Custom Regalia Purchase Form and send it to Heather LaFleur at hlafleu@emory.edu by 3/7

REGALIA PRICING

2019 Pricing for entire outfit (Greenwear Quality*, prices subject to change):

• Bachelor (hat, gown, and Emory black tassel): $67.98
• Master (hat, gown, hood, and Emory black tassel): $107.98
• Theology Doctoral Candidates Rental (Emory Custom black gown w/school velvet, hood, tam & tassel): $192
• ThD Candidates Purchase (gown $620, hood $158 and tam $82) $867
• JD Candidates Rental (gown and hood): $113.00
• DNP Candidates Purchase (gown, hood and tam): $209
• MD Candidates Purchase (gown, hood and tam): $209
• PhD Candidates Rental (Emory fine quality custom blue gown w/blue velvet, tam & tassel): $157.00
• PhD Candidate Purchase: (gown $640, hood $165 and tam $82): $887
• Emory is pleased to announce that bachelor and masters gowns are made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles. These gowns have a smooth finish and are softer to the touch than traditional polyester. Recycling bins will be available at Commencement for those wishing to further aid in the sustainability effort.

CUSTOM ACADEMIC REGALIA PURCHASING

Academic celebrations at Emory are more remarkable when the colors and distinctiveness of faculty regalia enhance the occasions. Members of the faculty are encouraged to join colleagues, students, trustees, and guests of honor, processing in academic costume at our special ceremonies.

Please note:  Faculty members who want to process in custom faculty regalia must order by March 21 to ensure accuracy and timely delivery for Commencement. You may order your regalia at the Barnes & Noble at Emory Bookstore (visiting on a weekday is recommended). 

The information below describes events planned for fair weather (the weather typical for May in Atlanta). In case we experience inclement weather, please refer to the Inclement Weather page on this website.

Please visit this page often for updates. 

Are Tickets required for Commencement and related events? 

The School of Nursing Awards Ceremony (BSN and PhD) Saturday, May 11, Is a ticketed event. No tickets will be required for the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Diploma Ceremony Monday, May 13.

What events are faculty expected to attend?

All faculty are encouraged to attend the School of Nursing Awards Ceremony (BSN and PhD)  Saturday, May 11. BSN faculty are expected to attend the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 11. All faculty are expected to attend the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Diploma Ceremony on Monday, May 13.

Where should my family stay?   Are special hotel rates available?

We are pleased to provide listings of area hotels and restaurants.  Listing does not imply Emory University endorsement or guarantee. On-campus dining information can be found here.

Where can guests and students park for commencement events?

Family and friends attending the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Diploma Ceremony Monday, May 13 may park at the Michael Street Parking Deck. Shuttles will run continuously for commencement-related events. For the May 11 School of Nursing Awards Ceremony (BSN and PhD), the Peavine Parking Lot and Deck will be used for students and guests. If you have guests with disabilities, they may be dropped off at the front of Glenn Memorial Auditorium before proceeding to the parking deck. Shuttles will run continuously from the Peavine Deck.

What events are students required to attend?

Commencement is the culmination of a week-long series of events, honoring students’ accomplishments and the important role of family and loved ones in their professional journeys. Student and family participation is encouraged for all events.

What is the appropriate attire for the events?

Business casual. Please wear comfortable shoes.

What do I need to know about the university Quadrangle ceremony Monday, May 13?

The Quadrangle is closed to guest access until the entry gates open at 6:45 a.m. All bags are subject to search. An express lane is available at each entry point for guests with no bags or purses to inspect. To expedite your entry, please limit the size and contents of any purse or bag, and remember that weapons and noisemakers are prohibited. Many restrooms and food facilities are located outside the entry gates.

Once inside, please consider leaving any bags with a family member for quicker return entry. The walkways in front of and behind the graduate seating areas will close to guest traffic at 8:45 a.m. and remain closed until the ceremony ends, limiting any cross Quadrangle travel without exiting and re-entering through the perimeter gates.

• Students MUST arrive at the Callaway Center at 8 a.m. for lineup. Click here to download the processional map.
• Please leave all purses, bags, etc. with your guests as your hands need to be empty for the processional.
• The attire for this event is business casual! Please wear comfortable shoes. 
• Please bring your pins and stoles, and all honor cords with you, especially if you are a returning August or December graduate. 
• The SON Reception is back on the grassy courtyard between the Rollins School of Public Health and the SON. 

• Once the quadrangle ceremony is complete, students will proceed directly to McDonough Field to line up for the School of Nursing Diploma Ceremony.
• Students will line up on the right hand side of McDonough Field by Few Residence Hall. There will be volunteers to guide you.
• Please leave all purses, bags, etc. with your guests as your hands need to be empty for the processional.
• Don't forget to wear your regalia and please wear comfortable shoes. 
• Graduates and guests must leave the field directly after the ceremony.

*NOTE:  If you are not planning to attend the ceremony on the main quadrangle, please report to McDonough Field by 10:00 a.m. for line-up instructions.

Additional FAQs about commencement can be found on the Emory University Commencement website.

The Commencement experience involves events both inside and outside, on grass and pavement, in temporary/permanent event venues across campus. Emory is committed to removing barriers, whenever possible, so that all graduates and guests can enjoy the Commencement exercises.

The special seating area is not for guests with hearing impairments. If you need to sit closer to a speaker, you'll find them positioned around the perimeter of the Quadrangle.  The special seating area is, however, designed to allow easy movement and seating for guests with mobility impairments.  It is not the closest viewing area to the stage, but it is immediately adjacent to the sidewalk closest to the drop-off area on Dowman Drive which makes it very convenient for guests who can not walk long distances.  There are extra volunteers in the area to assist with arranging wheelchairs.  Only one companion can be accommodated in this limited seating area per each guest requiring assistance. 

The 2019 Disability Access and Seating Service Request Form is available here

(the ticket request form will be open until May 3, 2019)

Advance special-seating ticket requests are closed to allow time for mailing. If you or a member of your party requires special seating assistance and did not complete a special seating request in advance, please see an usher in the Special Seating area at either end of the Quadrangle for seating as space allows.

Please note: Emory does not provide wheelchairs to rent or borrow. A list of area wheelchair rental vendors is posted below. For those arriving with their own wheelchairs, know that all parking decks except Fishburne Deck (no elevators) are fully wheelchair accessible.  Also, all shuttles can accommodate wheelchairs, but the shuttles cannot reach the Fishburne Parking Deck to assist wheelchair users or guests with special mobility needs. 

In addition to marked disabled accessible parking spaces in other lots and decks, the Oxford Road Parking Deck is reserved for those requiring accessible parking. 

The temperature on Commencement Day can vary greatly from chilly morning air, to full mid-afternoon sun, depending on weather conditions. Please be sure to bring sunscreen and water if heat is expected, and bring umbrellas if the forecast is for rain. The mornings can be very cold and windy. Consider a lap blanket if you are arriving pre-sunrise.

Take care to assess whether elderly guests in your party are able to remain comfortable throughout the day with significant travel distances and outside events.

SATURDAY - 5/11/19: School of Nursing Awards Celebration

Fishburne Parking Deck will be open on a first-come, first-served basis. There are other events happening at the same time throughout the weekend. Fishburne will not be reserved for the SON, but the gates will be open and parking may be available.  Peavine Parking Deck is the preferred parking structure and shuttles will be available.

The shuttle schedule on 5/11/19 is as follows:

12:30 p.m. - Initial pick-up at Peavine Parking Deck

12:30-5:00 p.m. - Continuous pick-up/drop-off between Peavine Parking Deck and Glenn Memorial (Event begins at 2 p.m. and ends at approximately 3:30 p.m.)

5:00 p.m. - Final drop off at Peavine Parking Deck

MONDAY - May 13, 2019 – All parking decks open, all gates raised (first come, first served)

The shuttle schedule on 5/13/19 is as follows:

SPECIAL NOTE FOR THE ALL SCHOOLS QUAD CEREMONY WHICH BEGINS AT 9 A.M.

If you are attending the ceremony on the main university quadrangle you can also take advantage of university shuttles being provided, leaving from the Michael Street parking structure as early as 7:30 a.m.  See the following link for more information about commencement transportation and parking:

5/13/19: School of Nursing – Special Mobility Shuttle

8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Continuous pick-up and drop-off between Michael St. Deck and McDonough Field

5/13/19: School of Nursing Commencement M Route

9:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. - Continuous pick-up and drop-off between Michael St. Deck and Asbury Circle