Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements for Graduation
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Do I need to fill out a degree application in order to graduate?
Yes. Contact the Registrar’s Office or your School Coordinator for applicable forms and due dates.
What do I need to do in order for my name to appear in the Commencement Program?
If you have ever placed a F.E.R.P.A. (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) privacy hold on your records, the hold must be removed in order for your name to be listed in the program. Contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.
Regalia
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How can I purchase my regalia (cap and gown)?
Barnes & Noble @ Emory is the University’s sole vendor for official Emory regalia. You can attend Emory Grad Fair on February 28 at Barnes & Noble to order regalia. All orders for regalia MUST be placed by March 15 to ensure that your regalia arrives in time for Commencement. Make sure you know the correct discipline when you place your order (discipline determines hood color).
What is Grad Fair? What if I miss it?
Grad Fair is a one-day event, February 28 from 9:00 to 6:00, at which you can order regalia (cap and gown), class rings, announcements and diploma frames among other items. If you miss Grad Fair or cannot attend, you can visit the Barnes & Noble @ Emory Bookstore any time prior to February 28. Orders may be placed after February 28, but customization and specific sizes may not be available.
How much does regalia cost to purchase?
In 2012, Bachelor degree-level regalia costs $87.98. Master degree-level regalia is available for $81.98. PhD (standard quality) regalia is $91.98, and MD (standard quality) regalia is $141.98. Those interested in “fine” quality regalia should see the full price chart for details.
How do I order graduation announcements?
The official Emory Commencement announcement is available only from Jostens through the Emory Bookstore. Students or parents can order personalized Commencement announcements printed with the student's name, school, degree, and academic major and embossed with the University seal through February 28, 2012. After that time, non-customized announcements are available.
Photography
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How do I order 2011 graduation photos?For photos taken during the 2011 Academic Honors Ceremony, College diploma ceremony, and Business school diploma ceremonies, click here. 2012 photo links will be posted when available.
Do you offer formal Commencement Portraits?
Yes! Click here for the 2012 Commencement Portrait Flyer.
Ceremony Details & Instructions
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What is Baccalaureate?
Emory's Baccalaureate is an inter-religious service with prayers and readings from various religious traditions and a time for reflection. Baccalaureate is for all students receiving bachelor's degrees (BA, BS, BSN, BBA) in full regalia, and their guests.
When and where do we line-up for Baccalaureate Service?
8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 13, dressed in cap and gown, on the south side of the Quadrangle near the Emory Administration Building.
When and where do I line-up on Commencement morning?
No later than 7:15 a.m. at locations designated by the school from which you are graduating. A map indicating these locations will be posted on the Student Instructions page. We recommend that students and family members plan to arrive on campus no later than 6:30 a.m. so that the degree candidates can be at their line-up location no later than 7:15 a.m. This allows for time to walk from the parking decks and locate the assembly area. Family members and friends who wish to have the best view of Commencement should arrive even earlier as the seats nearest to the graduates fill early and cannot be reserved.
Is there rehearsal for Commencement?
No.
How long is the Quadrangle ceremony?
Approximately one and a half hours (8:00 until 9:30 a.m.).
Is the Quadrangle ceremony required?
Yes. Degrees are conferred only at the Quadrangle ceremony.
Where is my school diploma ceremony/reception held?
See the full Commencement schedule for school-specific events.
What do we do if it is raining on Commencement morning?
Check the University’s website, or call the inclement weather hotline 404-727-1234, after 6:00 a.m. for the status of Commencement. There are three options: the regular schedule, the light-rain schedule, or the severe-weather schedule depending on conditions and forecast. Both the light-rain and severe-weather plans involve significant timing and venue changes. Family members should not schedule return travel plans until early evening on Commencement day in case the severe-weather plan is activated.
Do my family/friends need tickets to attend commencement?
Under the regular schedule (fair weather), or the light-rain schedule, tickets are not required for the central ceremony or for any of the diploma ceremonies with the exception of the School of Medicine and the Academic Health Programs. If the severe-weather plan is implemented, the all-schools ceremony on the Quadrangle is canceled and two of the school diploma ceremonies (Emory College of Arts & Sciences, and the Laney Graduate School) do require tickets to attend diploma ceremonies.
Where can I get a copy of Emory’s printed commencement program?
Copies of the printed Commencement program are available to family and friends at each of the entrances to the Quadrangle. Graduate copies are placed on the seats of each of the candidates for degrees. An electronic PDF version of the program will be available for download at this website after Commencement Day.
When is Oxford College’s commencement ceremony?
The Oxford College Commencement is on Saturday, May 12 in Covington, Georgia. There is a separate website for Oxford Commencement details.
When is Commencement in 2012?
The 167th Commencement Exercises are held on Monday, May 14, 2012. The Baccalaureate Ceremony is held on Sunday, May 13, 2012.
When is Commencement in 2013? 2014? 2015?
2013 Commencement is on Monday, May 13. In 2014 it is on Monday, May 12. In 2015 it is on Monday, May 11.
Will there be a live Webcast of the Commencement Ceremony?
Yes! The webcast can be viewed at www.emory.edu/commencement/webcast. Soon after, the live event video will be available for archival viewing.
Are previous ceremonies available for viewing?
Yes! You can view archived Commencement ceremonies from 1998 to the most recent events.
Who is the 2012 Class Day Speaker?
The 2012 Class Day speaker is actor and television personality Adam Richman 96C.
Who is the Commencement speaker?
The speaker at the all-schools ceremony on the Quadrangle is internationally renowned neurosurgeon and humanitarian Benjamin Carson.
Disability Services
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Is there reserved seating for wheelchairs or guests with mobility impairments?
Yes, detailed information is available through the Planning Your Visit section.
Is there any service for the hearing impaired?
Yes, Emory provides real-time captioning for the central ceremony and the Emory College of Arts & Sciences diploma ceremony via any internet-capable mobile device. We recommend that guests concerned about volume level select a seat close to one of the easily identifiable speaker towers around the perimeter of the Quadrangle.
Can I drop off a guest with accessibility concerns near the ceremony site and then park my vehicle?
Yes, a passenger drop-off area is located on Dowman Drive near the Administration Building, closest to the accessible seating area of the Quadrangle.
Does Emory University provide wheelchairs to rent or borrow on the morning of commencement?
No, but we do provide a list of area vendors who provide this service.
Parking, Transportation, and Maps
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Where do I park on Commencement morning?
Parking on campus for Commencement events is free in designated Emory parking decks only. See the Planning Your Visit section for deck details and recommendations.
Is there shuttle transportation on campus?
Yes, Emory operates the “Cliff” shuttle system, free and open to all guests and visitors to the Emory campus. All shuttle buses are accessible to guests with mobility concerns. See the Planning Your Visit section for more details and a Commencement-specific shuttle route map when available.
Are there areas of campus where parking is prohibited?
Do not park in any “No Parking,” “24-Hour Reserved,” “Carpool,” or “Service Vehicles Only” spaces. Parking on the residential streets surrounding campus, or in parking lots at Emory Village or any other area business is also prohibited and may result in towing.
Can I get to campus using public transportation?
Absolutely! Visit this Parking and Transportation Office website for helpful information regarding public transportation options.
Where can I get a map of the Emory campus or Commencement-specific maps?
The general campus map can be found here. A Commencement-specific map will be posted on the Planning Your Visit page once available.
Visitor Information
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Is there a listing of area hotels and restaurants?
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.
Lost & Found, Lost Guests, and Medical Assistance
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Is there First Aid available during Baccalaureate and Commencement?
Yes, medical personnel are on-site and ready to assist guests in need. Please see any Emory volunteer (look for the Emory-branded straw hats) or police officer for assistance.
Where is lost & found?
On Commencement day, lost and found is located in White Hall, Room 200, on the west corner of the Quadrangle. By mid-afternoon, remaining unclaimed items are turned over to the Emory Police department.
What do I do if someone in my party becomes separated from our group?
Find any Emory volunteer (look for the Emory-branded straw hats), or police officer for directions to White Hall, Room 200, on the west corner of the Quadrangle for assistance finding family members.
Other Events
What is the President's Open House?
The open house is a chance for President and Mrs. Wagner to greet graduates and their families and open Lullwater House for tours. Trained docents guide you through the house and gardens (weather permitting). You must either walk or ride the shuttle buses to this event.
Where do I learn about the Alumni Association events?
Full details about the Alumni Association's "Emory Commencement Weekend" events including the Torch and Trumpet Soiree, the Block Party, and the Corpus Cordis Aureum (50+ year Emory alumni) can be found here.
How do I order tickets for the Commencement Brunch?
Click here for detailed Commencement Brunch information and ticket sales including on-site purchasing information and menu. All guests, including students, must have tickets.
