Instructions to Prospective Graduates (2009)
Attention Class of 2010: This page has not yet been updated to reflect 2010 dates and information. Since many of the details will be similar to the 2009 information below, we recommend that you use the information to get a general idea of the responsibilities and activities surrounding Commencement. Please check back for updated 2010 information as it becomes available.
For the most accurate and timely information and instructions about Commencement activities, visit this web site often. New information will be posted as Commencement approaches. Visit Frequently Asked Questions for helpful hints.
UPDATE! Line-up Locations
- Business - by Atwood and Emerson Halls
- Theology, Medicine, and Allied Health - Rudolph Courtyard (east side of White Hall)
- Nursing - behind Callaway Center
- Public Health - behind Bowden Hall (walkway by ravine)
- Graduate School - on Mizell Bridge (behind Carlos Museum)
- Emory College "A - Le" - behind Carlos Hall (Admin. Bldg. end)
- Emory College "Le - Z" - along Dowman Drive begriming at Admin. Bldg.
- Faculty - sidewalk next to the front of Admin. Bldg.
Email Notices to Candidates for Graduation
Candidates for graduation should check there email accounts frequently and be alert for notices for dates and for instructions. If you are not on campus this semester, email Tricia Stultz to add your name to an email list. If you are not receiving your school's email announcements, contact your Commencement Coordinator.
Requirements for Graduation
To be considered a prospective graduates, all requirements for graduation must have been met. Students who are unsure whether they have fulfilled all requirements for graduation should contact the academic dean in their school as soon as possible.
Degree Applications
In order for a degree to be granted, degree candidates must follow appropriate procedures as stipulated by the school in which they are enrolled. Filing a degree application by the due date, during the semester in which the student anticipates graduation, is one of the requirements. Students should contact the degree coordinator in each school for information.
Registrar's Office
The Registrar's Office web site contains information about filing for degrees, verifying personal information, final examination schedules, privacy rights (F.E.R.P.A.), and transcripts. Visit the site for answers to frequently asked questions.
If you have requested that information about your identity or status be suppressed (F.E.R.P.A.), you will not be listed in the Commencement program and your graduation cannot be verified. Contact the Registrar's Office to rescind your request and to allow information to be released.
Baccalaureate Service
Sunday, May 10, 2009
9:00 am (line up at 8:30)
The Baccalaureate tradition is an integral part of commencement exercises, marking the end of the student's undergraduate years just as opening Convocation marked the beginning. Emory's Baccalaureate (see Event Schedule) 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) and their guests.
On Sunday, May 10, 2009, Baccalaureate graduates, in caps and gowns, assemble on the south side of the Quadrangle at 8:30 am. Marshals will direct the formation and a bag piper will lead the procession. In case of rain, graduates should go directly to Fellowship Hall of the Church School Building, behind Glenn Auditorium. The service will last no more than one hour.
Commencement Ceremony
Monday, May 11, 2009
8:00 am (line no later than 7:15)
Attendance at the commencement ceremony on the Quadrangle is required unless your academic dean has sent special permission to the registrar in advance for your diploma to be awarded in absentia. In this case, the diploma will be mailed later to the address furnished by you to your dean.
There will be no rehearsal for the commencement ceremony on the Quadrangle.
Graduates will assemble in cap and gown no later than 7:15 am, Monday, May 11, at locations designated by school. Return to this site in late April for a map of line-up locations. Graduates should be prompt in order to give the marshals time to arrange the lines in exact conformity with the program. The procession will begin at 8:00 am sharp. The Quadrangle ceremony will last approximately one hour and thirty minutes.
Diploma Ceremonies
Diploma ceremonies will be held following the University ceremony. Marshals of the various schools will direct the exit of their graduates from the Quadrangle to the places indicated on the Event Schedule.
Inclement Weather
In case of severe weather, the all-schools ceremony on the Quadrangle will be canceled, and the diploma ceremonies for the various schools will be held at times and locations listed on the Inclement Weather Schedule. In that event, graduates should go directly to those locations in cap and gown.
Tickets to Commencement Ceremonies
Tickets are not required for admission to the Commencement Ceremony on the Quadrangle. Some school diploma ceremonies may require and may limit tickets in the event of inclement weather. Schools will distribute tickets to their graduates.
Graduates and Guests with Disabilities
If you have persons in your party who are unable to walk long distances, who use wheelchairs, or who have other special needs, you may complete the Special Needs Request form. This form must be completed by May 2. See Special Needs page for more details.
Regalia (Caps, Gowns and Hoods)
All student participants are expected to wear the official academic costume at both the Baccalaureate service and Commencement. This includes cap, gown, tassel and hood.
Graduates should purchase regalia (robes, hats, tassels, and hoods) at the Emory University Bookstore in the Dobbs University Center (DUC). Students who are off-campus during the spring semester should contact the Bookstore or email emory@bkstr.com.
JD recipients must contact their school commencement coordinator for information about Law School regalia.
Announcements
The official Emory Commencement announcement is available only from Jostens. The official announcement is on display at the Emory Bookstore.
Students or parents can order personalized Commencement announcements printed with the student's name, degree, and academic major and embossed with the University seal. For more information or to order announcements click here, or call 1.800.854.7464.
Class Rings
Students may visit the Emory Bookstore to see a display of Emory Class Rings. Rings can be ordered on the web, at Herff Jones. However, delivery of rings ordered after March 6 is not guaranteed in time for the Senior Ring Ring Ceremony, April 24, at 7:00 pm, at the Miller Ward Alumni House.
Diploma Frames
Diploma frames are on display and can be purchased at the Emory Bookstore.
Portraits and Photography
See the photography section for important information about cap & gown portraits and ceremony photography.
Parking
Free parking is available on Commencement day in parking decks around campus. (See Campus Map) Students and guests are encouraged to arrive early. More specific information about parking and transportation will be available as the date of Commencement nears.
On-Campus Transportation
All visitors are encouraged to use the shuttle service on campus Commencement morning. Shuttles serve all parking decks except the Fishburne Deck and serve all on-campus events. All shuttle vehicles are equipped for easy accessibility and for carrying guests using wheelchairs. (See Shuttle Map)
Walking to Commencement sites on Emory's campus may require walking up and down hill or walking for some distance. Guests should consider their needs when planning whether or not to attend and when planning transportation.
Guests with disabilities, or who require shuttle service, should not park in the Fishburne Parking Deck because of shuttle access. More about access.
Vendors for wheelchair rentals are listed on this site. Emory does not provide wheelchairs.
