FAQ

Graduates Day and the Commencement Celebration will take place Thursday, May 8, 2025.

More information about Graduates Day to come.

More information to come.

All events will be accessible for those needing mobility accommodations and we encourage guests to bring their state issued handicap placard if applicable.

More information about accessibility for all events to come.

The Nichols-Chancellor's Medal is awarded by Vanderbilt University to someone who defines the 21st century and exemplifies the best qualities of the human spirit. The award is presented at Graduates Day.

More information to come.

Generally, undergraduate Commencement lasts about three hours. More information to come.

All graduating Vanderbilt University students participating in undergraduate Commencement activities are required to stay for the entire ceremony.

Only in the case of a personal medical emergency are students permitted to leave the ceremony early. The ceremony typically lasts three hours.

In the spring semester, all graduates will indicate their attendance for Commencement when they fill out the Graduation Confirmation Form in YES. There is no RSVP for guests.

More information to come.

More information to come.

All summer, fall and eligible graduates should receive Commencement communications to their Vanderbilt email. Please reach out to the Commencement team if you are not receiving emails.

An email archive is available to access information about Commencement.

While the history of Vanderbilt's Commencement reflects the university's growth, the traditional icons are the seal, mace, Chancellor's Insignia and the Gonfalons.

Summer and fall graduates should have already received their diplomas. Please reach out to the registrar if you have not. 

Spring graduates who attend Commencement will receive their diploma via mail after the ceremony and will hold a diploma cover when they cross the stage. Spring graduates who are unable to attend Commencement will have their diploma shipped in June to the address on file. Please check with the Registrar's Office for more information.

The undergraduate ceremony will be livestreamed and a recording will be made available on the Commencement home page. Graduate and professional school students should ask their schools about plans to livestream specific ceremonies.

More information to come.

More information to come.

More information to come.

More information to come.

Please find the Vanderbilt adornment policy here: https:/vanderbilt.edu/commencement/adornment-policy/

Graduates will have their pictures taken as they walk across the stage by an official photographer. Details about receiving those pictures after the ceremony will be shared closer to Commencement. 

Yes. Please find a list of hotels and overnight options on our accommodations page of the commencement website.

More information to come.

Summer and fall 2024 graduates are invited to participate in the 2025 Commencement ceremony. 

Summer or fall 2025 graduates will be invited to participate in the 2026 Commencement ceremony.

All undergraduates will receive an empty diploma cover when they cross the stage. Graduates must complete all degree requirements to participate

Vanderbilt Commencement is traditionally on or just before the second weekend in May, though specific dates may change based on the needs of the university community and the graduating class.