Schedule of Events

Commencement is an exciting time at Vanderbilt, with many events leading up to and through the main Commencement days. Mark your calendars and join in the celebrations!

Vanderbilt Commencement Students Wearing Caps

Commencement Schedule

Graduates Day – Thursday, May 9

Time: 11 a.m.–noon

Location: David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility

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    The Graduates Day celebration for all graduates and their guests will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, at the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility. Doors will open at 10 a.m. with the event beginning at 11 a.m. Vanderbilt will be following its clear bag policy.

    This year’s Nichols-Chancellor's Medalist and Graduates Day speaker is David Brooks, an internationally acclaimed journalist whose work has shaped timely conversations around controversial and complex issues. The program will include awarding the 2024 Founder’s Medals.

Commencement Celebration – Thursday, May 9

Time: Noon–3 p.m.

Locations: David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility

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    This event will take place at the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility immediately following Graduates Day. Graduates and their guests will enjoy lunch, music, dessert, champagne and celebration.

Undergraduate Commencement – Friday, May 10

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Gates open: 7:30 a.m.

Location: Geodis Park

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    Commencement at Geodis Park is for undergraduates only. Gates open at 7:30 a.m.

    The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. Activities will be set up around the stadium for students and guests to enjoy.

    Please note: Geodis Park has a clear bag policy.

    The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Commencement website.

    Processional Information:

Diploma Ceremonies – Friday, May 10

  • Undergraduate Commencement (9:30 a.m.)

    Location: Geodis Park

    Time: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

  • Divinity School’s Act of Worship and Diploma Ceremony (10 a.m.)

    Time: 10 a.m.

    Location: Benton Chapel

    Tickets are not required.

  • Graduate School Commencement (11 a.m.)

    Location: Alumni Lawn

    Time: 11 a.m.

    Graduate School hooding ceremony has open seating. There are no tickets required.

  • Law School Hooding Ceremony (11 a.m.)

    Location: Curry Field

    Time: 11 a.m.

    The Law School Hooding Ceremony will be in the Commencement tent on Curry Field.

    Curry Field is next to the Law School building and behind Wilson Hall.

  • Owen Graduate School Diploma Ceremony (11 a.m.)

    Location: Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center

    Time: 11 a.m.–noon 

    Graduates will line up in the main gym, and guests will proceed to the Indoor Practice Facility.

  • School of Medicine Diploma Ceremony (11 a.m.)

    Location: Langford Auditorium

    Time: 11 a.m.

  • Peabody Professional Diploma Ceremony – Master’s Students (11 a.m.)

    Tickets are not required, but seating is limited. An indoor viewing area will be available nearby for those who want to watch a livestream of the ceremony.

    Graduates must check in upon their arrival on the Peabody Esplanade. Master's students should check in by 10:30 a.m.

    Time: 11 a.m.

    Location: Peabody Esplanade

  • School of Nursing Investiture of the Academic Hood Ceremony (2 p.m.)

    Location: Magnolia Lawn

    Time: 2 p.m.

    During the ceremony, hoods will be placed by the program director and deans. The traditional act of the faculty placing the hood on the graduate symbolizes the passage of authority to practice advanced-level nursing. An opportunity to participate in the pomp and circumstance of this day should not be missed.

    RSVP here.

  • Peabody Professional Diploma Ceremony –  Ed.D. Students (3 p.m.)

    Location: Peabody Esplanade

    Time: 3 p.m.

    Tickets are not required, but seating is limited. An indoor viewing area will be available nearby for those who want to watch a livestream of the ceremony. 

Additional Events

Thursday, May 2:

  • Next Steps Senior Celebration (5 p.m.)

    Location: Wyatt Rotunda

    Time: 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 7:

  • Lavender Graduation (5 p.m.)

    Location: Community Event Space

    Time: 5 p.m.

    Sponsored by LGBTQI Life and SCSJI

Wednesday, May 8:

  • Native American/Indigenous Graduate Recognition (9 a.m.)

    Location: SLC Board of Trust Room

    Time 9 a.m.

    Sponsored by SCSJI, EDI and ISO

  • Intersectional Student Graduate Recognition Ceremony (3:30 p.m.)

    Location: SLC Ballroom

    Time: 3:30 p.m.

    This event includes first-generation students, low-income students, students who are military or veterans and students with disabilities.

  • Intersectional Student Graduate Recognition Reception (5 p.m.)

    Location: SLC Board of Trust Room and SLC Hallway

    Time: 5 p.m.

  • APIDA Graduate Recognition Ceremony (6 p.m.)

    Location: SLC Ballroom

    Time: 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 9:

  • International Student Graduate Recognition Ceremony (9 a.m.)

    Location: SLC Ballroom

    Time: 9 a.m.

    Sponsored by ISSS and SCSJI

  • Latinx Graduate Recognition Ceremony (1 p.m.)

    Location: SLC Ballroom

    Time: 1 p.m. 

  • Posse Scholars Graduate Recognition Ceremony (4 p.m.)

    Location: Community Event Space

    Time: 4 p.m.

  • Blair School of Music Senior Showcase (4:30 p.m.)

    Location: Steve and Judy Turner Recital Hall

    Time: 4:30 p.m.

    Senior Showcase will take place after the Senior Recognition Ceremony and Reception.

  • Black Graduate Recognition Ceremony (7 p.m.)

    Location: Langford Auditorium

    Time: 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 15:

  • Athletics Commencement (9:30 a.m.)

    Location: Langford Auditorium

    Time: 9:30 a.m.