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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 7

Time: 11 a.m.—12 p.m.

Location: Memorial Gymnasium

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    Graduates Day, which takes place on Thursday, May 7 at Memorial Gym, is the part of the celebration where ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø awards its prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal, one of the highest honors at the university.

    (Courtesy of Jenny Sherman)

    The university has announced that award-winning author and professor Arthur C. Brooks will receive ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal when he speaks at the university’s 2026 Commencement activities.

    The award is given to individuals who define the 21st century and exemplify the best qualities of the human spirit. It was created and endowed by Vanderbilt Law School graduate Ed Nichols and his wife, Janice, in honor of Edward Carmack and Lucile Hamby Nichols.

Commencement Celebration – Thursday, May 7

Time: 12 p.m.—3 p.m.

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

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    The Commencement Celebration will be Thursday, May 7, at the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility. This event will include refreshments and champagne to toast the Class of 2026. The celebration is open to both graduating seniors and graduate and professional student graduates and their guests. Attendees are also able to come and go during the timeframe. Adults 21 and up must have their I.D. to receive an alcoholic beverage.

Undergraduate Commencement – Friday, May 8

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: FirstBank Stadium

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    ´¡´Ú³Ù±ð°ùÌý³Ù³ó°ù±ð±ðÌýyears of celebrating Vanderbilt graduatesÌýoff campus, the university’s undergraduate Class of 2026 will have a familiar backdrop for their Commencement ceremony on May 8: FirstBank Stadium.Ìý

    The multi-year renovation of the stadium was completed this past summer; the modernized space includes a 130,000-square-foot expansion, an upgraded videoboard and stadium acoustics system, and an updated concourse with more concession options.

    After a victorious football season full of sold-out stands, the stadium is ready to welcome graduates for their final Vanderbilt hurrah.

Diploma Ceremonies – Friday, May 8

  • Undergraduate Commencement

    ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø’s undergraduate Class of 2026 will have a familiar backdrop for their May 8 Commencement ceremony: FirstBank Stadium. The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m.

  • Divinity School’s Act of Worship and Diploma Ceremony

    Date: May 8, 2026

    Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Location: Student Life Center

    Additional Information: The commencement exercises will consist of an act of worship with a commencement speaker followed by the presentation of academic awards and the diplomas to the degree candidates. The service should conclude by noon and be followed by a reception also in the Student Life Center.

  • Graduate School Commencement

    Date: Friday, May 8Ìý

    Time: 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Ìý

    Location: Alumni LawnÌý

    ÌýThe Graduate School Diploma Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 8 at 11 a.m. on Alumni Hall Lawn. The ceremony will takeÌýapproximately 2Ìý- 2.5 hours and be followed by a reception for graduates and their families.Ìý

    Graduates from May 10, 2025, to MayÌý2026Ìý areÌýeligible toÌýparticipateÌýin the Commencement ceremony on May 8, 2026. All Graduate School graduates will receive their diplomas and Ph.D. graduates will be hooded at the Diploma Ceremony.Ìý

    Following the Graduate School Diploma Ceremony, the Bubbly & Berries reception (fruit and champagne) will be served in the adjacent tent for all graduating students and their guests over the age of 21. ID check isÌýrequiredÌýfor all guests.Ìý

  • Law School Hooding Ceremony

    Date: Friday, May 8Ìý

    Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.Ìý

    Location: Curry FieldÌý

    Additional Information: Vanderbilt will celebrate Commencement for the J.D., LL.M., and MLS Classes of 2026 on May 7 and 8, 2026.Ìý

    On Thursday, May 7 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. the Law School will host an Open House for family and friends of graduates. Ceremonies, meet and greets, and celebrations will take place throughout the open house. A full schedule can be found on our website.Ìý

    The Hooding Ceremony will be held Friday, May 8 at 11 a.m. on Curry Field. The tent will open for families and guests at 9 a.m. and seating will be first come, first served.Ìý

  • Owen Graduate School of Management Diploma Ceremony

    Date: Friday, May 8

    Time: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Ìý

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

    Additional Information: Graduates will begin lining up at 10:30 AM. No tickets required.

  • School of Medicine Diploma Ceremony

    Date: Friday, May 8

    Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.Ìý

    Location: Langford AuditoriumÌý

    Additional Information: Graduation ceremony for the following degree programs: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Audiology, Master of Science (Speech-Language Pathology), Master of Education of the Deaf, Master of Genetic Counseling, Master of Imaging Science, Master of Public Health, Master of Science (Applied Clinical Informatics), Master of Science in Clinical Investigation, Master of Science in Medical Physics, Doctor of Medical Physics. Tickets areÌýrequiredÌýfor this event.Ìý

  • Peabody Professional Diploma Ceremony – Master’s and Ed.D. Students

    Date: Friday, May 8

    Time: 1:15–4:15 p.m.Ìý

    Location: Commons LawnÌý

    Additional Information: Students must be checked in by 12:45 p.m. Check-in volunteers will be on Peabody's lawn to welcome you and check you in as early as 11 a.m. Please go to the designated tables and pick up your procession card. This card will have your name, degree, some brief information, and a number.

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  • School of Nursing Investiture of the Academic Hood Ceremony

    Date: Friday, May 8

    Time: 2–4 p.m.Ìý

    Location: Magnolia LawnÌý

    Additional Information: Vanderbilt School of Nursing Investiture of the Academic Hood on Friday, May 8th at 2:00 p.m. held on Magnolia Lawn. RSVP has been sent to graduates Vanderbilt email address. Contact the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø School of Nursing Student Affairs team with any additional questions.Ìý

Additional Events

Blair School of Music Senior Recognition Ceremony, Reception and Senior ShowcaseÌý

Thursday, May 7Ìý

2–5 p.m.Ìý

Blair School of MusicÌý

On Thursday, May 7 the Blair School of Music will host a Senior Recognition Ceremony and Reception, followed by the Senior Showcase. The ceremony will begin at 2pm in Turner Hall.Ìý
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Ceremony: 2 p.m.Ìý
Reception: 3 p.m.Ìý
Senior Showcase: 3:45 p.m.Ìý

Owen Graduate School of Management Graduate CelebrationÌý

Thursday, May 7Ìý

3–5 p.m.Ìý

Owen Lobby and Great RoomÌý

This social event is for all graduating students and their guests to celebrate their achievement. Dressy Casual Attire.Ìý

School of Engineering Senior AwardsÌý

Thursday, May 7Ìý

4–5 p.m.Ìý

Featheringill Hall AtriumÌý

Seniors receiving departmental or school-wide awards, and their families/guests, are invited to attend this short ceremony and reception. Invited students will be sent an RSVP form to complete when the awardees areÌýidentified.Ìý

Owen Graduate School of ManagementÌýExecutive MBA Family & Friends CelebrationÌý

Thursday, May 7Ìý

5:30–8:30 p.m.Ìý

West Club at Nissan Stadium, 1 Titans WayÌý

This celebration is for graduates of the Executive MBA, and their family and loved ones who have supported their journey.Ìý

Blair School of Music Commencement BreakfastÌý

Friday, May 8Ìý

7–8:30 a.m.Ìý

Blair School of MusicÌý

Join us in Ingram Lobby for breakfast prior to Commencement. This is an opportunity for students to celebrate with their loved ones, classmates, and faculty members.Ìý

Owen Graduate School of Management Commencement ReceptionÌý

Friday, May 8Ìý

12:30–2 p.m.Ìý

David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice FacilityÌý

This celebration is for all programs and guests following the ceremony.Ìý