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Commencement

2012 Commencement Information

Last Year's Items to Order

Commencement Programs

Order extra copies of the 2012 Commencement Program and just pay for postage.

DVD

DVD

Relive Commencement Day with an official 2012 Vanderbilt University Commencement DVD. Includes the entire main commencement ceremony on Alumni Lawn. You will see graduates cross the stage in high resolution broadcast quality video shot by a professional multi–camera crew. To order your DVD, please visit Stone Productions’ Vandy Grads site.

If you are interested in purchasing a DVD of the main ceremony and the undergraduate diploma–awarding ceremony, the deadline to order is June 15, 2012.

photo–register2

Photos

Proofs of the photograph taken of a student receiving his/her degree will be mailed to the student’s permanent address within a week of Commencement. Follow ordering instructions in the packet or contact GradTrak Photography (1–800–261–2576.) View frequently asked questions >>

Regalia (Cap and Gown)

Caps and gowns (a.k.a. regalia) can be rented online. Caps and gowns must be worn by all ceremony participants. The deadline to order your cap and gown is April 6.

PICK UP – located at University Bookstore (Rand Hall)
Wednesday, May 11,2012 - 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, May 12, 2012 - from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, May 13, 2012 - from 7:30 a.m. – 8:25 a.m.

RETURN – located at University Bookstore (Rand Hall, upper level).
Bachelors return Gown only, keep tassel and cap for souvenir. Masters keep tassel and cap, return hood and Gown. All Doctors return all Gown, Tam with tassel and Hood.

PURCHASE – Doctoral and master candidates that would like to purchase new regalia and avoid the rental fees should contact Herff-Jones directly. Ph.D. candidates may purchase regalia here and all other doctoral and masters candidates may purchase theirs here. Deadline to order and receive regalia by Commencement 2012 is March 11, 2012.

Master's & Doctor's regalia for purchase - The accepted Vanderbilt standard is a solid black gown (hoods vary by degree). Anything other than this is not approved for use during Vanderbilt's Commencement. Please contact the Commencement office (615–322–2870) or Herff Jones (615–794–8777) with any additional questions.

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announcements

Announcements

Herff-Jones is the provider of Vanderbilt University’s official Commencement announcements. You may purchase announcements online. Announcements purchased by April 16 will arrive in time to mail before Commencement.

diplomaframeDiploma Frames

Framing Success (a division of Herff-Jones) is the exclusive provider of Vanderbilt University's official Diploma frames. You may purchase diploma frames online.

Order Diploma Frames >>

Class Ring

classrings As an emblem of your achievements, the Alumni Association is proud to offer the Official Vanderbilt University Class Ring. The ring symbolizes an indelible, tangible connection the Vanderbilt’s past, present and future. It is reserved exclusively for students who have completed at least 60 credit hours and are in good standing with the university, and students in the final year of their professional or graduate degrees. To order your class ring, please visit the Balfour website.

theparty2010THE PARTY Tickets

  • May 11 from 9 p.m. - midnight
  • Commons Center Lawn
  • Rain or Shine
  • Tickets are required for admission*
    One complimentary ticket will be sent to each graduating student and additional guest tickets may be purchased online for $20 each.
    * Children 12 years of age and under do not require a ticket.

One complimentary ticket will be sent to all degree candidates with their Almost Alumni Handbook. Additional tickets may be purchased for $20 each here or at the door.

Housing at the Commons

The Vanderbilt University Office of Conferences is offering on campus housing during the 2012 Commencement activities.

Commencement guests will have the opportunity to stay in Hank Ingram House, the newest and one of the most beautiful, state–of–the–art residence halls on campus. Nightly rates are only $89 per night, single or double occupancy. Rooms are available for the nights of May 11, 12 and 13, 2012. There is no minimum night stay required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The Hank Ingram House is fully ADA compliant. View more information about Housing at the Commons.

The reservation deadline is May 4, 2012.

Box Lunches

For $10, Vanderbilt Dining is offering a box lunch to graduates and guests on Thursday after the Senior Day Speaker and on Friday after the Commencement Ceremonies. Pre–ordered boxed lunches may be picked up in the Rand Hall Dining Center 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

Thursday’s Menu

  • Meat Option: Roast Turkey and Swiss on Pretzel Bread (Lettuce, Tomato, Mustard and Mayo)
  • Vegetarian Option: Grilled Spring Vegetable Spinach Wrap with Herbed Cream Cheese
  • Whole Fruit, Pasta Salad, Potato Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Commemorative Chocolate Coin

Friday’s Menu

  • Meat Option: BBQ Chicken and Chipotle Wrap
  • Vegetarian Option: Mediterranean Spinach Wrap (Hummus Tabouli, Feta and Mesculin Greens)
  • Whole Fruit, Five Bean Salad, Sun Chips, Brownie, Commemorative Chocolate Coin

Lunches include a beverage of your choice: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or bottled water.

The reservation deadline is May 4, 2012.

Private Receptions

receptionLooking for a way to celebrate Commencement with family and friends? Worried about long waits at restaurants, the hassle of sitting in Commencement traffic, or dealing with logistics? Instead, spend more time celebrating and let us take care of the planning for you!

  • Avoid long waits at restaurants.
  • You are already on campus!
  • Avoid the hassle of sitting in post–Commencement traffic.
  • Spend less time planning and more time celebrating!
  • Award–winning catering.
  • Host a reception with your friends!
  • No need to worry about ordering food, decor, and organization event logistics. We've already taken care of the details for you!

The reservation deadline is April 22. For more information, please email jennifer.adams.1@vanderbilt.edu or call 615–343–3365.

Last Year's Commencement Information for Reference