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FAQ

FAQs for the Class of 2026 Commencement celebrations.

  • Where do I purchase my regalia and when is the deadline to order?

    Caps and gowns must be worn by all in-person ceremony participants. Please review the university’s Adornment Policy as it relates to regalia (cap and gown) during Commencement.

    Bachelors and Masters:

    Ship to Vanderbilt Bookstore Deadline – March 27, 2026
    Ship to Home Deadline – April 10, 2026

    Doctoral (J.D, M.D, Au.D, D.M.P, D.N.P, Ed.D.) and Vanderbilt Ph.D.:

    There are two options available if you would like to receive your Doctoral regalia.

    1. You can order your rental regalia and have it shipped to Vanderbilt University for on-campus pick-up. Rental Ship to Vanderbilt Deadline – March 27, 2026
    2. You can purchase your fine-quality Vanderbilt University regalia to be shipped to your home address. Ship to Home Fine Quality Deadline – March 6, 2026

    Graduates who do not order regalia by the deadlines will incur a late fee.

    Order Now

  • When will Graduates Day and the Commencement celebration take place?

    Graduates Day takes place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, at Memorial Gym. 

    Commencement Celebration will immediately follow Graduates Day at 12 p.m. at the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility.

  • Where can I order Commencement announcements, diploma frames and class rings?

    More information to come.

  • Are there any hotel or lodging accommodations available for Commencement?

    Yes. Please visit our accommodations and travel page for available options. 

  • Where can I park for Graduates Day?

    More information about Graduates Day to come.

  • Where can I find photos of Commencement?

    We encourage you to access the platform SpotMyPhotos for Commencement activities. Once you are registered, SpotMyPhotos can help you find Commencement photos taken by Vanderbilt photographers. To register, visit our SpotMyPhotos website.

    Official photos taken by Grad Images will be emailed directly to you in the days following Commencement.

  • Will the events be accessible?

    All events will be accessible and we encourage guests to bring their state issued handicap placard if applicable.

    For Graduates Day: More information to come.

    For Undergraduate Commencement at FirstBank Stadium: ADA accommodation requests can be made soon. More information to come.

  • What is the Nichols-Chancellor's Medal?

    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.

  • Do I need tickets for Commencement?
    Both Graduates Day and Undergraduate Commencement are ticketed events.
     
    Tickets will become available in April for both Graduates Day and Commencement.
     
    For Commencement, graduates may claim up to 8 tickets. A request form will be available to request additional tickets, if needed, when tickets become available.
     
    For Graduates Day, you may register for up to 8 tickets. Additional ticket requests for Graduates Day cannot be accommodated due to venue capacities.
     
    It will be up to the graduate to obtain and transfer tickets to their guests.

    Graduates are encouraged to check their emails for updates regarding tickets.

  • How long is the Commencement ceremony?

    Generally, undergraduate Commencement lasts about three hours.

  • Do graduates need to stay for the entire Commencement ceremony?

    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.

  • Do graduates need to RSVP for Commencement?

    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.

  • What can I bring to Commencement?

    Undergraduate commencement will follow FirstBank Stadium's Clear Bag Policy.

    Please note other prohibited items on our Security page.  

  • What is the current plan for inclement weather?

    More information to come.

  • If I registered for Commencement, why have I not received any emails?

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

     

  • What are the traditions of Vanderbilt's 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.

  • When will I receive my diploma?

    The Office of the University Registrar mails diplomas to graduates. Students must meet all financial obligations before their diplomas can be released. Graduates who have not received their diplomas by the following dates are advised to call (615) 322-7701.

    Please check with the Registrar's Office for more information.

  • Will the events be livestreamed?

    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.

  • How do I pick up my regalia?

    Graduates have the opportunity to have regalia shipped to either their address on file or shipped to Vanderbilt. 

    If you have your regalia shipped to campus the pick up takes place May 5-7 at the Vanderbilt Bookstore during standard business hours.

  • Where is faculty regalia pick up?

    Faculty regalia pick-up takes place on April 30 and May 1 during Vanderbilt Bookstore operating hours.

    Faculty can come during student pick-up window, though pick-up wait times may be longer. Student regalia pick-up takes place May 5-7. 

  • What parking and shuttle services are available for Commencement?

    More information to come.

  • What is the university adornment policy?

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

  • How do I receive my official Commencement images?

    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. 

  • I am a summer or fall graduate. May I participate in Commencement 2026?

    Summer and fall 2025 graduates are invited to participate in the 2026 Commencement ceremony and will receive communications to their Vanderbilt email address.

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

  • How do I know when next year's Commencement will be?

    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. 

Please reach out if you have any comments or questions about Commencement.