FAQ

Graduates can now order their regalia from Oak Hall. Please note the order deadlines below:

Bachelors and Masters:

Ship to Vanderbilt Deadline – March 31, 2025

Ship to Home Deadline – April 9, 2025

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.
2. You can purchase your fine-quality Vanderbilt University regalia to be shipped to your home address.

Rental Ship to Vanderbilt Deadline –March 31, 2025

Ship to Home Fine Quality Deadline – March 11, 2025

Order Today

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

Both events will follow Vanderbilt's clear bag policy.

Here is where you can order Commencement items:

1. Announcements
2. Diploma Frames
3. Class Rings

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

More information about Graduates Day to come.

More information to come.

All events will be accessible 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.

The undergraduate Commencement ceremony at GEODIS Park is a ticketed event. Instructions and a link to claim tickets will be sent in the next few weeks. 

For graduate and professional students, please check with your respective schools for ticketing information.  

Generally, undergraduate Commencement lasts about three hours.

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.

Undergraduate commencement will follow GEODIS Park's clear bag policy.

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.

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.

• August graduates who have not received their diplomas by the end of September.
• December graduates who have not received their diplomas by the end of January.
• May graduates who have not received their diplomas by the end of June.

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.

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

If regalia is shipped to the university, regalia distribution will be May 6-8 at the Vanderbilt Bookstore.

Please review the deadlines for regalia orders below:

Bachelors and Masters:

Ship to Vanderbilt Deadline – March 31, 2025

Ship to Home Deadline – April 9, 2025

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.
2. You can purchase your fine-quality Vanderbilt University regalia to be shipped to your home address.

Rental Ship to Vanderbilt Deadline –March 31, 2025

Ship to Home Fine Quality Deadline – March 11, 2025

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. 

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.