FAQ

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. 1. You can order your rental regalia and have it shipped to Vanderbilt University for on-campus pick-up. 
2. Rental Ship to Vanderbilt Deadline – March 27, 2026
3.  
4. 2. You can purchase your fine-quality Vanderbilt University regalia to be shipped to your home address. 
5. Ship to Home Fine Quality Deadline – March 6, 2026

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

More information to come.

More information to come.

More information to come.

More information about Graduates Day to come.

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.

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.

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.

More information to come.

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 FirstBank Stadium's Clear Bag Policy.

Please note other prohibited items on our Security page.  

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 at commencement@vanderbilt.edu if you are not receiving emails.

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.

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. 

More information about orders and pick-ups are coming soon.

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 2025 graduates are 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.