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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 Vanderbilt University 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 Vanderbilt University’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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    After three years of celebrating Vanderbilt graduates off campus, the university’s undergraduate Class of 2026 will have a familiar backdrop for their Commencement ceremony on May 8: FirstBank Stadium. 

    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

    Vanderbilt University’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

    More information to come.

  • Graduate School Commencement

    More information to come.

  • Law School Hooding Ceremony

    More information to come.

  • Owen Graduate School of Management Diploma Ceremony

    More information to come.

  • School of Medicine Diploma Ceremony

    More information to come.

  • Peabody Professional Diploma Ceremony – Master’s Students

    More information to come.

  • School of Nursing Investiture of the Academic Hood Ceremony

    More information to come.

  • Peabody Professional Diploma Ceremony –  Ed.D. Students

    More information to come.

Additional Events

More information to come.