Schedule of Events

Commencement Schedule

Graduates Day – Thursday, May 7

Time: 11 a.m.—12 p.m.

Location: Memorial Gymnasium

Graduates Day Program

Read More

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

Read More

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

Undergraduate Commencement Day Program

Read More

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

Date: May 8, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Student Life Center
Additional Information: The commencement exercises will consist of an act of worship with a commencement speaker followed by the presentation of academic awards and the diplomas to the degree candidates. The service should conclude by noon and be followed by a reception also in the Student Life Center.
Graduate School Commencement

Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: Alumni Lawn
The Graduate School Diploma Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 8 at 11 a.m. on Alumni Hall Lawn. The ceremony will take approximately 2 - 2.5 hours and be followed by a reception for graduates and their families.
Graduates from May 10, 2025, to May 2026  are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony on May 8, 2026. All Graduate School graduates will receive their diplomas and Ph.D. graduates will be hooded at the Diploma Ceremony.
Following the Graduate School Diploma Ceremony, the Bubbly & Berries reception (fruit and champagne) will be served in the adjacent tent for all graduating students and their guests over the age of 21. ID check is required for all guests.
Law School Hooding Ceremony

Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Curry Field
Additional Information: Vanderbilt will celebrate Commencement for the J.D., LL.M., and MLS Classes of 2026 on May 7 and 8, 2026.
On Thursday, May 7 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. the Law School will host an Open House for family and friends of graduates. Ceremonies, meet and greets, and celebrations will take place throughout the open house. A full schedule can be found on our website.
The Hooding Ceremony will be held Friday, May 8 at 11 a.m. on Curry Field. The tent will open for families and guests at 9 a.m. and seating will be first come, first served.
More information can be found on the Law School Commencement website.
Owen Graduate School of Management Diploma Ceremony

Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility
Additional Information: Graduates will begin lining up at 10:30 AM. No tickets required.
School of Medicine Diploma Ceremony

Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Langford Auditorium
Additional Information: Graduation ceremony for the following degree programs: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Audiology, Master of Science (Speech-Language Pathology), Master of Education of the Deaf, Master of Genetic Counseling, Master of Imaging Science, Master of Public Health, Master of Science (Applied Clinical Informatics), Master of Science in Clinical Investigation, Master of Science in Medical Physics, Doctor of Medical Physics. Tickets are required for this event.
Peabody Professional Diploma Ceremony – Master’s and Ed.D. Students

Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 1:15–4:15 p.m.
Location: Commons Lawn
Additional Information: Students must be checked in by 12:45 p.m. Check-in volunteers will be on Peabody's lawn to welcome you and check you in as early as 11 a.m. Please go to the designated tables and pick up your procession card. This card will have your name, degree, some brief information, and a number.
School of Nursing Investiture of the Academic Hood Ceremony

Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 2–4 p.m.
Location: Magnolia Lawn
Additional Information: Vanderbilt School of Nursing Investiture of the Academic Hood on Friday, May 8th at 2:00 p.m. held on Magnolia Lawn. RSVP has been sent to graduates Vanderbilt email address. More information on the School of Nursing events can be found on our website. Contact the Vanderbilt School of Nursing Student Affairs team with any additional questions.

Additional Events

Blair School of Music Senior Recognition Ceremony, Reception and Senior Showcase

Thursday, May 7

2–5 p.m.

Blair School of Music

On Thursday, May 7 the Blair School of Music will host a Senior Recognition Ceremony and Reception, followed by the Senior Showcase. The ceremony will begin at 2pm in Turner Hall.

Ceremony: 2 p.m.
Reception: 3 p.m.
Senior Showcase: 3:45 p.m.

Owen Graduate School of Management Graduate Celebration

Thursday, May 7

3–5 p.m.

Owen Lobby and Great Room

This social event is for all graduating students and their guests to celebrate their achievement. Dressy Casual Attire.

School of Engineering Senior Awards

Thursday, May 7

4–5 p.m.

Featheringill Hall Atrium

Seniors receiving departmental or school-wide awards, and their families/guests, are invited to attend this short ceremony and reception. Invited students will be sent an RSVP form to complete when the awardees are identified.

Owen Graduate School of Management Executive MBA Family & Friends Celebration

Thursday, May 7

5:30–8:30 p.m.

West Club at Nissan Stadium, 1 Titans Way

This celebration is for graduates of the Executive MBA, and their family and loved ones who have supported their journey.

Blair School of Music Commencement Breakfast

Friday, May 8

7–8:30 a.m.

Blair School of Music

Join us in Ingram Lobby for breakfast prior to Commencement. This is an opportunity for students to celebrate with their loved ones, classmates, and faculty members.

Owen Graduate School of Management Commencement Reception

Friday, May 8

12:30–2 p.m.

David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility

This celebration is for all programs and guests following the ceremony.