Commencement Schedule
Events and dates are subject to change.
Date TBD
ROTC Commissioning Ceremonies
Cadets will take their oath of office and be commissioned into the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
Friday, May 8
Lavender Celebration
Lavender Celebration honors graduates who are undergraduate, graduate or professional students at Elon University who have contributed to LGBTQIA inclusion on campus.
Monday, May 11
Last Day of Classes
Tuesday, May 12
Reading Day
Evening examinations begin
Wednesday-Tuesday, May 13-19
Examinations
Tuesday, May 20
Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection
The Class of 2026 celebrates the end of final exams and the launch of Commencement Week by gathering for a special ceremony. The program will include reflections from graduating seniors and a distinguished faculty member, multifaith blessings, musical performances and a candle lighting ceremony to conclude the event. Each graduate will receive their oak sapling, symbolic of the transition from student to alum. This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2026
Wednesday, May 20
Senior grades due by 1 p.m.
First-Generation Stole Ceremony
This ceremony celebrates the path first-generation graduates have charted during their time on campus. The Office of First-Generation Student Support Services will email eligible candidates with updates and instructions.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Graduating Bachelor of Science in Nursing students will have their white coats pinned in this ceremony, followed by a reception and faculty meet-and-greet. The Department of Nursing will share invitations with participants.
Senior Celebration
Rhodes Stadium
An evening of sweet goodbyes for the members of the Class of 2026. The event will include free food, music, games, photo opportunities and an end-of-night fireworks show. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement. This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2026.
Graduate Program Commencement
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 7 p.m.
The Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education in Innovation, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Business Analytics candidates will receive their diplomas during a joint graduate program ceremony.
Thursday, May 21
¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
An annual stole ceremony dedicated to celebrating the efforts and successes of the graduating undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on the Latinx/Hispanic Community.
Dean’s Receptions
Hosted by faculty from the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, School of Communications and School of Health Sciences. An opportunity for candidates and their guests to spend time with faculty and staff from their areas of study.
Legacy Reception
Reception and pinning ceremony honoring legacy graduates in the Class of 2026 and their families. Legacy graduates have relatives who are Elon alumni.
Donning of the Kente Ceremony
A traditional ceremony where graduating seniors receive stoles made of Kente cloth imported from West Africa.
Friday, May 22
The 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
Schar Center (542 N. Williamson Ave.)
Each ceremony will last approximately 2.5 hours.
- 9 a.m. — Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications
- 2:30 p.m. — Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the School of Health Sciences