Winter Graduate Program Commencement

Friday, December 11, 2026
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center

10 a.m. — School of Law

  • Juris Doctor

2 p.m. — School of Health Sciences

  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy

Spring Graduate-Level Commencement

Wednesday, May 19, 2027
7 p.m. | Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center

Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education

  • Master of Arts in Higher Education
  • Master of Education in Innovation

Martha and Spencer Love School of Business

  • Master of Science in Accounting
  • Master of Science in Business Analytics
  • Master of Business Administration

December Ceremony Information

Tickets

Tickets are not required for the graduate program Commencement ceremony in Alumni Gym. The ceremony will include a keynote address followed by reading of names and awarding of degrees as candidates cross the stage.

Parking

Parking is available in The Oaks parking lot (416 N. Williamson Ave.) across from Koury Athletic Center. The Koury/Fine Arts lot will be available for accessible parking (permit required) or drop off. There could be a walk of 200 feet or more to the entrance. Guests who need assistance to reach the entrances and within Alumni Gym should bring a personal mobility device.

View parking map

Bag and Security Policies

Elon University has implemented a clear bag policy for Commencement ceremonies. The policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and guests.

Clear bags should be no larger than 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches.

The following permitted items will be subject to search before entering the ceremony:

  • Wallets and small (clutch) purses
  • Diaper bags
  • Camera bags
  • Backpacks
  • Professional cameras (defined as cameras with detachable lenses)
  • Unwrapped gifts and flowers (glass vases not permitted)
  • Gift bags
  • Items related to a medical condition
  • Factory-sealed bottles of water
  • Clear empty refillable drinking bottle (must be empty at entrance)

Prohibited items at Commencement include but are not limited to:

  • Non-clear bags
  • Weapons, firearms and explosives
  • Artificial noisemakers or whistles
  • Laser pointers and glow sticks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco products of any kind and e-cigarettes
  • Outside food and beverage
  • Coolers
  • Bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards and rollerblades
  • Drones
  • Umbrellas (in inclement weather, these may be stored outside of ceremony)
  • Flags on poles and large banners or signs
  • Large balloon displays
  • Beach balls
  • Wrapped gifts
  • Collapsible chairs
  • Pets/animals (except recognized service animals under ADA titles II and III)
  • Camera bipods, tripods and selfie sticks

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is available upon request on the main level of Alumni Gym. Marshals will be on hand to assist.

SAP and Hearing Assistance

Spanish translation will be available for guests attending the ceremony. Stop at the Accessibility Station in the concourse to check out a headset. A second channel will provide the remarks in English with volume control. A limited number of headsets is available. First come, first served. ASL interpreting will also take place at the stage.

Saplings

Saplings will be available for graduate program candidates following the ceremonies outside Alumni Gym.

Livestream

For families and friends who are unable to attend in person, the ceremonies will be available to livestream on personal devices at www.elon.edu/live.

Photos

Graduate program students should register with GradImages before Dec. 7 for special discounts on ceremony photographs crossing the stage and receiving their diplomas.

Flowers

Information about pre-ordering flowers will be available soon. Flowers can also be purchased at local stores:

  • Food Lion, 3535 S. Church Street, Burlington, NC, (336)584-3522
  • Harris Teeter, 2727 S. Church Street, Burlington, NC, 336) 585-1444
  • Lowe’s Foods, 1191 University Drive, Burlington, NC, (336) 584-8091
  • Publix, 2750 S. Church St., Burlington, NC, (336) 586-1873

Graduate Program Commencement Schedule

Events and dates are subject to change.


Thursday, Dec. 10

Lavender Celebration

8:30 a.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms

A special event recognizing graduating students who have made a positive contribution to LGBTQIA inclusion at the institution through their identities, advocacy, allyship and support. Registration is required. Graduates should check their email for more details.

¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight

11 a.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms

A stole ceremony recognizing the efforts and successes of graduates who celebrate Latinx/Hispanic cultures and traditions. Registration is required. Graduates should check their email for more details.

Donning of the Kente

2 p.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms

Donning of the Kente centers the African diaspora and celebrates our graduating students’ achievements. Each graduate receives a stole made of kente cloth imported from West Africa. Registration is required. Graduates should check their email for more details.

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

6 p.m., Whitley Auditorium

Graduating Accelerated 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.


Friday, Dec. 11

School of Law Commencement Ceremony

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 10 a.m.

Juris Doctor candidates will receive their diplomas. Doors open at 9:15 a.m.

School of Health Sciences Commencement Ceremony

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 2 p.m.

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing candidates will receive their diplomas. Doors open at 1:15 p.m.


Wednesday, May 19

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.