2026 Commencement Schedule

Events and dates are subject to change.

TBD

Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony

Friday, May 8

Lavender Celebration

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 5 p.m.

A special event recognizing graduating undergraduate students and graduate students who have made a positive contribution to LGBTQIA inclusion at the institution through their identities, advocacy, allyship and support. Registration deadline is Tuesday, April 14.

Monday, May 11

Last Day of Classes

Tuesday, May 12

Reading Day

Wednesday-Tuesday, May 13-19

Examinations

Tuesday, May 19

Senior grades due by 1 p.m.

Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection

Under the Oaks, 7:45 p.m. (rain location: Alumni Gym)

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. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement. This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2026.

Wednesday, May 20

First-Generation Stole Ceremony

McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center, 1-2:30 p.m.

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

McCrary Theatre, 4-6 p.m.

Graduating Bachelor of Science in Nursing students will be recognized 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, 6:30-9 p.m.

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.

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education in Innovation, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Business Administration will receive their hoods and diplomas during a joint graduate program ceremony.

¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight

Lakeside Meeting Rooms, 1-3 p.m.

A stole ceremony recognizing the efforts and successes of graduates who celebrate their Latinx heritage. Participants will register with the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education.

School Receptions

Various locations, 2:30 p.m.

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 and the School of Communications. An opportunity for candidates and their guests to spend time with faculty and staff from their areas of study.

Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education: Mooney Lawn (rain location: LaRose Student Commons 200)
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences: Lindner patio, facing Lambert Academic Village (rain location: Lindner foyer)
Martha and Spencer Love School of Business: Chandler Fountain (rain location: Koury Business Center atrium)
School of Communications: Snow Family Grand Atrium

Legacy Reception for Graduates and their Alumni Parents, Grandparents and Siblings

McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Reception and pinning ceremony honoring legacy graduates in the Class of 2026 and their families. Legacy graduates have relatives who are Elon alumni. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement.

Donning of the Kente Ceremony

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 6-9 p.m.

Donning of the Kente serves as a cultural ceremony celebrating the achievements of our graduating students who recognize their African roots. Each graduate receives a stole made of kente cloth imported from West Africa. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement.

Friday, May 22

The 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies

Schar Center (542 N. Williamson Ave.)

9 a.m. — Diploma ceremony for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications
2:30 p.m. — Diploma ceremony for Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; and the School of Health Sciences

A ticket is required for all guests to the indoor diploma ceremonies in Schar Center. Participating candidates will receive instructions in April to request tickets. See the guest tickets page for details.

Tickets are not required for the alternate viewing location in Toshio Sato Commons (alternate viewing location). Both ceremonies will be available to livestream on personal devices from any distance at www.elon.edu/live.