2023 Commencement Schedule

Events and dates are subject to change.

Friday, May 5

Lavender Graduation

McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center, 5 p.m.

A special recognition ceremony for graduating LGBTQIA students. Sign up for Lavender Graduation here

Tuesday, May 9

Last Day of Classes

Wednesday, May 10

Reading Day

Evening examinations begin

Thursday-Tuesday, May 11-16

Examinations

Tuesday, May 16

Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection

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

The Class of 2023 celebrates the end of final exams and the launch of Commencement Week by gathering for a special ceremony where many Elon journeys began, Under the Oaks. 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 in the same location where new students receive the gift of an acorn at the start of their Elon experience. This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2023

Wednesday, May 17

Senior Celebration

Rhodes Stadium, 6-9 p.m.

An evening of sweet goodbyes for the members of the Class of 2023. The event will include free food, a live DJ, 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 2023.

Graduate Program Commencement

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 7 p.m.

The Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education, Master of Arts in Interactive Media, 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.

Air Force ROTC Commissioning

Whitley Auditorium, 10:30 a.m.

Cadets will take their oath of office and be commissioned into the U.S. Air Force. Reception to follow at LaRose Student Commons.

Army ROTC Commissioning

Whitley Auditorium, 2 p.m.

Cadets will take their oath of office and be commissioned into the U.S. Army. Reception to follow at Steers Pavilion.

¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight

Lakeside Meeting Rooms, 1-3 p.m.

A stole ceremony dedicated to celebrating the efforts and successes of the Latinx/Hispanic graduates. 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 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 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, 4-5:30 p.m.

Reception and pinning ceremony honoring legacy graduates in the Class of 2023 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.

A rich cultural ceremony involving Kente cloth stoles imported from West Africa and celebrating the achievements of students who recognize their African roots. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement.

Friday, May 19

The 132nd Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies

Schar Center (542 N. Williamson Ave.)

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

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 ticket information page for details.

Tickets are not required for additional seating in Global Commons (alternate viewing location). Both ceremonies will be available to livestream on personal devices at www.elon.edu/live.