Graduate Program Commencement Exercises

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 Commencement will take place Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Gymnasium in a joint ceremony.

Tickets

Tickets are not required for the graduate-level 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 at the Graduate Program Commencement. 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.

Saplings

Saplings will be available for 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-level students should register with GradImages before Monday, May 18 for special discounts on ceremony photographs crossing the stage and receiving their diplomas.

Flowers

Enhance Commencement day with floral arrangements, orchid leis, graduation teddy bears, kukui nut leis, and Elon-specific items like spirit necklaces and bears. The Commencement Group will be onsite before each Commencement ceremony begins, or you can preorder here before Monday, May 18. 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