December Ceremony Information
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.
Bag and Security Policies
Elon University has implemented a clear bag policy at the Graduate Program Commencements on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. 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.
ASL Interpreting at the Ceremony
Elon’s ASL interpreter will serve at both Commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12. The interpreter will be near the stage, audience left. Seating in section 8 or 9 will provide the best line of sight for the interpreter and the ceremony.
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 Dec. 8 for special discounts on ceremony photographs crossing the stage and receiving their diplomas.
Flowers
Flowers are now available for pre-order. Pre-orders will be accepted until 8 p.m. Dec. 11. Guests can also purchase flowers at the kiosk on site.
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