Commencement 2024 Update

Friday
May 10, 2024

10:00 a.m. – Noon

Convention
Center

Ballroom

Additional guests, family, and friends will have the opportunity to share in the activities via a live (and on-demand) webcast of the ceremony https://med.emory.edu/commencement. The Diploma Ceremony will feature remarks by the President of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), Dr. Victor Dzau. Graduating students attending in-person will be individually recognized during the ceremony. The Papageorge Teaching Award will be presented, and recipients will be recognized. Graduating students must officially register themselves and their guests to attend the ceremony. Registration must be completed through the Marching Order Portal.

Email Mona Ingram with any questions.

Friday
May 10, 2024

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Convention
Center

Exhibit Hall

Friday
May 10, 2024

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Convention
Center

Ballroom

Graduating students, family and friends will have an opportunity to share in the activities via a live (and on-demand) webcast of the ceremony. The link to view the ceremony will be shared with graduating students closer to the event date. The Diploma Ceremony will feature remarks by The Associate Interim Director of Doctor of Physical Therapy, Dr. Kathleen Geist, The Rehabilitation Interim Chairman, and Dr. George Fulk. Our Keynote Speaker to be announced. Graduating students attending in-person and virtually will be individually recognized during the Diploma Ceremony.

Email Ella Pollard with any questions

Friday
May 10, 2024

5:45 – 7:30 p.m.

Convention
Center

Exhibit Hall

For all graduating Goizueta Business School master’s students and their guests.  Degree candidates will be recognized individually as they cross the stage. 

Email Harriet Ruskin or call 404-727-6644 with any questions

Saturday
May 11, 2024

9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Convention
Center

Ballroom

Questions? Email cstevents@emory.edu and type “Commencement 2024” in the email subject line.

Saturday
May 11, 2024

10:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Convention
Center

Exhibit Hall

Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024 graduates are required to register to participate. The ceremony will be hosted by Dean M. Daniele Fallin. All graduates will be individually recognized in-person at the RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony. 

Email rsphcommencement@emory.edu with any questions

Saturday
May 11, 2024

11:00 a.m. – Noon

Convention
Center

Willow Room

The Diploma ceremony will feature remarks by the Director of the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program, Lauren Lichten, MS CGC. The ceremony will also include award presentations for the “Genetic Counseling Student of the Year”, The “Paul M. Fernhoff Excellence in Teaching Award”, and the “Best Student Research Poster”.  Students will need to submit guest numbers to MarieAnge Charlestin at gcprogram@emory.edu by April 1st.

Email MarieAnge Charlestin with any questions

Saturday
May 11, 2024

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Convention
Center

Ballroom

During the ceremony, Oxford College will present the Virgil Y.C. Eady Sophomore Service Award to a sophomore student and the Emory Williams Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award to one of its faculty members. Graduating students should register themselves and their guests for the ceremony by April 25th through MarchingOrder. 

Contact Sarah Dobbs in the Office of the Dean with any questions

Sunday
May 12, 2024

Morning (Time TBD)

More information to follow

Convention Center

Ballroom

Sunday
May 12, 2024

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Convention Center

Ballroom

This ceremony is for graduating seniors who have completed the College Honors Program, along with their families, Honors committee directors, and College faculty. 

Contact Dr. Robert Torre at 404-727-1466 with any questions

Monday
May 13, 2024

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Doors open at 7:00 a.m.

Gas South Arena

Only undergraduate degree candidates from Emory College, Business School (BBA), Nursing (BSN) and Medical Imaging Program are to attend this event using existing Quadrangle ceremony tickets. The Emory College diploma ceremony will take place immediately after this ceremony. The other schools will exit and move over to the Convention Center for their diploma ceremonies.

Infertility researcher and health equity advocate Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and CEO of the Morehouse School of Medicine, will deliver the keynote address at Emory University’s 179th Commencement.

Monday
May 13, 2024

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Convention Center

Exhibit Hall

Monday
May 13, 2024

10:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Immediately following the University Commencement Ceremony

Gas South Arena

The ceremony will feature remarks from the Dean of Emory College, Barbara Krauthamer, and the Senior Class Orator, the sole student speaker. All graduates will be individually recognized on stage. 

Contact Christina Griffin at 404-727-1156 with any questions

Monday
May 13, 2024

11:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Pre-reception following the University Commencement Ceremony

Convention Center

Exhibit Hall

Monday
May 13, 2024

11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Convention Center

Ballroom

Spring 2024 graduates have been invited to participate and are asked to submit an RSVP for themselves and their guests by April 26, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The ceremony will be hosted by Dean Linda McCauley and will feature remarks from student speakers. All graduates will be individually recognized in-person at the SON Diploma Ceremony.

Contact Arnita Howard at 404-712-6826 with any questions

Monday
May 13, 2024

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Convention Center

Willow Room

This year's speaker is Eric Edmonson (RTR), former Radiology Supervisor at Emory Healthcare.

The following Commencement-related events will unfortunately not take place this year:

• All school-hosted Campus Graduation Receptions

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

• International Student Graduation Reception

THURSDAY, MAY 9

• Oxford Continuee Graduate Reception
• Class Day Crossover
• Goizueta Business School Evening MBA Graduation Celebration
• Goizueta Business School Full-time MBA Graduation Celebration

FRIDAY, MAY 10

• Goizueta Business School Master of Science in Business Analytics Celebration
• Goizueta Business School Master of Analytical Finance Graduation Celebration
• Goizueta Business School Executive MBA Graduation Celebration
• Oxford Baccalaureate
• BBA Graduation Celebration
  
• University Baccalaureate

SATURDAY, MAY 11

• Modupe Dayo Ceremony/Reception*
• C.A.R.A.S. Ceremony/Reception*

SUNDAY, MAY 12

• Legacy Medallion Ceremony
• First-Generation Low-Income (FLI) Graduation Ceremony/Reception*
• Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) Graduation Ceremony/Reception*

* See updated schedule for information on Belong & Community Justice Reception

These items are prohibited by the venue:

• Balloons
• Weapons of any kind
• Backpacks
• Bags, briefcases, or purses (see bag policy for clear bag and clutch allowances)
• Electronic devices larger than a cell phone (e.g. laptops, iPads or other tablets)
• Cameras with detachable lenses (As a general rule, if a camera cannot fit in your pocket, please refrain from bringing it.)
• Video cameras
• Selfie-sticks
• Signs on sticks or oversized signs (no larger than 8 1/2" x 11")
• Coolers or outside food/beverage
• Smoking of any kind, including but not limited to tobacco, vapor or e-cigarettes
• Illegal drugs
• Laser pointers
• Mace or pepper spray
• Spiked or studded jewelry
• Apparel with explicit wording or pictures
• Stickers
• Umbrellas over 24" long
• Strollers
• Animals except service animals

Gas South District management reserves the right to make the final determination on prohibited items. Gas South District is NOT responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen or damaged. Possession of prohibited items will be grounds for ejection from the Gas South District.

• All guests who are able to be screened will prepare to walk through a metal detector prior to entering the venues.
• All permitted bags will be searched by security personnel.
• If an alarm sounds, the guest will be subject to a secondary screening process which may slow entry into the venue.
• There are alternative screenings for expectant mothers, guests using wheelchairs, or those with a medical condition.

Gas South District^® meets or exceeds all public facility structural and service requirements as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Seating and Entrance Notes

Arena: The Arena has accessible seating located in all levels of the Arena. All levels of the Arena are accessible by elevator and escalator. Guests in wheelchairs should enter the building at the main entrance.

Convention Center: The Exhibit Hall and Ballroom will have designated areas for guests using mobility aids. Guests who are unable to descend stairs should follow the marked ADA Entrance signs when attending an event at the either the Exhibit Hall or Ballroom as the primary entrance points for this events are located at the bottom of stairs. The ADA Entrance path will guide you through the foyer to an elevator to reach a secondary screening area for either the Ballroom or the Exhibit Hall.

Parking

Arena: A limited number of designated handicap parking areas are located at the front of the Arena. The designated handicap parking spaces are available on a first-come, first served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Please contact a Parking Attendant to assist with drop-off or pick-up arrangements.  The Arena has ADA parking on all levels of the parking deck and ADA parking in the front lot. Drop-offs for ADA should use Arena Drive (traffic light on Sugarloaf Parkway) and may be dropped off at the front of the Arena near the crosswalk.

Convention Center Events:  The designated handicap parking spaces are available on a first-come, first served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Please contact a Parking Attendant to assist with drop off or pick up arrangements. The Convention Center has ADA parking in both Deck 1 and Deck 2. 

Wheelchairs

On-site Short-Distance Transfer: Gas South District is happy to provide wheelchair escorts for guests with special needs. This service is free and can be requested via our Guest Services team. Wheelchair escorts are available upon request at main entry points. Please be aware there may be a short wait while we assist other guests. So that we may assist multiple guests, please be aware that our staff will not remain with you during the event, nor are you allowed to remain in the wheelchair for the duration of the event.

Wheelchair Rental:

Emory does not provide wheelchair rental services. The following vendors are provided as a service to Commencement guests to assist you with locating a wheelchair rental company. Emory is not responsible for rental arrangements, products, or practices.

Complete Home Medical Equipment
575 Dekalb Ind Way Ste 102
Decatur, GA 30033-1756
Phone: 404-292-6525
Fax: 404-292-6526

Accucare Medical Equipment
11 Dunwoody Park, Ste 130
Atlanta, GA 30338
Phone: 770-512-0090
Fax: 770-512-0190
Email: mistermorton@mindspring.com

Alpha Medical Equipment & Supplies, Inc
1652 Church Street
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: 404-373-8160
Fax: 404-373-8163
Email: Livikas@bellsouth.net

Emory University: Emory's Respect for Open Expression Policy will be enforced during Commencement events.

Gas South District Venues: Gas South District is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable entertainment experience. They value your enthusiasm and ask that all guests exercise good judgment and observe the Code of Conduct listed below. Please respect the rights of others by displaying proper decorum. 

Guests have a right to expect an environment where:

• Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all venue personnel.
• Guests will enjoy every event free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
• Fans may not interfere with the event in any manner.
• Guests will sit only in their ticketed seats and show their tickets when requested.
• Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects or attempting to enter the stage may be immediately ejected from the venue.
• Guests will not smoke or vapor in any of the campus venues, but in designated smoking areas only.
• Guests will be required to wear a shirt and shoes at all times for their own safety. Guest are not allowed to have signs or clothing with obscene or indecent messages, images or text.
• Guests will comply with requests from venue staff regarding facility operations and emergency response procedures.
• Guests will also be responsible for their own good time by reporting inappropriate behavior.

Gas South District staff has been trained to intervene when deemed necessary and to use their best discretion to help ensure that guests who ignore the Code of Conduct do not interfere with other guests’ ability to enjoy an event. Guests who violate the Code of Conduct may be subject to ejection and, to the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of law, may be subject to arrest.

Depending on traffic, The Gas South District is about 45 minutes north on I-85 from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and 30 minutes north on I-85 from downtown Atlanta or the Emory Campus. (Map)

Traveling North on I-85

Take the Sugarloaf Parkway Exit. Turn right off the exit, go back under the Interstate and cross over Satellite Boulevard. The Arena and Convention Center will be on your left.  Alternate Route: Take I-85 to the Highway 120 Exit West. Turn right on Satellite Boulevard. The Arena and Convention Center will be 1/2 mile on your left.

Traveling South on I-85

Take the Sugarloaf Parkway Exit. Turn right off the exit and you cross over Satellite Boulevard. The Arena and Convention Center will be on your left. Alternate Route: Take I-85 to Highway 120 West exit. Turn right onto Highway 120. Turn right onto Satellite Boulevard. TheArena and Convention Center will be 1/2 mile on your left.

Yes. Many of the Commencement events, including the all-university Commencement ceremony, will be livestreamed. View webcast information.

The Gas South District is a multipurpose, indoor complex in Duluth, Georgia (Gwinnett County), that includes the Gas South Area, the Gas South Convention Center, and the Gas South Theater. It is approximately 20 miles northeast of Emory’s Atlanta campus and approximately 30 miles northwest of Emory’s Oxford campus.

Venue Address:

6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097

Yes. Information on driving and parking is below.

Driving Directions:

Depending on traffic, the Gas South District is about 45 minutes north on I-85 from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and 30 minutes north on I-85 from downtown Atlanta or Emory’s Atlanta campus. (Map)

Traveling North on I-85

Take the Sugarloaf Parkway exit. Turn right off the exit, go back under the interstate and cross over Satellite Boulevard. The Center will be on your left.  Alternate Route: Take I-85 to the Highway 120 West exit. Turn right on Satellite Boulevard. The site will be 1/2 mile on your left.

Traveling South on I-85

Take the Sugarloaf Parkway exit. Turn right off the exit and cross over Satellite Boulevard. The Center will be on your left. Alternate Route: Take I-85 to Highway 120 West exit. Turn right onto Highway 120. Turn right onto Satellite Boulevard. The site will be 1/2 mile on your left.

Parking Instructions:

Parking is free for all Emory Commencement event guests. Guests attending events at the Arena should park in Lot A and Deck 2. Parking begins two (2) hours before the scheduled event time. Guests attending events at the Convention Center should park in Deck 1 and Deck 2. Accessible parking is available at both locations. See Gas South District map for locations of parking areas.

The closest hotels to the Gaas South District locations are:

• Westin (Directly adjacent to venues)
• Holiday Inn (Short walking distance to venues)
• Embassy Suites Hilton
• Residence Inn
• Courtyard by Marriott

Additional area hotels include:

• Aloft Lawrenceville Sugarloaf
• Best Western Plus Duluth/Sugarloaf
• Hampton Inn Lawrenceville Duluth
• Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta NE/Gwinnett Sugarloaf
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Lawrenceville Duluth
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Lawrenceville Atlanta Sugarloaf
• Staybridge Suites Atlanta NE-Duluth
• Tru by Hilton Lawrenceville Atlanta 1_85 Sugarloaf

The decision to relocate Commencement activities was not taken lightly and was driven by concerns about safety and security. Emory consulted with the Emory Police Department, security advisors, and other agencies — each of whom advised against holding Commencement events on our campuses. The venue we have selected is indoors and regularly hosts large-scale events.

Yes. The Gas South District and its venues have requirements for security screening, event safety, and guest conduct. These requirements can be found above and on the Gas South District website. Note, the security requirements for the Convention Center will be the same as the Arena.

Yes. Similar to events that are held on campus, Commencement attendees may not:

• Interfere unreasonably with the event or cause substantial disruption to the event that impedes the rights of other attendees, including excessive noise/chants, continually interrupting a speaker, or preventing an audience from seeing/engaging with a speaker during the event.
• Violate any federal, state, local or other applicable law (e.g., gaining unauthorized access to restricted areas, refusing to leave restricted areas if instructed, defacing of public and/or private property, blocking walkways or egress, etc.).
• Hold protests under circumstances where the health or safety of persons is endangered.
• Knowingly interfere with unimpeded movement at the event. Examples may include preventing access to a building, or blocking any entrances or exits in a way that causes safety concerns.
• Cause injury to persons or property or threaten to cause such injury.
• Use or threaten violence or force, or encourage others to use or threaten violence or force.
• Cause harassment, as defined by state law.
• Violate reasonable noise levels.

Emory staff, venue staff, and Commencement volunteers retain the right to ask attendees to change or curtail behavior as they see actions that violate the policies outlined above. As per university policy, community members are obliged to adhere to these requests. Flagrant violations of policy, disregard for volunteer and staff instructions, or behavior that threatens the event operations or safety of others may be referred to law enforcement.

Yes. Your EmoryCard, the official university ID card, should be in your possession at all times and should be presented upon request to any university official.

Individuals who are hosting invited guests on campus may be asked to provide their university identification and some buildings may only be accessible by EmoryCard access. When it is necessary to ask someone to share their connection to Emory, the university is verifying that they have a legitimate reason for being on campus, and that their host is a recognized Emory community member.

Specific information on Commencement activities can be found on this website commencement.emory.edu. This site will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

Each of Emory’s schools and several other units host their own Commencement activities and are responsible for sharing these details with their communities. Specific links to this information can be found below. Contact information is also provided should you have additional questions.

For questions about Emory’s university-wide Commencement celebrations, please email emorycommencement@emory.edu. 

• Emory College of Arts & Sciences
  • Website
  • Questions: Question form available soon
• Oxford College
  • Website
  • Email: dobbs@emory.edu
• School of Medicine
  • Website
  • Email: garcia@emory.edu
• Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
  • Website
  • Email: ahoward@emory.edu
• Candler School of Theology
  • Website
  • Email: kasali@emory.edu
• School of Law
  • Website
  • Email: m.mody@emory.edu
• Roberto C. Goizueta Business School
  • Website
  • Email: ruskin@emory.edu
• James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies
  • Website
  • Email: hairston@emory.edu
• Rollins School of Public Health
  • Website
  • Email: rsphcommencement@emory.edu
• Campus Life
  • Website
  • Email: belonging@emory.edu
• Alumni
  • Website
  • Email: eaa@emory.edu