For the best and latest information about the events associated with Elon's 129th Commencement exercises, turn to www.elon.edu/commencement.
Members of the Class of 2019, their families and friends can turn to Elon University’s Commencement 2019 website for full information about this year’s graduation and the many events that are scheduled for May 22-24.
The website — www.elon.edu/commencement — has been updated throughout the academic year and includes full details about Commencement events, ticketing information, a complete schedule of activities, parking details and information about yearbooks, caps, gowns, merchandise and photos. Along with copies of letters that have been sent to the undergraduate Class of 2019 and their families, visitors to the website will find news stories, photos and videos related to Commencement events.
Elon Commencement 2019 will feature changes to the graduation program to better accommodate students and their families, with undergraduate ceremonies previously held on Saturdays shifted this year to Friday, May 24.
Undergraduate Commencement exercises start this year with an outdoor ceremony on Scott Plaza that begins at 8:45 a.m. This university-wide event for all graduates, families and guests will include a message from the class president, the Commencement address and the president’s charge to graduates. Tickets are not required for this ceremony and there is no limit to the number of guests who may attend.
Following this outdoor ceremony, there will be two separate diploma-awarding ceremonies for the Class of 2019 held in Schar Center. Each ceremony will last about two hours.
- Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Education will award diplomas at the 11:30 a.m. ceremony.
- The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications will award diplomas at the 3:30 p.m. ceremony.
Diploma ceremony tickets
Prior to April 24, graduates were given the opportunity to reserve up to six guest tickets for the diploma ceremonies. It is each graduate’s responsibility to pick up tickets for their guests. Tickets will be distributed in person (Phoenix Card or official photo ID required) at the Schar Center Box Office, from Thursday, May 2 through Tuesday, May 14. Box Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Graduates may only pick up their own guest tickets. Graduates must ensure that tickets are in the possession of the guests who will attend the diploma ceremonies.
If you can’t attend the graduate and undergraduate Commencement ceremonies, you can watch online at www.elon.edu/live. The undergraduate Commencement will also be broadcast via Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/ElonUniversity.
COMMENCEMENT WEEK SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 22
Senior Class Picnic with Faculty and Staff, Under the Oaks, Noon
The Office of Alumni Engagement is hosting a farewell picnic for all graduating members of the senior class and Elon faculty and staff. (Rain location: Lakeside Hall)
Master of Arts in Interactive Media Commencement, Whitley Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Reception to follow at Steers Pavilion for graduates, families and guests
Senior Gala, McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center, 8 to 11 p.m.
A senior celebration finale before the weekend festivities begin. Admission for graduating students is free. Guest tickets are $10. Semi-formal attire requested.
Thursday, May 23
ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, Holt Chapel, South Campus, 11 a.m.
Reception to follow at Harden Clubhouse for commissioned officers, family and guests.
Receptions for Graduates and Their Families, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Hosted by the faculty of Elon College and the Schools of Business, Communications and Education.
- Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, Lindner Hall patio (Rain Location: First Floor, Lindner Hall)
- Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, Chandler Fountain and Plaza (Rain Location: First Floor, Koury Business Center)
- School of Communications, Snow Family Grand Atrium, Schar Hall
- School of Education, between Long and Alamance buildings (Rain Location: First Floor, Mooney)
Baccalaureate, Alumni Gym, Koury Center, 3 p.m.
The Rev. Jennifer Bailey, founder and executive director of the Faith Matters Network and an emerging leader in the multifaith movement for social justice, will deliver Elon University’s Baccalaureate remarks this year. More information about Bailey and the address are available here. Graduates are invited to sit with their families for Baccalaureate.
Legacy Reception for Graduates and their Alumni Parents, Grandparents and Siblings, McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
If a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin of a graduate is an Elon alum, an invitation will be mailed by the Office of Alumni Engagement. Parking is available in the McMichael parking lot. If you have questions, please call (877) 784-3566.
Donning of the Kente Ceremony & Reception, Lakeside Hall, Moseley Center, 6 to 9 p.m.
Invitations will be mailed to graduates and alumni by the Office of Alumni Engagement. Parking is available in the McMichael parking lot. If you have questions, call (336) 278-7448.
Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management and Master of Science in Accounting Commencement, Whitley Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Reception to follow at Steers Pavilion for graduates, families and guests.
Friday, May 24
129th Undergraduate Commencement Exercises, Scott Plaza and Young Commons, Processional begins at 8:45 a.m.
Undergraduate Commencement exercises start this year with an outdoor ceremony on Scott Plaza. This university-wide event for all graduates, families and guests will include a message from the class president, the Commencement address and the president’s charge to graduates. Tickets are not required for this ceremony and there is no limit to the number of guests who may attend.
- Guest seating will be available starting at 7 a.m.
- Graduates should arrive at Alumni Gym by 7:45 a.m.
Following the outdoor exercises, two separate diploma ceremonies will be held in Schar Center (tickets are required for Schar Center events):
Diploma Ceremony for Elon College, The College of Arts & Sciences & School of Education, Schar Center, 11:30 a.m.
- Graduate Check-In (Lower Level Practice Gym): 10:15 a.m.
- Concourse Guest Entrances (ticket required) open at 10:30 a.m.
Diploma Ceremony for The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications, Schar Center, 3:30 p.m.
- Graduate Check-In (Lower Level Practice Gym): 2:15 p.m.
- Concourse Guest Entrances (ticket required) open at 2:30 p.m.
Diploma ceremonies will be approximately two hours long.
In the event of inclement weather, the outdoor ceremony will be canceled and the two diploma ceremonies will take place as scheduled in Schar Center.
On-Campus Dining, Acorn Coffee Shop and Winter Garden Cafe, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Acorn Coffee Shop and the Winter Garden Cafe will be open for breakfast and lunch on Commencement day. Acorn Coffee Shop is located at 116 N. Williamson Ave. Winter Garden Cafe is adjacent to Lakeside Dining Hall inside Moseley Center.
Commencement Buffet for Guests, outside Lakeside Dining Hall, 11:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
A new feature this year, Elon Dining will offer a Commencement buffet for guests with the first seating at 11:30 a.m. and the second seating at 1:30 p.m. The buffet will be served in a tented area near Lakeside Dining Hall. Price per person (including sales tax) is $15.99. Learn more and purchase tickets here.