Commencement

2026 LGS Diploma Ceremony

Congratulations, Class of 2025–2026!

We are excited to celebrate your incredible accomplishments at this year’s Laney Graduate School Diploma Ceremony.

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Gas South Convention Center, located in Duluth, Georgia
Room: Exhibit Halls A & B
Reception: In the ballroom following the diploma ceremony

About the Ceremony

This year’s ceremony marks an exciting new chapter for Laney Commencement celebrations. Beginning in 2026, bachelor, graduate, and professional school diploma ceremonies will take place at the Gas South District Arena and Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia.

The move ensures that all graduates and their guests can celebrate together—rain or shine.

Day of Commencement Details

Arrival Time

Please plan to arrive by 9:15 a.m. This will allow time for check-in, lineup, and seating before the ceremony begins. You will NOT need a ticket to access the venue.

Check-In Location

The ceremony will take place in Exhibit Halls A & B of the Convention Center. Students will check in by picking up name cards from tables in the lobby of Exhibit Halls A & B. Signage will direct students and faculty/hooders where to line up. There is no check-in for faculty/hooders.

Parking

Complimentary parking will be available in Decks 1 and 2 for faculty, graduates, and guests.

We recommend planning your travel accordingly and allowing enough time to get to the venue.

Security/Regalia

Please plan to arrive with your regalia draped over your arm rather than worn, as all graduates will need to complete venue security screening before entering the ceremony space.

University & Venue Policies

Please note that Gas South District has a clear / approved bag policy and requires individuals to complete a security screening. No reusable water bottles are allowed. Guests may also be asked to present government-issued identification (ID card or passport).

Click here to review the safety and security measures required at Gas South District, including prohibited items and special permission items.

We encourage all attendees to review Emory University’s Open Expression Policy in advance of the ceremony. The policy applies within and immediately outside the venue and is intended to support expression while preserving full participation in the event for graduates, guests, and participants.

Reception

You are warmly invited to join us for the reception immediately following the ceremony in the Ballroom.

Who Should Attend

The Laney Graduate School Diploma Ceremony honors all LGS students who:

Students who received their degree in Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 are eligible to attend and will receive an email with a unique link to Register for the Diploma ceremony. If you have not received an email, please contact Renee Webb.
Student who will receive their degree in Spring 2026 will receive reminder emails with the link to register or they can login to the Laney Connect Hub and submit the rsvp form found under Degree Completion.
Summer 2026 students who will be Walking and Not Graduating can log in to the Laney Connect Hub and submit the rsvp form found under Degree Completion. PhD students must defend by May 1 for this option.
Registration Deadline to RSVP for the Diploma ceremony is April 24, 2026.

Late Regalia Ordering Information

PhD Students: Late Rental Request

At this time, the vendor will no longer have enough time to create a custom regalia set for purchase. If you still wish to place an order despite this, you may email hlafleu@emory.edu to get more information on how to do this. The bookstore will get a limited number of extra regalia sets in late April which are reservable on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will reserve the closest available fit to your size from these extras, and payment will be processed at the time of pickup. Those who place a late rental request will receive an email confirming their request, and a second email when the shipment arrives. Note: Stock is limited and availability cannot be guaranteed.

For this May's ceremony, you will need to place a rental request following the process below.

Please email hlafleu@emory.edu with the information listed below to place a late rental request.

Name:
Email:
Degree:
Height:
Weight:

Master's Students: Late Purchase Request

Master’s regalia is available via purchase on the second floor of the bookstore if there is stock. There are NO RENTALS available for master’s gowns.

Faculty: Late Rental Request

Please email hlafleu@emory.edu with the information listed below.

Name:
Email:
Highest Degree Earned:
Institution where the highest degree was earned:
Height:
Weight:
Rental Pieces Needed: (example, full set or hood only)

*For faculty, an order form can be provided that lists all options available and pricing, along with details for charging to a speed type if preferred. Email hlafleu@emory.edu.

Livestream

The ceremony will be livestreamed for family and friends who are unable to attend in person.

A link to the livestream will be shared on this page as the date approaches.