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

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.

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

Late Rental Request

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

Name:
Email:
Degree:
Height:
Weight:

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.

Students: Late Purchase 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. For this May's ceremony, you will also need to place a rental request following the process above.

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.

Registration and Guest Information

Graduates must register to attend the ceremony. Please check back for registration information. There are no limits on the number of guests, and tickets are not required.

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.

More Information

Details about registration, directions, parking, and accessibility will be updated in the coming months.

Please continue to visit this page for the latest information as Commencement approaches.