email : Webview : COMMENCEMENT UPDATE: March 31, 2021

Dear Class of 2021 graduates,

We are just over six weeks away from your Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15. Beginning next week, we will communicate different messages to those who RSVP’d to attend Commencement in person and those who did not RSVP and plan to attend virtually.

We look forward to seeing many of you and your families on campus to celebrate your in-person Commencement ceremony. Our undergraduate ceremony at Vanderbilt Stadium for the Class of 2021 will begin at 9 a.m. CT, on Saturday, May 15. The gates will open at 7 a.m. CT to graduates and guests. In the weeks to come, graduates will be sent assigned, specific, staggered arrival times to allow for physical distancing.

Guest ticket reservations close today

Today is the final day you can reserve your two guest tickets on the FEVO website by using the unique access code you received via email on Monday, March 8. Please note that tickets are only required for guests, not graduates themselves.

If you indicated on the checkout screen that you would like to be placed on a waitlist for additional guest tickets, please note that any remaining tickets will be available after the initial reservation period. The Commencement team will send an email later this week if additional tickets are available for your ceremony, including information on how those tickets will be made available next week.

Class of 2021 Graduates Day address to stream at 11 a.m. May 14

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top leader in infectious disease research and an internationally renowned biomedical scientist, will receive the university’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal when he speaks to the Class of 2021 graduating students and their families. Fauci’s streamed address will be at 11 a.m. CT on Friday, May 14. The virtual event with Fauci will be open to the entire Vanderbilt community and to the public.

You also are invited to attend the Class of 2020 Graduates Day address with Caroline Kennedy at 11 a.m. CT on Friday, April 30.

Plans for inclement weather during Commencement weekend

As part of our emergency preparedness protocols, the university will monitor weather before and during all Commencement activities. In the event of severe inclement weather, ceremonies may be postponed or canceled. In the event of rain absent severe weather, ceremonies will continue, and ponchos will be provided to guests and graduates.

Clear bag policy in effect for Commencement ceremonies

All graduates and guests attending Commencement also must adhere to the university’s clear bag policy. Lockers will be provided at each ceremony location. If guests forget to bring a clear bag, they can check their bag at one of the lockers on-site free of charge.

New and updated information

Regalia is available for ordering on the Oak Hall website. Face masks will be included in all regalia packaging. Face masks will be available on-site on the days of Commencement ceremonies for any graduates who have already received their regalia.

Grad Images will be on campus to take official Commencement portraits. Class of 2021 portraits will take place May 11–May 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, with a break between noon and 1 p.m., in the Student Life Center Board of Trust Room. Schedule your session.

Customize your slide recognition for Commencement

As part of the broadcast of the Commencement ceremonies, each graduate will have the opportunity to be recognized with an official slide that can be customized with your photo, which can be downloaded and shared on social media. Later this week, you will receive an email with instructions on how to upload and submit information for your slide.

For more information, visit the Commencement website.

–The Vanderbilt Commencement Team

Help Keep Yourself and Others Safe and Healthy at Commencement. Wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart, wash your hands and monitor your health daily.