Emory University has announced that starting in 2026, its university Commencement ceremony, bachelor’s degree diploma ceremonies, and large graduate and professional school diploma ceremonies will be held at the Gas South District Arena and Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia. This change aims to allow all graduates and their guests to celebrate together regardless of weather conditions.
For nearly forty years, Emory’s main Commencement event has taken place on the Quadrangle. The decision to move follows a period of review involving input from various university offices and student representatives. According to Interim President Leah Ward Sears, “Commencement is one of the most important milestones in the life of a student and their family. This move allows us to celebrate our graduates’ achievements without the uncertainty that weather can bring, while ensuring the dignity, joy and shared spirit that make Emory Commencement so meaningful.”
A working group evaluated experiences from previous years, particularly focusing on challenges encountered during indoor ceremonies due to rain. The group found that current campus facilities cannot accommodate all guests for every ceremony if moved indoors at short notice. In such cases, families have had to limit attendance among loved ones with less than a day’s notice, leading to disappointment—especially for those traveling from afar. Additionally, limited space sometimes forced changes in programming; for example, in 2025 only students earning bachelor of arts degrees from Emory College of Arts and Sciences were able to hear speaker Usher Raymond IV live.
The Gas South District Arena previously hosted Commencement events in 2024 when inclement weather required an alternate venue. The arena provides sufficient capacity for all ticketed guests regardless of conditions.
All students earning bachelor’s degrees will be invited to attend the university ceremony scheduled for May 11, 2026, which will feature a Commencement speaker. Graduate and professional students as well as others who wish to watch may view the event via livestream.
Further details about schedules and locations for all diploma ceremonies are available on Emory’s Commencement website, which also lists hotel options and travel information for attendees visiting the Gas South District approximately 25 miles northeast of Emory’s Atlanta campus.
Ticketing information will be provided by February 2026 through both the website and individual schools.
Sears added: “This decision ensures that our future Commencements will be memorable and inclusive for everyone who joins in celebrating our graduates’ accomplishments.”
