Commencement

Students must apply for graduation by completing the Intent to Graduate Form (found at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeH9cH2WzSbfS29VeQZE2nUU_mo-d7nvKehY6jtCw6az6TVYw/viewform)  during the application window immediately prior to their intended graduation date. If a student is graduating over the summer, they have the option to participate in either the May or December commencement ceremony or not participate in a ceremony at all.

Below are the application windows for each semester:

• Fall Graduation: March 15th - September 15th
• Spring Graduation: October 15th - January 31st
• Summer Graduation: October 15th - July 31st*

*If a summer graduate wishes to participate in the May ceremony, then the deadline to apply for graduation and order a cap and gown is January 31st. If a summer graduate wishes to participate in the December ceremony, then the deadline for application is July 31st and to order a cap and gown is September 15th.

By submitting the Intent to Graduate Form, the student is giving permission to the University to print or announce the following information in any University commencement program and/or ceremony: the student's name; the student's major and degree; and any other academic credentials completed by the student at Lipscomb University.

If the student previously submitted to the Office of the Registrar a restriction on disclosure of directory information, the student's submission of the Graduation Application releases the directory information restrictions requested by the student so the information can be published or announced in any Lipscomb University commencement program or at any Lipscomb University commencement ceremony. In addition, the student's application authorizes Lipscomb University to disclose graduation photographs of the student on its website and to stream and record the student's name, image and likeness on or through the Lipscomb University website and/or social media sites.

Students will be able to order their cap and gown from Jostens during the ordering windows listed below depending on their intended ceremony of participation.  

May Commencement: November 15th - January 31st

December Commencement: July 31st - September 15th

Instructions for ordering a cap and gown from Jostens can be found in the student's MyLipscomb student portal, Registrar tab. 

Undergraduates will pick up their cap & gown. Location, date and time to be announced soon.   

Masters and Doctoral regalia will be distributed through their respective departments.

The regalia you receive is included in your tuition, so it is yours to keep!

Yes! Graduates are encouraged to wear their gown (no caps) as they participate in the baccalaureate service.

December 13, 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Tickets are NOT required for the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony. Seating in Allen Arena is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.  

May 2, 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Tickets will be required for the undergraduate ceremony at 3:00 pm on May 2, 2026.

The number of available tickets is determined by the total number of graduates participating in the ceremony. The amount of tickets available per graduate will be announced by April 1, 2026 but every graduate is guaranteed at least six guest tickets. Students who apply for Commencement after the published deadline may receive fewer tickets, depending on availability.

Graduating students will be notified via email once tickets are available from the Lipscomb University Box Office. Each student will receive their tickets as a QR code to the email address provided, which can be forwarded to their guests.

All guests must have a ticket to attend the ceremony. However, children who will be seated on an adult's lap for the entirety of the event do not require a ticket.

Tickets are provided at no cost. Selling Commencement tickets is not allowed under any circumstances.

Family and friends unable to attend in person are encouraged to watch the ceremony live at lipscomb.edu/live.

If you have any additional questions, please email graduation [at] lipscomb.edu.

You can tune in to the live stream on your computer or mobile device.

The commencement ceremonies usually last around 2 hours.

There is a parking garage behind (east of) Allen Arena with direct access to the arena. The Gold level of the garage will be reserved for handicapped parking. If the garage fills up, there are other lots around campus that will be available for overflow parking.

There is accessible seating on the top (gold) level of Allen Arena.  ADA accessible parking is available anywhere in the attached Allen Arena garage and each level has elevator access to get to the Gold level.

 

If friends or family would like to purchase flowers or gifts for graduates, they can preorder using the link below. A booth will be set up outside of Allen Arena on the day of commencement to pick up these items. A limited number of items will be available for on site purchases on the day of commencement.