Commencement

Spring Commencement • May 7-8, 2021

While our traditional commencement may look a little different this spring, we are pleased to announce our plans to offer a series of in-person ceremonies Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8. These celebrations will include May 2021 degree candidates as well as August 2021 candidates who have petitioned to walk early in this ceremony.

While details are being finalized, we want to share general information with you that will help you as you plan for graduation. Great care is being taken to provide an experience that is meaningful and reflective of the significance of our students’ academic accomplishments but that also adheres to local and state guidelines as well as protects the health and safety of participants. We are committed to celebrating this significant milestone in a way that is meaningful, memorable and as close to a traditional ceremony as possible.

We will hold four graduation ceremonies Friday, May 7, through Saturday, May 8, that will allow us the ability to safely distance participants in the program. Degree candidates will be expected to participate in the specific ceremony affiliated with their college. The ceremonies will take place in Allen Arena according to the following schedule:

Friday, May 7

10 a.m.

George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

4 p.m.

College of Business
College of Computing & Technology
Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering

Saturday, May 8

10 a.m.

College of Education
College of Leadership & Public Service
College of Professional Studies

4 p.m.

College of Bible & Ministry
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Each graduate will be offered a maximum of four assigned seats for their guests, seated in a group for their college’s ceremony. Graduates will receive additional information regarding the ticketing process.

The ceremonies will also be streamed live for family and friends who are not able to attend in person to view and celebrate your accomplishments. Our Class of 2021 graduates have been tenacious and have thrived in an historic time in higher education and have persevered to complete their degrees, and we hope you will take time to celebrate with those you have walked with you on this journey.

We look forward to celebrating our graduates and are hopeful as we approach May 7-8 that conditions on campus and in our state at that time will allow us to proceed with our plan to offer these in-person ceremonies.

Please check back often for updated information.

Graduation Events

Baccalaureate Service and Reception

Baccalaureate worship service marks the spiritual formation of the students. Undergraduates were welcomed to the Lipscomb community during Initium, a devotional and torch-passing ceremony, and are released into the world during this gathering.

Ceremony

The formal conferring of degrees occurs during the commencement ceremony. Graduates and their families will hear words of encouragement from various speakers and can celebrate this significant milestone in their lives.

Celebration In the Student Activities Center

College and Department Celebrations

In place of the usual dinners and celebrations on campus, graduates can continue the virtual festivities by celebrating with peers and faculty during events hosted by various colleges, schools and departments across the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my regalia? Do I have to return it?

Should I wear my regalia?

How will I receive my diploma?

You will receive a request from the Registrar's office asking you to confirm the address we have on file or provide a correct one. Please respond promptly to this request when you receive it. Using this information, we will send a graduation box after commencement, containing your diploma and diploma cover, three copies of the commencement program, and for graduate and doctoral students, your hood.

How do I watch the live stream? Can I view it on my phone?

Can I invite my friends and extended family to watch?

Will I have the opportunity to participate in commencement activities on campus?

Yes! Once the university returns to normal operations, you will have the opportunity to participate in an on-campus ceremony complete with cap and gown and a celebration for you and your entire family. You are invited now to make plans to participate in the December commencement tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, and to enjoy this celebration and walk across the stage to be recognized for your academic achievements. We know that many of you will have moved on to jobs, graduate school and life in locations across the nation, but we hope that you will make plans to return to campus to be a part of this very special day.

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