Commencement

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are virtually hosting our spring 2020 baccalaureate service and commencement ceremonies. Even though we can’t be together on campus, we still want to celebrate and share in the excitement of honoring May 2020 graduates with family and friends.

The baccalaureate service will be viewable at 5:00 p.m. CST, Friday, May 1 at lipscomb.edu/live.

Two virtual commencement ceremonies will occur on Saturday, May 2. The graduate ceremony is at 10:30 a.m. CST and the undergraduate ceremony will be at 3:00 p.m. CST. These ceremonies, involving only stage guests, will be live streamed at lipscomb.edu/live and will also contain some pre-recorded messages. Both ceremonies will be recorded and made available for later viewing online.

May graduates and August graduates who petitioned to walk early will be celebrated in this virtual format and are invited to return to campus to participate in fall commencement on Saturday, Dec. 19, along with August and December grads.

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.

Return To Campus Plan

COVID-19 Update