Commencement

Commencement is an exciting time for our campus, as we welcome family and friends to be part of a ceremony honoring a new graduating class ready to make a difference in the world.

We have outlined information that you will find helpful as we prepare for our next commencement.

May 2019 Commencement

Friday, May 3

8:30 a.m. Provost’s Breakfast (Undergraduates)
10 a.m. Rehearsal (Undergraduates)

Saturday, May 4

8 a.m. Rehearsal (Graduates/Doctorates)
10:30 a.m. Commencement Ceremony (Graduates/Doctorates)
12:30-2:30 p.m. Reception (everyone)
3 p.m. Commencement Ceremony (Undergraduates)

Current students can find additional information about registering for commencement in MyLipscomb.

Graduation Events

Black & White Graduation Party

Graduating seniors are invited to a special reception at the president's home to welcome them into the Alumni Association and GOLD Network.

Provost Breakfast

The Provost and his wife host this special meal for graduating seniors before commencement exercises. Miss Margaret Carter, who chaired the Department of Home Economics from 1946-72, cooked the first breakfast for graduates when the school became a senior college more than 65 years ago. Since then it has been an annual event, with the faculty serving the graduating seniors. Married graduating seniors are welcome to bring their spouses, but due to space limitations we unfortunately cannot accommodate additional guests.

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. Graduates and faculty are asked to wear regalia (no caps) and join in the academic procession. Preceded by a reception for graduating seniors and their guests in the Burton Flex Space. RSVP requested.

Rehearsal

All graduates are at Allen Arena for this important graduation rehearsal.

Ceremony

Doors open one hour before the ceremony.

President's Reception

For graduates and their family and friends at Student Activities Center. Celebrate the new graduates and mingle with faculty.

Commencement Day

Graduation day is filled with exciting events. Here's what to expect on the big day.

Graduation Lineup

Line up at 30 minutes before commencement in the bottom floor of the arena. You will be shown exactly where to stand at the end of rehearsal. Please work with those who are assisting you line up. Please do not bring purses, briefcases, and other non-essential items to the graduation ceremony because there will be no place to put them.

Receiving Your Diploma

The Provost will ask the respective candidates for master's and, later in the ceremony, bachelor's degrees to rise. Graduates will stand until their particular degree has been formally conferred by the President. Graduates will line up and enter the stage, shake hands with the President, exit and return to their seat. Be aware that photographers will take each graduate's picture upon receipt of their diploma when they exit the stage.

Graduation Recessional

Following the benediction, the stage party will exit, followed by the graduates, and then the faculty. Somebody will be there to lead the graduates out of the arena. Please stay in line and do not stop on the floor to greet family or friends as that would hold up the recessional. You are being led outside of the arena where you will receive your diploma.

Family & Guest Information

Where is the Commencement Ceremony?

Allen Arena

On-campus parking will be accessible from the Granny White and Belmont Boulevard entrances, but may fill up quickly. Overflow parking may be found in the lot across from Granny White Church of Christ (3805 Granny White Pike), the Lipscomb Academy Reece L. Smith Athletic Complex (1013 Caldwell Lane) and Stokes School (3701 Belmont Boulevard).

Please respect the formal atmosphere of the ceremony (no hollering) so that everybody’s name can be heard. The reservation of seats not permitted; someone has to stay with the seat at all times.