Emory University and School of Nursing May 2024 Commencement Updates

Emory University Undergraduate-Only Ceremony

As announced in President Fenves’s message earlier today, the venue for Emory University’s 2024 Commencement exercises has been changed, along with the venues and timing for school Commencement ceremonies. You can find additional details of these changes at commencement.emory.edu and below.

Emory University Undergraduate-Only Ceremony

The University Ceremony, traditionally held on the Quadrangle for students and guests of all-schools featuring the keynote speaker will be held at the Gas South Arena. This event includes all undergraduate bachelor's degree candidates and their previously ticketed guests from the following programs:

  • Emory College of Arts & Sciences,
  • Goizueta Business School (BBA)
  • Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (BSN)
  • School of Medicine (Bachelor of Medical Science)  

Important Notes:

  • Graduates from Oxford College as well as the graduate and professional programs are invited to view this ceremony by webcast.
  • Tickets for guests of master's and doctoral degree candidates from the graduate and professional schools have been canceled.

Location & Time

Arrival Tips:

  • Graduates:
    Plan to arrive 90 minutes before the scheduled start of the university ceremony. There may be traffic congestion in the area and all participants will go through security screening, so plan your travel accordingly. The walk from the parking lot or deck to the student line-up area will be long. We strongly recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking long distances.
  • Family & Friends:
    Doors open for each event 90 minutes prior to the start time. Once confirmed, doors-opening times will be posted in the Revised Schedule section with each event. Please allow plenty of time for parking, walking to the entrance, and clearing security screening.

Ticket Information:

  • This event is open to previously ticketed guests of bachelor's degree candidates from Emory College of Arts & Sciences, the Goizueta Business School (BBA), the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (BSN), and the School of Medicine (Bachelor of Medical Science).
  • Your existing tickets will be honored at the Gas South Arena for this event. No additional tickets are available, and tickets for guests of master's and doctoral degree candidates from the graduate and professional schools have been canceled.

What to Bring:

  • Your EmoryCard, the official university ID card, should be in your possession at all times and should be presented upon request to any university official.
  • Individuals who are hosting invited guests on campus may be asked to provide their university identification and some buildings may only be accessible by EmoryCard access. When it is necessary to ask someone to share their connection to Emory, the university is verifying that they have a legitimate reason for being on campus, and that their host is a recognized Emory community member.

Important Links:

School of Nursing-Specific Ceremony

The School of Nursing-specific ceremony is open to all students who have been cleared to graduate. Graduates and guests who attend the university’s undergraduate-only ceremony will walk to the Convention Center Ballroom immediately following the ceremony’s conclusion.

Location & Time

Graduate Arrival/Lineup:

  • Graduates who attend the undergraduate ceremony will process directly to the School of Nursing Ceremony in the Ballroom for lineup immediately following the university ceremony.
  • Graduates who do not attend the undergraduate ceremony are asked to arrive at the Ballroom at 9:30 a.m.
  • There may be traffic congestion in the area and all participants will go through security screening, so plan your travel accordingly. The walk from the parking lot or deck to the student line-up area will be long. We strongly recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking long distances.

Family & Friends Arrival:

  • Doors for the School of Nursing Ceremony in the Ballroom will open at 10 a.m.
  • Please allow plenty of time for parking, walking to the entrance, and clearing security screening.

Reception Information:

  • A light reception will take place immediately following the School of Nursing Ceremony in the pre-function area of the Convention Center.

Ticket Information:

  • Graduates: All School of Nursing graduates will be issued a Grad Pass ticket for this event. Please stay tuned.
  • Guests: Guest ticketing will not change for the School of Nursing event. Your guests will use the tickets already distributed to you via Marching Order. Your guests will show these tickets during check-in. No extra tickets will be given.

What to Bring:

  • Your EmoryCard, the official university ID card, should be in your possession at all times and should be presented upon request to any university official.
  • Individuals who are hosting invited guests on campus may be asked to provide their university identification and some buildings may only be accessible by EmoryCard access. When it is necessary to ask someone to share their connection to Emory, the university is verifying that they have a legitimate reason for being on campus, and that their host is a recognized Emory community member.

Livestream Link:

Photography:

  • Photographers will be at the School of Nursing ceremony to capture all graduates as they receive their diplomas covers. Photos will be available to download on the School of Nursing’s website a few weeks following the ceremony.

Questions:

Please contact School of Nursing Commencement coordinators:

Arnita Howard at ahoward@emory.edu
Lauren Powers at lauren.powers@emory.edu

Canceled Commencement Events/Related SON Events Proceeding as Usual

Cancelled/Rescheduled Events:

Please visit the Emory University Commencement website for a full list of canceled or rescheduled Commencement events.

Unaffected Events:

The below School of Nursing Commencement-related events will proceed as usual. Please note that some of these events are invitation only.

  • Wednesday, May 8: EBNA Send-off
    Time: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
    Location: SON Courtyard
  • Thursday, May 9: Class of 2024 Blue Tassel
    Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
    Location: ENLC
  • Friday, May 10: Emory InMOTION Graduation
    Time: 1 - 5:15 p.m.
    Location: SON 276
  • Friday, May 10: Sigma Theta Tau International Induction
    Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
    Location: SON P01

Parking and Driving Information

Driving Information:

Depending on traffic, The Gas South District is about 45 minutes north on I-85 from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and 30 minutes north on I-85 from downtown Atlanta or the Emory Campus. A map of the area including area hotels is available below.

  • Traveling North on I-85
    Take the Sugarloaf Parkway Exit. Turn right off the exit, go back under the Interstate and cross over Satellite Boulevard. The Arena and Convention Center will be on your left.  Alternate Route: Take I-85 to the Highway 120 Exit West. Turn right on Satellite Boulevard. The Arena and Convention Center will be 1/2 mile on your left.
  • Traveling South on I-85
    Take the Sugarloaf Parkway Exit. Turn right off the exit and you cross over Satellite Boulevard. The Arena and Convention Center will be on your left. Alternate Route: Take I-85 to Highway 120 West exit. Turn right onto Highway 120. Turn right onto Satellite Boulevard. TheArena and Convention Center will be 1/2 mile on your left.

Parking Information:

  • Parking is free for all Emory Commencement event guests.
  • Guests attending events at the Arena should park in Lot A and Deck 2.
  • Parking begins two (2) hours before the scheduled event time.
  • Guests attending events at the Convention Center should park in Deck 1 and Deck 2.  
  • Accessible parking is available at both locations. A map of the area including area hotels is available below.

Electric Vehicle Charging

  • Gas South District offers electric charging stations at a flat fee of $5.85 for four (4) hours of charging.
  • The stations are located in Lot A1, in Deck 1 on levels P1, P4, and P6 and in Deck 2 on levels P1, P3, and P5.  

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Information

  • Rideshare pick-up location is outside the Arena in the A5 parking lot. Please refer to the map below for exact location.
  • A staging area for all services including Uber, Lyft, taxi, and limo will be located in this area.

Important Venue Information and Restricted Items

Bag Policy:

Both the Arena and Convention Center (all events) have a clear bag (maximum size 12" x 12" x 6") or small clutch (maximum size 6½" x 4½") policy. Gas South District encourages all fans to arrive early and travel light.

  • In the interest of enhancing existing security measures and enforcing the most touch-free experience possible, Gas South District® requires clear bags.  
  • The safest and fastest way to enter the venue is to not bring a bag at all.  
  • No clear bag, purse, or drawstring larger than 12" x 12" x 6" will be permitted.
  • All bags are subject to search before being allowed into the venue. Guests not allowing inspection of their bags or purses will be refused entry into the building.  
  • Backpacks are not permitted.
  • Diaper bags for guests accompanied by infant(s) will be permitted.
  • Medically necessary bags that are required to transport medical equipment will be permitted.

Restricted Items:

Please visit the Emory University Commencement website for a full list of prohibited items. Gas South District management reserves the right to make the final determination on prohibited items. Gas South District is NOT responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen or damaged. Possession of prohibited items will be grounds for ejection from the Gas South District.

Metal Detector Procedure:

  • All guests who are able to be screened will prepare to walk through a metal detector prior to entering the venues.
  • All permitted bags will be searched by security personnel.
  • If an alarm sounds, the guest will be subject to a secondary screening process which may slow entry into the venue.
  • There are alternative screenings for expectant mothers, guests using wheelchairs, or those with a medical condition.

Venue Code Of Conduct:

Emory University: Emory's Respect for Open Expression Policy will be enforced during Commencement events.

Gas South District Venues: Gas South District is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable entertainment experience. They value your enthusiasm and ask that all guests exercise good judgment and observe the Code of Conduct listed below. Please respect the rights of others by displaying proper decorum. Guests have a right to expect an environment where:

  • Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all venue personnel.
  • Guests will enjoy every event free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
  • Fans may not interfere with the event in any manner.
  • Guests will sit only in their ticketed seats and show their tickets when requested.
  • Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects or attempting to enter the stage may be immediately ejected from the venue.
  • Guests will not smoke or vapor in any of the campus venues, but in designated smoking areas only.
  • Guests will be required to wear a shirt and shoes at all times for their own safety. Guests are not allowed to have signs or clothing with obscene or indecent messages, images or text.
  • Guests will comply with requests from venue staff regarding facility operations and emergency response procedures.
  • Guests will also be responsible for their own good time by reporting inappropriate behavior.

Gas South District staff have been trained to intervene when deemed necessary and to use their best discretion to help ensure that guests who ignore the Code of Conduct do not interfere with other guests’ ability to enjoy an event. Guests who violate the Code of Conduct may be subject to ejection and, to the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of law, may be subject to arrest.

Transportation/Accessibility: 

Gas South District® meets or exceeds all public facility structural and service requirements as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Seating and Entrance Notes

  • Arena: The Arena has accessible seating located in all levels of the Arena. All levels of the Arena are accessible by elevator and escalator. Guests in wheelchairs should enter the building at the main entrance.
  • Convention Center: The Exhibit Hall and Ballroom will have designated areas for guests using mobility aids. Guests who are unable to descend stairs should follow the marked ADA Entrance signs when attending an event at either the Exhibit Hall or Ballroom as the primary entrance points for these events are located at the bottom of stairs. The ADA Entrance path will guide you through the foyer to an elevator to reach a secondary screening area for either the Ballroom or the Exhibit Hall.

Parking

  • Arena: A limited number of designated handicap parking areas are located at the front of the Arena. The designated handicap parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Please contact a Parking Attendant to assist with drop-off or pick-up arrangements. The Arena has ADA parking on all levels of the parking deck and ADA parking in the front lot. Drop-offs for ADA should use Arena Drive (traffic light on Sugarloaf Parkway) and may be dropped off at the front of the Arena near the crosswalk.
  • Convention Center Events: The designated handicap parking spaces are available on a first-come, first served basis and cannot be reserved. Please contact a Parking Attendant to assist with drop off or pick up arrangements. The Convention Center has ADA parking in both Deck 1 and Deck 2.  

Wheelchairs

  • On-site Short-Distance Transfer:  
    Gas South District is happy to provide wheelchair escorts for guests with special needs. This service is free and can be requested via our Guest Services team. Wheelchair escorts are available upon request at main entry points. Please be aware there may be a short wait while we assist other guests. So that we may assist multiple guests, please be aware that our staff will not remain with you during the event, nor are you allowed to remain in the wheelchair for the duration of the event.
  • Wheelchair Rental:
    Emory does not provide wheelchair rental services. The following vendors are provided as a service to Commencement guests to assist you with locating a wheelchair rental company. Emory is not responsible for rental arrangements, products, or practices.

    Complete Home Medical Equipment

    575 Dekalb Ind Way Ste 102
    Decatur, GA 30033-1756
    Phone: 404-292-6525
    Fax: 404-292-6526

    Accucare Medical Equipment

    11 Dunwoody Park, Ste 130
    Atlanta, GA 30338
    Phone: 770-512-0090
    Fax: 770-512-0190
    Email: mistermorton@mindspring.com

    Alpha Medical Equipment & Supplies, Inc

    1652 Church Street
    Decatur, GA 30030
    Phone: 404-373-8160
    Fax: 404-373-8163
    Email: Livikas@bellsouth.net

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