Vanderbilt University is honoring the Class of 2024 with a series of events May 9–10. Below is a guide to Vanderbilt’s 2024 Commencement events.
Graduates Day featuring David Brooks
Thursday, May 9, at 11 a.m. Central time
Internationally acclaimed journalist and New York Times columnist David Brooks is delivering the Graduates Day address to the Class of 2024 at 11 a.m. at the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility. This event will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend. The Commencement Celebration will follow at the event site.
Brooks will receive Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal, one of the highest honors at the university. The award is given to individuals who define the 21st century and exemplify the best qualities of the human spirit. It was created and endowed by Vanderbilt Law School graduate Ed Nichols and his wife, Janice, in honor of Edward Carmack and Lucile Hamby Nichols.
2024 Commencement Ceremonies
Undergraduate student ceremony
Friday, May 10, at 9:30 a.m. Central time
The ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Geodis Park, 501 Benton Ave. in Nashville. The ceremony will also be livestreamed.
Tickets are required to attend. Graduating students received an email on how to claim tickets for their guests. The event is general admission; there is no assigned seating.
Graduate and professional student ceremonies
Friday, May 10, various times and locations
Graduate and professional students in the Class of 2024 will be honored at ceremonies held by their respective schools across campus.
See the full schedule of Commencement events.>>
Other Important Details
Shuttles and Parking for May 10
Undergraduate students will load shuttles along West End Avenue near the 21st Avenue South
intersection. Loading times will be from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. Ride-sharing to GEODIS Park is not recommended as there is no designated drop-off point near the park entrance.
Families and guests are encouraged to take a free shuttle directly from their hotel (see list of Hotels with Shuttle Service), or drive and park in one of the following parking lots to take a shuttle to Geodis Park.
- Music City Center Parking Garage
205 Sixth Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 - Fort Negley Parking Lot
534 Chestnut St., Nashville, TN 37203 - Chestnut Parking Lot
1204 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville, TN 37203
For visitors coming to campus, find information on guest parking.
Accessibility accommodations
Wheelchairs will be available for loan for those who requested a reservation for Graduates Day on Thursday, May 9, and Commencement on Friday, May 10. An area within the seating section of all ceremonies will be reserved for wheelchair users.
ID checks
At any receptions after Commencement ceremonies, graduates and guests will be required to show a driver’s license or valid ID before being served alcohol. ID check stations will be available at receptions where alcohol may be served.
Security
There will be security screenings for all guests, a clear bag policy and prohibition of items including signs, flags and noisemakers at Graduates Day and undergraduate Commencement. All university policies for student conduct will be in effect.
Please familiarize yourself with university and GEODIS policies. See the Commencement website for more information.
Commencement programs
A digital program will be available on the day of Commencement. The program will include a list of all graduating students, recognition of student awards and background on the ceremony traditions. Graduates and guests will have the option to order, at no cost, a printed program after the ceremony.
Text alerts
Sign up for alerts for the undergraduate Commencement by texting VU2024 to 333111.
Find all of the latest information on celebrations for the Class of 2024 on the Vanderbilt Commencement webpage.
