Emory University has announced that starting in 2026, its university Commencement ceremony, bachelor’s degree diploma ceremonies, and large graduate and professional school diploma ceremonies will take place at the Gas South District Arena and Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia. This decision is intended to ensure that all graduates and their guests can attend the celebrations regardless of weather conditions.
For nearly forty years, Emory’s main Commencement ceremony has been held on the Quadrangle. The move follows several months of review by a Commencement Working Group made up of representatives from various campus offices, including the president and provost’s offices, Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Campus Life, Business and Administration, and the Student Government Association. The group also consulted with staff from Emory Events, Emory Police, Transportation and Parking Services, and Critical Event Preparedness and Response.
The working group was tasked with evaluating the overall experience for graduates and guests after indoor ceremonies were required in 2025 due to rain. Their findings showed that current campus facilities are not able to accommodate all guests indoors when inclement weather occurs. In those cases, families have often had to decide which members could attend with less than a day’s notice because of limited seating. This situation has led to disappointment among graduates and their families.
In some years, these limitations have resulted in changes to the program itself. For example, in 2025 only students from Emory College of Arts and Sciences earning bachelor of arts degrees were able to hear Commencement speaker Usher Raymond IV in person due to space constraints.
To address these challenges, Emory will use the Gas South District Arena beginning in 2026 for most major Commencement events. The venue previously hosted Commencement in 2024 when weather required a change of location. It offers enough space for all ticketed guests regardless of weather conditions.
Interim President Leah Ward Sears stated: “Commencement is one of the most important milestones in the life of a student and their family. This move allows us to celebrate our graduates’ achievements without the uncertainty that weather can bring, while ensuring the dignity, joy and shared spirit that make Emory Commencement so meaningful.”
All students earning bachelor’s degrees will be invited to attend the university ceremony on Monday, May 11. The event will feature a Commencement speaker whose remarks will also be livestreamed for graduate and professional students as well as others who wish to watch remotely.
Further details about schedules, locations for all diploma ceremonies between May 7-11, hotel options near Gas South District (about 25 miles northeast of Emory’s Atlanta campus), travel information, and ticket distribution timelines will be available on the Commencement website.
Sears added: “This decision ensures that our future Commencements will be memorable and inclusive for everyone who joins in celebrating our graduates’ accomplishments.”
While many ceremonies are moving venues starting in 2026, university officials say longstanding traditions will continue as part of celebrating academic achievement within the Emory community.
