After four decades of holding Commencement on the Emory University Quadrangle, Emory will move future graduation ceremonies to Gas South District Arena and Convention Center in Duluth, Ga., according to an email the University sent to students and families this morning. The arena is about 30 minutes northeast of the Atlanta campus. The shift will include the University-wide Commencement ceremony, bachelor’s degree diploma ceremonies and large graduate and professional ceremonies, according to the email.
Last year, Emory relocated the University-wide ceremony to the George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center (WoodPEC) due to forecasted severe weather conditions, along with relocating other smaller ceremonies to various indoor locations on campus. Only those receiving Bachelor of Arts degrees were able to attend the University-wide Commencement ceremony in person due to capacity restraints in the WoodPEC, which included Usher Raymond IV’s keynote address.
In 2024, Emory relocated many Commencement ceremonies to Gas South amid over a week of campus unrest. On April 25, police broke up a pro-Palestinian encampment and arrested 28 people, which took place about two weeks before that year’s Commencement.
According to the email, the location change reflects “Emory’s commitment to providing a joyful experience for every graduate and family,” and aims to ensure that weather will not impact future ceremonies.
Emory’s Commencement Working group, which includes representatives from the offices of the president and provost, relevant administrative units and the Student Government Association, came to this decision after months of evaluating issues with the 2025 Commencement rain plan.
The group found that Emory’s facilities cannot accommodate the full number of guests during indoor ceremonies.
“In years when weather forces a venue change, families are asked to decide which loved ones can attend in person due to limited indoor seating,” the email read. “This stressed and disappointed our graduates and their guests, particularly those who traveled long distances.”
The email stated that more information will be available on the Emory University Commencement website, and students will receive additional information about their specific schools later today. The University anticipates sharing information about tickets for the 2026 ceremonies in February.
“While the venue will change for many ceremonies, the heart of Commencement — its traditions, symbols and spirit — will remain deeply Emory,” the email read. “The university will continue to celebrate graduates in a manner that honors academic excellence, recognizes personal achievement and marks the enduring bonds of the Emory community.”
Lauren Yee (she/her) (24Ox, 27C) is a managing editor at The Emory Wheel. She is from Hong Kong, majoring in religion and German. Outside of the Wheel, Yee is the president of the Hong Kong Student Association and the managing editor for In Via, Emory's Christian thought journal. In her free time, you can find her playing the saxophone, watching musicals, listening to Taylor Swift or enjoying a pumpkin cream chai!
