May 2027 Schedule of Events
Dates and times will be confirmed in early 2027.
Date TBD
ROTC Commissioning Ceremonies
Cadets will take their oath of office and be commissioned into the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
Thursday, May 6
Light the Way
This Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month event celebrates student success. Graduating seniors who have engaged in or identify with Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and traditions will be honored with a stole, symbolizing accomplishments and cultural heritage. This event welcomes all seniors to participate in recognition, reflection and celebration.
Friday, May 7
Lavender Celebration
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 5 p.m.
A special event recognizing graduating undergraduate students and graduate students who have made a positive contribution to LGBTQIA inclusion at the institution through their identities, advocacy, allyship and support.
Monday, May 10
Last Day of Classes
Tuesday, May 11
Reading Day
Evening examinations begin
Wednesday-Tuesday, May 12-18
Examinations
Tuesday, May 18
Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection
Under the Oaks, 7:45 p.m.
The Class of 2027 celebrates the end of final exams and the launch of Commencement Week by gathering for a special ceremony. The program will include reflections from graduating seniors and a distinguished faculty/staff member, multifaith blessings, musical performances and a candle lighting ceremony to conclude the event. Each graduate will receive their oak sapling, symbolic of the transition from student to alum.This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2027.
Wednesday, May 19
Senior grades due by 1 p.m.
First-Generation Stole Ceremony
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center
This ceremony celebrates the path first-generation graduates have charted during their time on campus. The Office of First-Generation Student Support Services will email eligible candidates with updates and instructions.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 4 p.m.
Graduating Bachelor of Science in Nursing students will be recognized in this ceremony, followed by a reception and faculty meet-and-greet. The Department of Nursing will share invitations with participants.
Senior Celebration
Rhodes Stadium
An evening of sweet goodbyes for the members of the Class of 2027. The event will include free food, music, games, photo opportunities and an end-of-night fireworks show. This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2027.
Graduate Program Commencement
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 7 p.m.
Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education in Innovation, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Business Administration will receive their hoods and diplomas during a joint graduate program ceremony.
Thursday, May 20
International Student Tree Planting
¸£ÀûÑÇÖÞ¹ú²ú¾«Æ·â€™s graduating international students, joined by their families and loved ones, gather at the international student tree grove on South Campus to plant their saplings, cementing their roots on Elon’s campus.
¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
A stole ceremony recognizing the efforts and successes of graduates who celebrate Latinx/Hispanic cultures and traditions.
Dean’s Receptions
Hosted by faculty from the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications. An opportunity for candidates and their guests to spend time with faculty and staff from their areas of study.
Legacy Reception
Reception and pinning ceremony honoring legacy graduates in the Class of 2027 and their families. Legacy graduates have relatives who are Elon alumni.
Donning of the Kente Ceremony
Donning of the Kente centers the African diaspora and celebrates our graduating students’ achievements. Each graduate receives a stole made of kente cloth imported from West Africa.
Friday, May 21
The 137th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
Schar Center (542 N. Williamson Ave.)
Each ceremony will last approximately 2.5 hours.
- 9 a.m. — Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the School of Health Sciences
- 2:30 p.m. — Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and School of Communications