Emory University’s central commencement ceremony will begin at 8 a.m., Monday, May 13. Due to extremely congested traffic in the area, plan to arrive no later than 7 a.m.
Former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winner Rita Dove will deliver the keynote address at Emory's 168th commencement. The event takes place on the Emory quadrangle for about 4,200 graduating students and their families. About 15,000 people are expected to attend.
Credentials
Show your media credentials/I.D. to access the media section located in the front row to the far left of the stage and clearly marked.
Please call 404-712-8780 or email beverly.clark@emory.edu your name, media outlet and contact information no later than 5 p.m. Friday, May 10, if you plan to cover the event. Freelancers must have a verifiable assignment from a recognized media outlet.
Arrival and parking
Plan to arrive by 7 a.m. due to heavy traffic. Media parking is available on Fishburne Drive across from Glenn Memorial Church.
Directions: From Clifton Road, turn onto Fishburne Drive by the Goizueta Business School. At the second stop sign, go right. Emory Police officers will be there to direct you. See campus map and commencement maps.
Media Opportunities/Student Stories
• The diploma ceremony for the Emory College of Arts and Sciences will be held on the quadrangle right after the main ceremony, during which time the McMullan Award, which comes with $25,000, will be presented to graduating senior Eddie Garcia, who founded a volunteer interpretation service to assist refugees and immigrants in Atlanta. See "Passion for service leads to McMullan Award."
• Tibetan Monks: Six Tibetan Buddhist monks who have spent the past three years at Emory taking multiple science courses will be honored during the Emory College ceremony and receive certificates for the completion of their studies (no gowns for them, they'll be in their robes). The pioneering monks are part of a vanguard program that is integrating modern science into the Tibetan Buddhist study of the mind and monastic education.
Press Kit
A media guide to Emory's 168th Commencement with downloadable, high-resolution photos.
Media seating
The reserved media section will be at the front to the far left of the stage. A stand will be available along the back of the quad for camera crews. University communications staff will be in both locations to assist you and check credentials. A 12-port mult box with XLR connectors and mic or line level audiofeeds will be available. See quadrangle commencement seating map, media section.
Video photography
Video crews will be allowed to move around the quad until the procession begins at 8 a.m. Then they will need to remain in the designated media areas. Tripods will be allowed only in the designated media sections. One 4X8 press stand will be available for your use along the back of the quad, which will be located about 62 yards away from the main stage. Additional space on the ground at the back of the quad will be reserved as well.
Still photography
Photographers may approach the platform during the invocation, introduction of the speaker and during the first three minutes of the speech, then must move to the press section.
Weather
In case of drizzle or light rain, the central ceremony may be shortened, but it will be held on the quad. If severe weather is forecast, the decision will be made at 7 p.m. Sunday to move commencement off the Quad. See full inclement weather plan details.