Emory University's central commencement ceremony will begin at 8 a.m., Monday, May 11. Due to extremely congested traffic in the area, plan to arrive no later than 7 a.m. Renowned author and human rights advocate Sir Salman Rushdie, University Distinguished Professor at Emory, will deliver the keynote address at the university's 170th commencement ceremony. The event takes place on the Emory quadrangle for about 4,500 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 emailbeverly.clark@emory.eduyour name, media outlet and contact information no later than 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, 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 for TV trucks is available on Fishburne Drive across from Glenn Memorial Church. All other media will need to show a credential to access parking in the Fishburne Deck. Directions: From Clifton Road, turn onto Fishburne Drive by the Goizueta Business School. At the second stop sign, TV trucks go RIGHT. All other media: Go left to park in Fishburne Deck. Present your media credential to the attendants to receive a parking pass. Campus Map.
Press Kit: See the 2015 Commencement Media Kit.
Media seating: The reserved media section will be at the front to the far left of the stage. A stand and a riser 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.
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. Inclement Weather Schedule