Commencement FAQs

Commencement FAQ Answers

What is the difference between the "Commencement Exercises" and the "RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony"?

Emory University’s Commencement experience comprises multiple ceremonies and events spanning five days. There is one Emory University Commencement Ceremony on the Quadrangle to which all graduating students and their guests are invited and encouraged to enjoy the pomp and circumstance of Emory’s grand Commencement processional march featuring full academic regalia, the keynote address, honorary degree presentations, the president’s address to the graduating class, and the formal group conferral of all student degrees earned. 

Additionally, each school hosts its own formal recognition ceremony (the Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony), also a cap-and-gown event, hosted by Dean James Curran, where students are called forward by name to be individually recognized. 

Where and when are the ceremonies held?

The Rollins School of Public Health Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the Woodruff Physical Education Center (WPEC). 

The 175th Commencement Exercises of Emory University will be held on Monday, May 11, 2020 at 9 a.m. on the Quadrangle.

What are the requirements to participate in the ceremony?

In order for students to be granted a MPH or MSPH degree, you must apply for graduation in OPUS or submit a paper degree application by the degree application deadline - February 7 (students must submit a Degree Application and complete ALL MPH/MSPH requirements in order to participate in the ceremony).

If you plan to participate in the Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony, you MUST RSVP by filling out the RSVP form. You must indicate how many people will be in your party. Tickets are not required. RSVP is mandatory. If you do not RSVP you will not be allowed to participate in the RSPH Degree Candidate Ceremony.

Additionally, if you graduated in August 2019 or December 2019 you are welcome to participate in the ceremony. The RSVP form will be available to all graduating students on the Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony Website in February 2020. 

Also, you must purchase a cap, gown and salmon hood from the Barnes & Noble Bookstore @ Emory University.

When and where do I line-up for the Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony?

Line-up instructions for the RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony will be announced in April-May 2020.

Who will be the keynote speaker at the Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony?

The 2020 Keynote Speaker will be Lisa Carlson, MPH, MCHES, President of the American Public Health Association.

How do I purchase graduation regalia?

Regalia (gown, cap, tassell, and hood) is only available for purchase from the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Emory University located at 1390 Oxford Road. Students may wish to buy their regalia from Grad Fair 2020 which will take place on February 12, 2020 and April 15, 2020, at the Barnes & Noble @ Emory University located at 1390 Oxford Road. Students may also wish to purchase their diploma frames at this event. Representatives are on-hand to assist with ordering class rings and custom graduation announcements.

Regalia may also be ordered online by March 4, 2020 to ensure that it arrives in time for the RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony and Commencement. Students who are off-campus during the spring semester can contact the Bookstore by phone at (404) 727-6222.

Detailed information on graduation regalia can be found on the Emory University Commencement website by clicking here.

How do I order graduation announcements?

The official Emory Commencement announcement is available only from Jostens through the Emory Bookstore. (1.800.854.7464 or www.jostens.com). It is Emory University Policy to only list the main-ceremony on the invitation and not the Rollins School of Public Health Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony. They also will not allow you to list your specific concentration.

A cheaper and quicker alternative is to go to an office supply store and buy an invitation kit and use their templates to create your own invitation. Another alternative is to visit a specialty paper store or go to www.gartnerstudios.com. There are many specialty paper stores and other on-line resources. There is no Rollins School of Public Health standard invite. 

What accomodations are there for family or friends with disabilities?

If accommodations (i.e. mobility, visual, auditory, parking) are needed owing to a disability or chronic medical condition, contact Joanne Williams, Assistant Director for Student Engagement, at jampost@emory.edu

For those attending the Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2020, please note that your preferred parking deck is the Peavine Parking Deck, located across the street from the Woodruff Physical Education Center (WPEC). Golf cart transport to and from the parking deck will be available to guests with accessibility needs. Additionally, special seating will be available.

For those attending the Commencement Exercises on Monday, May 11, 2020, please click here to gather more information on disability access and seating.

Will food and drinks be available?

Drinks (water, soda, juice) will not be available at the Woodruff Physical Education Center (WPEC) for RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony guests. Unfortunately, food and drinks are not permitted in the WPEC.

Where do I park on the morning of the RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony?

While there are several parking structures located throughout campus, we strongly encourage parking at the Peavine Parking Deck which is located directly across the Woodruff Physical Education Center (WPEC). You can find driving directions to the Peavine Parking Deck here: Directions and Maps. If the deck runs out of spaces, we suggest trying the the Michael Street Parking Deck (directly in front of the Rollins School of Public Health on Rollins Way).

Important Notes About Parking:

  1. Please be aware Emory does not have parking facilities for RVs, buses, or over-sized vehicles.
  2. The main-gate entrance to the Emory Campus (near North Decatur & Oxford roads) is reserved for passenger drop-off only (between the Administration Building and White Hall at the West Entrance of the Quadrangle). Please use Clifton Road for access to the majority of campus parking decks.
  3. As a courtesy to the businesses operating around Emory, and residents in the adjacent neighborhoods, please do not park in any of these areas:
  • SunTrust Bank lot on North Decautur Road
  • All Emory Village business parking lots (particularly the CVS lot)
  • All Emory Point on Clifton Rd (business or residential)
  • Neighborhood streets
  • Emory Clinic and Lowergate North parking decks (these decks are not free and are needed for patients visiting the medical facilities)
  • All parking regulations are strictly enforced. Your car may be booted or towed. On campus, please do not park in any spaces marked no-parking, 24 Hour Reserved, carpool, or Service Vehicles Only.

What is the rain plan for the RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony?

 You can find more detailed information on the weather plan page by clicking here.

How will I receive my diploma?

Following the RSPH Degree Candidate Ceremony, all students will have their diplomas mailed to them by the Office of the Registrar. The Office of the Registrar will mail diplomas to their Diploma Mailing Address listed on students' OPUS accounts.

Their contact information is as follows:

100 Boisfeuillet Jones Center 200 Dowman Drive
Atlanta, GA 30322
Phone: 404-727-6042