Commencement

Full Weekend-Long Closure: Traffic Advisory

Road crews will implement a full closure of all northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 285 (I-285) between State Route (SR) 139/Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (exit 9) and Cascade Road (exit 7) in Fulton County. The closure will begin 7 p.m. on Friday, May 8, and remain in place until 5 a.m. Monday, May 11, weather and on-site conditions permitting.

Please allow for extra time when traveling to and from the airport or graduation events.

2026 LGS Diploma Ceremony

Congratulations, Class of 2025–2026!

We are excited to celebrate your incredible accomplishments at this year’s Laney Graduate School Diploma Ceremony.

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Gas South Convention Center, located in Duluth, Georgia
Room: Exhibit Halls A & B
Reception: In the ballroom following the diploma ceremony
Livestream: https://shorturl.at/kwYVW

About the Ceremony

This year’s ceremony marks an exciting new chapter for Laney Commencement celebrations. Beginning in 2026, bachelor, graduate, and professional school diploma ceremonies will take place at the Gas South District Arena and Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia.

The move ensures that all graduates and their guests can celebrate together—rain or shine.

Livestream

The ceremony will be livestreamed for family and friends who are unable to attend in person.

View the diploma ceremony here.

Day of Commencement Details

Arrival Time

Please plan to arrive by 9:15 a.m. This will allow time for check-in, lineup, and seating before the ceremony begins. Students and Faculty will not need tickets. Guests will need tickets.

Check-In Location

The ceremony will take place in Exhibit Halls A & B of the Convention Center. Students will check in by picking up name cards from tables in the lobby of Exhibit Halls A & B. Signage will direct students and faculty/hooders where to line up. There is no check-in for faculty/hooders.

Parking

Complimentary parking will be available in Decks 1 and 2 for faculty, graduates, and guests.

We recommend planning your travel accordingly and allowing enough time to get to the venue.

Security/Regalia

Please plan to arrive with your regalia draped over your arm rather than worn, as all graduates will need to complete venue security screening before entering the ceremony space.

University & Venue Policies

Please note that Gas South District has a clear / approved bag policy and requires individuals to complete a security screening. No reusable water bottles are allowed. Guests may also be asked to present government-issued identification (ID card or passport).

Click here to review the safety and security measures required at Gas South District, including prohibited items and special permission items.

We encourage all attendees to review Emory University’s Open Expression Policy in advance of the ceremony. The policy applies within and immediately outside the venue and is intended to support expression while preserving full participation in the event for graduates, guests, and participants.

Reception

You are warmly invited to join us for the reception immediately following the ceremony in the Ballroom.