Commencement Events and Schedule

Kick off graduation weekend by enjoying sweet treats with the Matthews Center staff. Parents and family members also welcome. Register on Handshake.

Hosted by the Matthews Center for Career Development

Required meeting for graduating seniors in lieu of a rehearsal.

Wear caps and gowns if you plan to attend the Baccalaureate Service.

Drawing on the college's Presbyterian heritage, the Baccalaureate Service is an inclusive, non-denominational spiritual celebration for faculty, staff, seniors, parents and their families. The seniors will process in wearing caps and gowns.

President Doug Hicks, Associate Chaplain Daniel Heath, Associate Chaplain Ivan Mayerhofer, and Chaplain Julia Watkins will preside alongside student leaders.

Remarks will be made by Chris Burton ’08. Following his graduation from Davidson, Chris has built a distinguished career at the intersection of education, ministry, and justice. Currently the Director of the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary and head of Di Baddest Consulting, he was also recently selected as a 2025-2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader.

Casual dress clothes are appropriate and attendance is encouraged but optional.

The Baccalaureate service is open to all regardless of registration. We received enough interest in this event to offer overflow seating options should the Sanctuary reach capacity. The Sanctuary doors open at 2 p.m. and livestream options will be available in Lingle Chapel and Duke Family Performance Hall for the 2:30 p.m. service.

Live captioning will be available for viewing on personal devices during the Baccalaureate Service. 

In celebration of the graduates, Vail Commons will host an exquisite dinner serving classical dishes with a twist.

Graduate's Dinner Tickets are required and are free; must be obtained in advance by students. 

Required meeting for graduating seniors at the Lilly Family Gallery, Chambers Building. Wear caps and gowns.

Rain Plan: Lowest level of Baker Sports Complex, far basketball practice court

Commencement, Front Campus

A live stream will be available. Visitors may view the live stream in the C. Shaw Smith 900 Room, in the Alvarez College Union, for those who would like to watch the ceremony in a climate-controlled environment. 

Live captioning will be available for viewing on personal devices during Commencement. 

Rain Plan Ceremony will move to the John M. Belk Arena in Baker Sports Complex. Tickets will only be required in the case of inclement weather. The 900 Room, as well as the Duke Family Performance Hall, will serve as overflow locations should the ceremony move to the Belk Arena due to inclement weather.