Thursday, May 16
10 – 11 AM
Mandatory Class Meeting
Chase Community Center
Be sure to attend this mandatory class meeting where you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Commencement ceremony. We’ll also conduct a quick rehearsal of the lineup and procession to the Town Green. While there will be a Teams link for those who cannot make it to campus by Thursday, an in-person attendance for those here in town will help ensure a smooth ceremony on Saturday morning.
Directly Following the Mandatory Class Meeting
Regalia Distribution
Oakes 107
Following the Class Meeting students will be able to pick up their regalia (caps and gowns) in Oakes 107. Regalia will be organized in alphabetical order, and we ask that you do not send anyone to collect it on your behalf. If you’re unable to pick up your regalia at this time, please reach out to Courtney Potter at cpotter@vermontlaw.edu.
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Cultural Celebration
Debevoise Back Lawn and Virtual
Graduating students are invited to a Cultural Celebration Ceremony to honor graduating members of Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA), Latinx American and Caribbean Law Students Association (LALSA), Black Law Students Association (BLSA), and Native American Law Students Association (NALSA). Join us for beverages, traditional fare, and music!
Friday, May 17
12 – 3 PM
Formal Grad Photos
Oakes 211
Graduates can sign up for professional, formal photos in regalia. Check back later for a signup link and fee information.
1 – 2 PM
Online Learning Reception
Virtual
Join us for a virtual celebration of our online students who are graduating or celebrating Commencement in the spring of 2024.
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Honorary Degree Lecture
Oakes 012 and Virtual
Please join us for a lecture by honorary degree recipient Canfa Wang. His lecture is titled "Unity of Knowledge and Action: To Promote China's Environmental Rule of Law with Legal Professional Capability." Canfa Wang is a renowned environmental lawyer, and serves as a senior professor in environmental law at the China University of Political Science and Law. He has been involved in the drafting and discussion of more than 30 laws and regulations on environmental protection in China, including water pollution law, clean production law, environmental impact assessment law, and more.
5 – 6 PM
Awards Ceremony
Chase Community Center and Virtual
Bring your families and join your classmates as we recognize a few exceptional students from the Class of 2024 for outstanding service, stewardship, and leadership.
6:30 – 8 PM
Commencement Soiree!
Debevoise Back Lawn
The celebration of awards and the upcoming Commencement pomp and circumstance continues at this Commencement Soiree. Free and open graduates and their families immediately following the Awards Ceremony.
Saturday, May 18
8:30 – 9:15 AM
Class Photos
Cornell Library Steps
Graduates should gather in their regalia for class photos on the library steps. Please be prompt so we have sufficient time to get the processional in order.
9:15 – 10 AM
Procession Organizes
Debevoise Front Lawn and Steps
Immediately following the class photos, members of the Registrar’s Office and the Dean’s Office will line students up in marching order for procession to the Commencement tent.
10 AM – 12 PM
Commencement
Town Green
Watch the Livestream
Led by Bagpiper, Ben Montross, the processional will step off from the Debevoise Front Lawn at precisely 10 AM and march to the Town Green to enter the Commencement tent.
12 – 2:30 PM
Commencement Reception
Debevoise Back Lawn
Family and friends are invited to join graduates at this open reception. Enjoy food and champagne as you celebrate all your accomplishments and your special day.
