December 2024 grads: Your most-asked questions about Commencement

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 11, 2024) — Next week, the University of Kentucky will celebrate its newest alumni at the December 2024 Commencement Ceremonies, taking place at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 20, at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.

Both ceremonies will also be livestreamed via UK’s YouTube channel. The link to the stream will be available on the UK Commencement website and UKNow by the morning of the ceremony.   

More than 1,200 graduates are expected to participate across the two ceremonies (out of 1,975 total degree candidates conferred by the UK Board of Trustees earlier this month). Those who are registered are receiving email communication with details regarding the ceremonies and should continue to read those emails up until the day of the ceremony for important information and updates. 

Below are some of the most-asked questions by graduates about the ceremonies. All of this information and more is also available at https://commencement.uky.edu/.

Do you need tickets to attend Commencement?

No. There are no tickets or assigned seats for guests of graduates during Commencement.

What time should graduates and guests arrive at Rupp Arena?

Graduates should arrive one hour before their ceremony for check-in. The entrance is located on West High Street and there will be signage directing graduates to check-in. Graduates and guests can confirm their college’s ceremony time at https://commencement.uky.edu/december-2024.

Guests of graduates may arrive up to one hour before the ceremony start time. Doors to Rupp Arena will not be open prior to one hour before the ceremony.

Where should graduates and guests park? Is there a shuttle?

The Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center parking lot is located across the street from the venue on West High Street and will have free parking for all guests and graduates. To ensure all graduates and guests have an enjoyable experience, guests are asked to move their vehicle from the High Street Lot immediately after the morning ceremony concludes to ensure the afternoon ceremony can start on time.

There is no shuttle service from the UK campus for the December Commencement ceremonies.

Is there a processional of graduates at the beginning of the ceremony?

No. After graduates check in they will make their way into the arena and find a place to sit with their college. Faculty marshals and posted signage will direct graduates on where to go. The platform (stage) party will process into the arena at the beginning of the ceremony when all graduates are seated. 

Which side of the floor is my college sitting? Where should I tell my family to sit so they can see me?

Seating diagrams for each ceremony are available here. Families may opt to sit on the side that faces their graduate’s college.

Will there be a speaker?

In addition to remarks by UK President Eli Capilouto, two graduating students have been selected by the president to deliver remarks at each ceremony.

How will I know when it’s my turn to cross the stage?

During check in, graduates will receive a card with their name on it. They will hold on to this card until it’s time to walk across the stage. During the presentation of diplomas, graduates will be instructed to stand and line up by the faculty marshals. Just before going on stage, graduates will hand their card to event staff who will run the card through a device that will display the graduate’s name/degree on the jumbotron/livestream, and the reader will say the graduate’s name as they walk across the stage.

What happens after I receive my diploma? Where should I go?

After being handed their diploma, graduates will take a quick professional photo on stage, exit the stage/arena, take an additional portrait against a backdrop, and be greeted with a gift from the UK Alumni Association. Graduates are then welcome to follow signs over to Club C on the Lower Level of Central Bank Center for Grad Gathering, hosted by the alumni association, where they can meet up with family and friends, enjoy refreshments, receive a gift and take their own photos against a Commencement backdrop. 

Does Commencement follow Rupp Arena’s security policies?

Yes, with some adjustments. Patrons may only have one clear bag (no larger than 12-by-12-by-6 inches) or one small clutch purse, with or without handle or strap (no larger than 9-by-5 inches) for their personal items. All bags and items will be searched.

All signs, flags, posters and amplification devices (megaphones, speakers, etc.) are strictly prohibited.

Graduates and guests are asked to honor the spirit of this important occasion by conducting themselves in a manner that is respectful of everyone. If any safety or event policies are violated, attendees will be asked to leave or be removed. 

Is the ceremony livestreamed?

Yes. All ceremonies will be livestreamed on UK’s YouTube channel. Links and embedded videos of the streams will be available to watch and share via the UK Commencement website and UKNow the day of the ceremonies. Full video of each ceremony should remain available to watch on YouTube after the event concludes.

How long do the ceremonies last?

Ceremonies are expected to last around two hours depending on how many graduates participate.

Is there a reception following the ceremony?

Yes! The Alumni Association hosts a Grad Gathering following each ceremony. Graduates and their families are encouraged to attend and meet up in Club C on the Lower Level. Signage will direct graduates to the reception after they exit the stage/arena. Learn more here.

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The UK December 2024 Commencement ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 20. Find more information and answers to additional FAQs here.

Congratulations to the UK December Class of 2024! Graduates are encouraged to share their special day on social media by using the hashtag #UKgrad.