May 2025 grads: Your most-asked questions

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2025) — This Friday and Saturday, the University of Kentucky will celebrate its graduating students and welcome them to the alumni family. The May 2025 Commencement Ceremonies are Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.

Nearly 4,200 graduates have registered to participate across the four ceremonies. Overall, 5,778 degrees have been conferred by the UK Board of Trustees for May. 

Students registered for commencement have been receiving email communication with details regarding the ceremonies. This communication will continue up until the day of the ceremony with information and updates.

To keep everyone well informed, UKNow sought out graduating seniors to find out what additional questions they have as they prepare to wrap up their respective academic journeys.

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 can find their college’s ceremony time online. 

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 parking lot is on West High Street and will have free parking. To ensure all graduates and families have an enjoyable experience, guests are asked to move their vehicles from the High Street Lot immediately after their ceremony concludes to ensure the next ceremony can start on time. A map of these locations is online.

Shuttle services will run continuously from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, from Administration Drive (across from Cornerstone Garage, Parking Structure #5) to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. The Cornerstone parking structure is located on 401 South Limestone and will also be open for those interested in shuttling from campus. Entrances to the parking structure are located on both South Limestone and South Upper Street.

Is there a procession 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 signs will direct graduates on where to go. 

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

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

What’s the walking order for the colleges in my ceremony?

The walking order for each ceremony is listed online.

Will there be a speaker?

A graduating student will give a five-minute address at each ceremony, following remarks by UK President Eli Capilouto. Read more about the May 2025 student speakers here. 

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 and degree on the jumbotron and livestream. 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, take an additional portrait against a backdrop and be greeted with a gift from the UK Alumni Association.

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 personal items. All bags and items will be searched.

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

Will the ceremony be 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 students participate. This may vary from family to family as students will leave after walking across the stage, so graduates may not be inside Rupp Arena for the full two hours.

Is there a reception following the ceremony?

Yes. The UK 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. At the Grad Gathering, you will be able to meet up with family and friends, enjoy refreshments, receive a gift and take photos against a Commencement backdrop. Learn more here.

The UK Commencement ceremonies will take place at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Friday, May 9, and 9 a.m. Saturday, May 10. A list of college and ceremony times can be found at https://commencement.uky.edu/may-2025.

Find more information and answers to additional FAQs online.

Congratulations to the May 2025 UK grads! Share your special day on social media by using the hashtag #UKgrad.