May 2026 grads: Your most-asked questions

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 4, 2026) — This Friday and Saturday, the University of Kentucky will celebrate its May 2026 graduates and officially welcome them to the alumni family during the May 2026 UK Commencement Ceremonies.

More than 4,600 graduates are expected to participate across four ceremonies taking place May 8 and 9 in Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Overall, a record 6,693 May degree candidates have been approved by the UK Board of Trustees. This includes 4,427 undergraduate, 1,526 graduate and 740 professional degree candidates for May 2026.* 

Students registered for commencement have been receiving email communications with important ceremony details, but UKNow spoke with graduating seniors to learn what other questions they have as they prepare to wrap up their academic journeys.

A full list of frequently asked questions is also available online.

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 start time for check-in. The entrance for graduates is located on West High Street, and there will be signs directing graduates to check in. Graduates can find their college’s ceremony date and time at commencement.uky.edu/may-2026. 

Guests of graduates may also 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 start time. 

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

The Rupp Arena parking lot is located on West High Street and will have free parking for graduates and guests. 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. 

Shuttle services will run continuously 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, May 8, and 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, from Administration Drive on campus (across from Cornerstone Garage/Parking Structure #5) to Rupp Arena. The Cornerstone parking structure is located on 401 S. 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. A map of parking and shuttle pick-up locations is online.  

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 to their seating areas. 

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 also listed online. The floor seating order and listed walking order for colleges may not look the same. Faculty marshals will direct graduates where to sit and when to stand and approach the stage during the ceremony. 

Will there be a speaker?

UK President Eli Capilouto will deliver remarks, followed by a graduating student speaker. 

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. Additional Rupp Arena security policies are online.

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 beginning on the day of the ceremonies. Full video of each ceremony will remain available to watch on YouTube after the events conclude.

How long do the ceremonies last?

Ceremonies are expected to last around two hours, depending on how many students participate. This will vary from family to family, as graduates will exit the arena after walking across the stage. Depending on their college walking order, some 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 Grad Gathering following each ceremony. Graduates and their families are encouraged to attend and meet up in Club C on the lower level. Signs will direct graduates to the reception after they exit the stage and arena. At Grad Gathering, graduates will be able to meet up with family and friends, enjoy refreshments, receive a gift and take photos against a Commencement backdrop. 

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Find more information and answers to additional FAQs online. For additional questions, email commencement@uky.edu. 

Congratulations to the May 2026 UK grads. Share your special day on social media by using the hashtag #UKgrad.