When and where is Commencement?
Commencement will be held at Rupp Arena Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 2 p.m.
Do I need tickets for my friends and relatives?
No. Commencement is free and open to the public.
Who is eligible to participate in Commencement?
1) All graduate students who graduated in summer 2007
2) All graduate students who graduated in fall 2007
3) All graduate students who will graduate in spring 2008
master's candidates need “Application for Degree” cards on file by February 7.
doctoral candidates need “Application for Degree” cards on file by February 7 AND a “Notification of Intent to Schedule a Final Exam” form on file by February 21.
Students who fall into these three categories will have their names (and dissertation titles if applicable) printed in the Commencement booklet.
I don't fall into the above three categories, can I still participate in Commencement?
Yes. Regardless of expected graduation date, any master's and doctoral candidates who want to participate fully in Commencement, may do so. However, only students in the above three categories will have their names printed in the Commencement booklet. Doctoral candidates who wish to participate but who don't have “Application for Degree” cards and/or a “Notification of Intent to Schedule a Final Exam” form on file should contact Pat Whitlow at 257-3261 in order to have their names added to the line-up.
Do I need to notify The Graduate School that I plan to participate in Commencement?
Master's degree recipients/candidates who plan on participating in Commencement do not need to notify the Graduate School.
Doctoral degree recipients/candidates who plan on participating in Commencement should notify the graduate office at: grad.support@email.uky.edu
Will I be recognized by name at Commencement?
Master's degree recipients will not be recognized by name at Commencement, rather they will be recognized, en masse, by program. Many colleges have their own commencement ceremonies, and master's degree recipients are often recognized individually at these ceremonies; students should inquire at their college.
Doctoral degree recipients will be recognized individually at commencement. They will have their name called out by the Dean of The Graduate School; they will walk across stage, have their picture taken shaking hands with the Provost, and receive a diploma cover. If you completed all degree requirements by May 4 , 2008 your diploma may be picked up at the Office of the Registrar after July 14, 2008 . If it is not picked up, it will be mailed in mid-August to spring degree recipients' diploma addresses (or permanent addresses if a spring degree recipient doesn't have a diploma address on file). The Commencement photographer will contact those who were photographed with the Provost at the email address provided when you sent your RSVP to the Graduate School.
What is The Graduate School Commencement Reception?
Dr. Jeannine Blackwell, dean of The Graduate School, hosts a casual reception for all 2007-2008 graduate degree recipients and their guests. Graduate degree recipients and graduate students participating in 2008 Commencement may drop by the Lexington Convention Center 's Thoroughbred Pre-Function Room (adjacent to Rupp Arena) any time between noon and 1:30 p.m. for light refreshments.
How many guests can I bring to the reception?
All guests are welcome.
When and where should I show up for Commencement?
Commencement participants must arrive at the Cox Street parking lot near the loading dock area (or, in case of rain, on the lower concourse) no later than 1:45 p.m. We will walk Commencement participants from The Graduate School's reception to the Cox Street parking lot at 1:30.
Where and when do I get regalia?
For information on ordering regalia Contact UK Bookstore (Phone: 257-6304).
What is UK 's regalia?
Students must wear full academic regalia in order to participate in Commencement. Full academic regalia consist of a traditional cap, gown, tassel (black), and appropriate hood. Hood colors are designated by the degree for doctoral candidates or by discipline for master's and education specialist candidates .
Last updated March 17, 2008