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Fall 2024 Ceremony Information

Dates and Times


We want to see your celebrations! Use #UTGrad2024 to share your decorated mortar boards, graduation photos, or family celebrations.


Friday, December 13

9:00 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement

  • Undergraduate students from all colleges participate in one ceremony.
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3:00 p.m. Graduate Hooding

  • Master’s and doctoral students from all colleges participate in one ceremony.
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Fall 2024 ceremonies will take place in Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. Each ceremony is estimated to last two to two-and-a-half hours.


Getting to the Arena


Map.

Parking and Arena Entry

Avoid Neyland Drive eastbound. Joe Johnson Boulevard to Volunteer Boulevard is typically faster. Follow traffic direction and signage where available.

Plan for traffic delays.

Graduate and guest parking is available in the G10 and G5 parking garages.

Graduates should enter the venue at the lower floor-level Media entrance. Orange and white balloons will mark the entrance.

Guests should enter the arena at the upper level gates.

Ceremony Protocols

Graduate entry

  • Tickets are not required for graduate entry.
  • Graduates will enter the arena at the lower level Media entrance near G-10 garage. Orange and white balloons will mark the entrance.
  • Doors will open for graduate entry 90 minutes before the ceremony start time.
  • On arrival, graduates will pick up their card at designated registration tables. The card will be used as the graduate crosses the stage.
  • All graduates will participate in a processional. They will be directed to a designated spot to wait in line.
  • Graduates are asked to bring as little as possible inside the venue with them. This will speed up the entry procedure and reduce chances of lines. The university’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Security screenings will be in place as graduates enter the building. Food City Center is unable to store or secure prohibited items.

Guest entry

  • Doors will open for guest entry 90 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony. The upper level gates will be open for guest entry.
  • There are currently no plans to require tickets for entry.
  • Guests are asked to bring as little as possible inside the venue with them. This will speed up the entry procedure and reduce chances of lines. The university’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Security screenings will be in place prior to entering the building. Food City Center is unable to store or secure prohibited items.

After the Ceremony

Graduate and Guest Exiting

Graduates are required to return to their seat on the arena floor after crossing the stage. After all graduates have crossed the stage, graduates and guests will rise to sing the Alma Mater.

Undergraduates will exit at the media entrance level and guests will exit at the concourse level. Graduate students will exit at the concourse level. All are encouraged to make a plan to meet up with their guests in the parking garage or elsewhere after the ceremony. No guests will be permitted on the arena floor at any time.