General Commencement Information
Check the current semester’s ceremony information page for the dates and times of each ceremony.
For parking maps, traffic information, shuttle details, and accessible parking options, please visit the Parking and Transportation Commencement webpage.
Important Information
- Review the university’s Clear Bag Policy before arriving at Food City Center. Prohibited items cannot be stored or secured by venue staff.
- Consider carpooling with family and friends whenever possible, as parking availability on campus is limited during commencement events.
- Avoid traveling eastbound on Neyland Drive when possible. Routes using Joe Johnson Boulevard and Volunteer Boulevard are often more efficient. Follow all posted signage and directions from traffic personnel.
- Allow extra travel time and plan for potential traffic delays before and after the ceremony.
- Uber and Lyft drop-offs and pick-ups are restricted to Circle Park off Volunteer Boulevard. Please plan accordingly when using rideshare services.
a {
text-decoration: none;
color: #464feb;
}
tr th, tr td {
border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;
}
tr th {
background-color: #f5f5f5;
}
Each commencement ceremony lasts approximately two to two and a half hours. Graduates are expected to remain for the entirety of the ceremony and must return to their seats after crossing the stage. The ceremony concludes with the singing of the Alma Mater and the official conferral of degrees, both of which are important parts of the commencement experience.
Graduates should not make plans that require them to leave before the ceremony has ended. Once seated on the arena floor, graduates are not permitted to leave except for restroom use. Graduates will be instructed to leave their caps at their seats before exiting the arena floor to use the restroom.
Guests may bring in flowers for their graduate, but no wrapped gifts, balloons, or signs are permitted.
UT has partnered with the Commencement Group to offer flower sales on site.
Guests may contact [email protected] with questions.
NOTE: Commencement staff cannot discuss any FERPA-protected information with anyone but the student. If your student has a question about their eligibility or registration, please have them contact us directly.
Dress Code
- The dress code for commencement is business casual.
Accessibility
- Visit the Accessibility Information page for more information.
All guest seating in the arena is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will enter on the concourse level and are encouraged to leave the upper rows of each seating section available for individuals with mobility concerns.
Wheelchair-accessible seating areas are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. To accommodate as many guests as possible, accessible seating should be limited to one wheelchair user and one companion per designated space.
Please note that the university and Food City Center do not provide wheelchairs or mobility devices. Guests requiring wheelchair accommodations should make arrangements in advance. A list of local mobility equipment rental providers is available on the Accessibility Information page.
Health and Safety
- Visit the Security Information page for more information.
Yes, all ceremonies will be webcast live on the current semester’s ceremony information page.
Guests
No. Each participating graduate may bring guests. There are currently no plans to require guest tickets or limit the number of guests per graduate for the ceremonies at Food City Center.
Thompson-Boling Arena Information
Refer to the clear bag policy.
Don’t see your question answered? Contact [email protected].