Graduates must arrive at the arena and be fully gowned by 7 p.m. Please allow sufficient travel time. The Tickle College of Engineering may not be able to accommodate students arriving after 7 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will last approximately two-and-a-half hours.

Graduates will enter the arena at the lower level Media entrance near G-10 garage. Orange and white balloons will mark the entrance. On arrival, graduates will pick up their card at designated registration tables. The card will be used as the graduate crosses the stage.

Graduates and their guests may park free in university student parking areas throughout the campus but should avoid parking in staff parking areas. Learn more about parking for commencement.

Guests may enter the arena with one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. For more information, review Thompson-Boling Arena’s clear bag policy. The following items are PROHIBITED inside the arena:

• Nonclear bags of any size except as listed for medically necessary items
• Diaper bags
• Backpacks of any size
• Alcoholic beverages
• Cans, bottles, coolers
• Outside food, snacks, beverages
• Open umbrellas
• Selfie sticks
• Unmanned aircraft
• Large bags or parcels, including backpacks and purses
• Weapons, including pocket knives
• Hover boards
• Segways
• Artificial noisemakers
• Large travel strollers
• Posters and signage
• Balloons
• Wrapped gifts or gift bags

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited in and on all university property, including in private vehicles when parked or operated on university property.

For more information on the security policy, contact the Thompson-Boling Arena management office at 865-974-0953.

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.

All graduates must register at the tables near the student seating area on the arena floor. You will receive an index card with your name. You must give the card to the Reader of Names to receive recognition upon crossing the stage.

After registering and receiving your name card, proceed to the row of seats designated for your major on the left side of the main aisle. Students must be seated in their assigned seats by 12 p.m. Ushers will then prompt you when to rise and move toward the stage.

As you approach the stage, you must have your name card with you. Adjacent to the stage is the Reader of Names. Please hand your name card to the Reader of Names and proceed on stage to accept congratulations from your department head and dean of the college.

As a courtesy to all in attendance, please have your guests refrain from advancing to the front of the stage to take photos as you are walking across. A professional photographer will be taking photos as you shake hands with the dean on stage. There will be another photographer as you leave the stage that will take your photograph alone. After the ceremony, the dean and department heads will be available in the stage area for additional graduate and guest photo opportunities.

In order to secure your commencement photos, graduates at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, can locate their graduation photos online by visiting Grad Images.

The following two pieces of information are required:

• Last Name of the Graduate
• Graduation Year

After you have your photograph taken, return to your designated seating area and remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony. Do not leave any personal items or valuables unattended at any time during the ceremony. Once the ceremony has been adjourned, you may meet your guests and make your departure from the arena.