EVENT DAY DETAILS FOR GRADUATES - please read carefully

(Faculty & staff - please be sure you're logged in, then scroll to the bottom of this page for the employee-only section)

Timeline - Saturday, September 27, 2025 *All times listed are Eastern Standard Time

9:00 am - Doors open at Rupp Arena

  • Graduates & Guests use the public entrance off High Street
  • All are subject to a brief security screening per arena policy
  • FNU Guest Services staff will direct graduates to the designated check-in area and help guests choose seats within view of their graduate based on program track
  • See supplemental information below for parking, arena policies, accessibility, and event amenities

9:00 - 10:15 am – Graduate Check-In

  • Check-in by last name alpha order with FNU Check-in staff
  • You’ll receive a neck medallion and a stage scan card *KEEP THIS CARD WITH YOU*
  • Upon check-in, you may head to the Graduate Dressing Room, explore the venue, etc.
  • You MUST report for Lineup on time (see below)

10:20-10:30 am – Report for Lineup

  • Be ready in your cap & gown, carrying your stage scan card and your hood (PGC will wear hood)
  • Proceed from the Graduate Dressing Room toward Lineup - FNU staff will help guide you
  • Line up behind the sign marked for your program track & await further instructions
  • FNU floor marshals will send you by program track toward the processional entrance zone
  • Those who are late for the Lineup may miss out on the Processional

11:00 am - Ceremony Processional (ceremony will end approx. 1:30 pm)

2:00 to 5:00 pm - FNU Campus Open House for all new graduates & their guests

NOTICE: The graduate processional line-up area is not in the same location as the graduate check-in. Graduates should allow at least 20 minutes to park and find their way to the graduate check-in area and be checked in by 10:15 a.m. Graduates who arrive at the Line-up area later than 10:30 a.m. run the risk of missing the processional.

Venue: Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine Street, Lexington, KY. Click here for an interactive map with driving directions.

Parking: The West High Street lot across from Rupp Arena. Arena staff will be on hand to direct foot traffic from the parking lot to the arena. FNU graduates and guests may receive a reduced parking rate ($10) payable upon entry. Note: Cash may not be accepted on event day, and parking may only be paid via credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Parking rate is subject to increase without notice, particularly if another event occurs simultaneously in the adjoining convention center.

Arena Policies: Arena security will monitor attendees upon entrance, including metal detectors. Guests and graduates should pay special attention to the allowable bag requirements outlined in the Rupp Arena Policies.

Accessibility Needs: Click here for FNU event-specific accessibility information. Click here for Rupp Arena accessibility information, such as reserved parking, building access, etc.

Refreshments: Rupp Arena Concessions will be available for purchase. (Cashless: credit/debit card; Apple/Google Pay). Outside food or beverages are not permitted.

FNU Pop-Up Gift Shop: Select university merchandise will be available for purchase in the Arena Concourse. (Cashless: credit/debit card only)