2023 CEREMONY DETAILS - GRADUATES & GUESTS

Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. The ceremony will begin at 11 am Eastern Time and will last approximately 2.5 hours.

EVENT DAY DETAILS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SHARE WITH YOUR GUESTS:

Commencement Ceremony Timeline - Saturday, September 23, 2023:

  • 9:00 am EST - doors open at Rupp Arena, the ceremony venue

  • 9:00 - 10:30 am EST – Graduate Check-In (see details below)

  • 10:40 - 10:50 am – Lineup for Processional

  • 11:00 am EST - Ceremony Processional

  • Approx. 1:30 pm EST - Ceremony Recessional - graduates will exit the same way they entered the arena and rejoin their guests on the High Street level

  • 3:00 - 6:00 pm EST - FNU campus celebration event for all new graduates & their guests

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

Parking: The High Street lot across from Rupp Arena. Arena staff will be on hand to direct foot traffic from the parking lot to the arena. 

Arena Policies: Attendees will be monitored by arena security upon entrance, including the use of metal detectors. Guests and graduates should pay special attention to the allowable bag requirements outlined in the Rupp Arena Policies.

Accessibility Needs: Please let on-site FNU staff know if graduates or guests require assistance. American Sign Language Interpreters will be available near the ceremony stage, with reserved seating nearby. 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)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All students whose degree was conferred on 9.24.22 or later are invited to participate in the commencement ceremony on 9.23.23.

Current FNU students whose degree has not yet been officially conferred must meet the following eligibility criteria no later than 9.22.23 to participate in the Commencement Ceremony on 9.23.23:

Currently enrolled DNP Students Currently enrolled MSN & PGC Students

Have an A, B, I, or IP in all remaining required DNP courses.    


  • Have an A or B in MH/NM/NP/WH 715 posted to the transcript, AND

  • Have an A, B, or IP grade in MH/NM/NP/WH 716 by the date of Commencement, AND

  • Have an A, B, or I grade in MH/NM/NP/WH 717 by the date of Commencement.*

*Students who fail MH/NM/NP/WH717 in the summer term must contact their academic advisor to determine eligibility for participation in Commencement.