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:

Timeline - Saturday, September 23, 2023:

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

  • 9:00 - 10:20 am EST – Graduate Check-In click here for Check-In instructions.

  • 10:30 am EST – Lineup for Processional in your cap & gown, carrying your hood and stage scan card (you'll get this at Check-in) *Those who are late to the Lineup area may miss out on the Processional

  • 11:00 am EST - Ceremony Processional (the ceremony is anticipated to last approx. 2.5 hours)

  • 2:00 - 6:00 pm EST - FNU campus celebration event 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 should be checked in by 10:20 a.m. Graduates who arrive at the Line-up area later than 10:30 a.m. run the risk of missing the processional. All times above are Eastern Standard Time (EST).

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. FNU graduates and guests receive a reduced parking rate of $10, payable upon entry.

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:  Click here for FNU event-specific accessibility information. 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)

Kids' Zone:  A designated area will be stocked with children's coloring supplies in the Arena Concourse for those who may need to stretch their legs during the ceremony.