LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky graduates won't have to celebrate their achievements via Zoom this year. University President Eli Capilouto announced that in-person commencement ceremonies will take place in May, the first time in-person ceremonies have been held since December 2019.
What You Need To Know
- UK to host in-person commencement ceremonies this May
- The ceremonies will take place at Rupp Arena
- May, August, and December 2020 graduates are invited to participate in the ceremonies
- All 2020 and May 2021 graduates will receive an email this week with details on registration
The ceremonies will take place at Rupp Arena over the weekend of Friday, May 14, through Sunday, May 16, Capilouto announced in an email sent out to the campus community.
"In the interest of health and safety, several ceremonies will take place over the course of these three days," he wrote. "We will communicate more specifics about exact times in the coming weeks."
May, August, and December 2020 graduates are invited to participate in the ceremonies. All 2020 and May 2021 graduates will receive an email this week with details on registration. After registration closes, final dates and times for the various ceremonies will be announced and posted on the UK Commencement website.
Capilouto said mask requirements and physical distancing will be enforced at the ceremony, and seating will be limited.
Each graduate will be allowed a maximum of four guests.
Ticketing information will be available once final ceremony dates and times are announced. While there will be in-person ceremonies, a virtual component will still be available for all students. Graduates may upload a photo and personal message to be displayed on a slide with their name, primary college, and degree earned read out loud by a pre-recorded orator. The in-person ceremonies will also be live-streamed for guests unable to attend and will be posted to the commencement website.
"We continue to navigate difficult days as we do everything we can to keep our community healthy and safe. In large part, an in-person commencement is possible because of you — your efforts to keep yourselves, your friends and your community safe and healthy," Capilouto wrote. "Thank you for all you have done to make this important moment possible. We can’t wait to celebrate your achievements as members of this community."