Q: Where do I park for Commencement?
A: Parking is readily available near and around the arena. See the parking map for more details. Signage will point you to the correct parking lot and Officers will be directing traffic if you aren’t sure where to go.
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: Note that everything you bring will need to fit in your pockets. You won’t be able to have a purse or bag with you. You’ll need to either bring your cap, gown, and any honors cords or sashes with you, or go ahead and have them on over your graduation outfit. Many students go for a business casual outfit beneath their regalia. We do recommend comfortable shoes.
Q: What should I wear?
A:All participating candidates must wear EKU graduation regalia for the ceremony. Please note, Latin Honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) applies to undergraduate students only.
Q: When and where do I need to check in?
A: All graduates should arrive starting one hour before the start of their ceremony. Check in with your college in the South Hall on the lower level of the arena, where you will also line up for the ceremony. Only participating students are allowed inside the South Hal for check in and line up. All families and guests are to go to the arena for seating. Please give your personal items to your guests or leave them in your car for safekeeping. Personal items are not to be left unattended.
Please allow yourself plenty of time for arrival taking into consideration rush hour traffic and construction. Also, there are speed bumps once you enter the Horse Park and horses have the right of way, both of which will slow your drive time.
Q: Is there accessible parking and seating?
A: Accessible parking is available and will be clearly marked. See the parking map for details. ADA seating will also be available. See the ADA map for details. For deaf and hearing-impaired guests, interpreters are provided for each ceremony.
Q: Is there public transportation available to the ceremony?
A: Shuttles will be available to take students to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. The shuttles will leave from and return to the Alumni Coliseum parking lot. Reservations are required. Please sign up here.
The shuttles are for students only.
Q: Will there be a livestream of the ceremony?
A: Family members and friends who are unable to attend EKU’s Commencement may view the ceremony online.
Q: Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?
A: Professional photography will be provided. Candidates will be photographed walking across the stage. Proofs and information from the photographer will be sent to the student’s EKU email address approximately one week following the ceremony.
Q: Can I be the student speaker at my ceremony?
A: Visit this page for more information about applying to become a student speaker.
Q: Do I need to leave right after my ceremony?
A: If you are participating in the 9am or 1:30pm ceremony, we ask that you and your guests swiftly exit the Alltech Arena parking lot at the conclusion of your ceremony.