How to Participate

All May graduates who have officially applied for May 2022 graduation through the Registrar's Office are eligible to participate in the May 2022 ceremony. Graduates are not required to RSVP if the plan to attend (or not attend).

1. Arrive at Truist Arena at 8 a.m. for the morning ceremony and 1 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony

• Truist Arena doors will not open before 8 a.m./1 p.m.
• Graduates (and graduates only) will be directed to the back door of the vault at the Truist Arena for check in
• Leave personal belongings in your car or with your guests as they are not allowed to be left in the line up areas during the ceremony (i.e. coats, purses, umbrellas, bags, etc.)

2. Pick up your name card

• Graduates pick up their pre-printed name cards at check in
• Card indicates where to be seated according to college and degree
• Lineup for commencement is at Truist Arena in the conference rooms located on the arena floor level
• Commencement staff will assist you in lining up in the correct order
• After taking your position in the line of march, remain in place and keep your name card with you
• Personal property should not be left in the assembly area
• Leave personal belongings in your car or with your guests
• Northern Kentucky University nor Truist Arena can be responsible for lost or stolen articles

3. The processional into the hall will begin at 9 a.m./2 p.m.

• Student marshals, dressed in gold gowns, will lead all graduates onto the arena floor

4. The Ceremony

• When you reach the stage during the ceremony, hand your name card to the reader who will announce your name and honors, if applicable
• As you cross the stage, you will pick up your diploma cover
• Graduates must return to and remain in their seats once they have received their diploma cases
• The entire ceremony is expected to last between two and two and a half hours, so please share this information with your guests and plan accordingly
• Please be courteous by staying through the end of the ceremony and supporting your fellow graduates as they cross the stage
  

At this time facial coverings are optional.

Tickets are not required for guests or graduates and there is no limit on the number of guests who may attend. Guest seating will be on a first-come, first served basis and social distancing will not be mandated in the venue.

Doors to the arena will open to graduates and guests one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.  There will not be early admittance, so please plan arrival accordingly.  Guests should enter Truist Arena through the main entrance off the circle drive, at the end of the pedestrian bridge coming from the Welcome Center Garage. 

To ensure the safety of every guest, all persons, including graduates will be subject to a bag check.

To aid with accessibility, guests and graduates may be dropped off in front of Truist Arena if needed in the circle drive off Nunn Drive. Once inside the arena, you will be directed to the elevator for access to the 2nd floor concourse level.

Parking is free and open in all lots and garages on campus on May 7. Handicapped parking is available on all levels of the Welcome Center Garage located across the street from the arena. For directions to NKU visit the Campus Maps and Directions page.

In the arena, accessible seating is available in the last row of certain sections on the concourse level for any guests who should avoid stairs. Guests can visit the Guest Services booth or ask a Truist Arena usher for assistance in finding a seat that meets their mobility needs.   

At this time facial coverings are optional.

No cans, bottles, coolers or similar containers will be allowed in the arena. No food or beverages into the arena. Truist Arena management reserves the right to make the final determination on prohibited items. For more information please visit the Truist Arena webpage.