Ceremony Information - Graduates: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Eligibility

All August and December graduation candidates who have officially applied for December 2025 graduation through the Registrar's Office are eligible to participate in the December 2025 ceremony.

Graduates are not required to RSVP if they plan to attend (or not attend).

Parking

Parking is free and available in all surface lots and garages on campus on the day of commencement. Accessible parking can be found on all levels of the Arena Parking Garage, located across the street from the arena, as well as in Lot O. For directions to NKU visit the Campus Maps and Directions page.

Bag Check and Prohibited Items

To ensure the safety of all attendees, everyone will be subject to a bag check.

Graduates should leave bags, coats, hangers, purses, umbrellas, or other large items with family, guests, or in their vehicles. Any items left outside the arena or unattended inside will be discarded.

Arrival and Line-Up

1. Arrive at Truist Arena at 8:30 AM for the morning ceremony and 2:00 PM for the afternoon ceremony

Truist Arena doors will not open before 8:30 AM/2:00 PM
Graduates (and graduates only) will be directed to the back door of the vault (attached map here) 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, hangers, purses, umbrellas, bags, etc.)
To ensure the safety of every guest, all persons, including graduates will be subject to a bag check.

2. Pick up your name card

Graduates pick up their pre-printed name cards at check in
There will be a side table for name pronunciation
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, 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 10 AM/3 PM

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 and they 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
Note: After the ceremony ends you will be led off the arena floor following the platform party and faculty procession

out of the arena following the platform party and faculty procession.out of the arena following the platform party and faculty procession.

Inviting International Relatives to Ceremony

You can go to this webpage to submit a request for an international letter to invite your relative to your commencement. Processing of your request will take 3-5 business days. You will be notified by email when your letter is ready.

Please email registrar1@nku.edu if you have any questions.