News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has revised its graduation schedule to accommodate a growing number of graduates. For the first time, multiple colleges will consolidate ceremonies, allowing for a more cohesive experience. With over 6,200 degrees set to be awarded and anticipated attendance exceeding 1,400 students, the changes aim to enhance the graduation experience. Logistical measures, including free parking and livestream options, have been implemented to support graduates and guests. These updates reflect the university’s commitment to its expanding student body and improving graduation rates.
KNOXVILLE – The University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UT) has announced significant changes to its graduation schedule for the 2025 commencement ceremonies, which will take place from May 15 to May 17, 2025. The updated schedule aims to accommodate the university’s increasing enrollment and retention rates, alongside the addition of new colleges over the past five years.
For the first time, multiple colleges will graduate together in a consolidated format, rather than holding individual ceremonies. This new approach is expected to streamline the graduation experience, allowing for a more cohesive celebration for students and their families. The ceremonies will see the College of Law graduate in the Student Union, while the College of Veterinary Medicine will hold its ceremony at the Alumni Memorial Building. Over 6,200 degrees are anticipated to be awarded, with an estimated attendance of more than 1,400 students, which is about 200 more than last year’s largest ceremony.
The university’s largest colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the Haslam College of Business, continue to dominate degree awards each year, contributing significantly to the total number of graduates. Each ceremony will last between two and two-and-a-half hours, and the main arena, which can accommodate approximately 14,000 guests, offers enough space for the expected number of attendees. Typically, each student invites around eight guests, indicating ample room for family and friends.
The consolidation of graduation ceremonies is part of UT’s commitment to respond to rising student performance metrics, including improved retention and graduation rates. Furthermore, the expansion of online programs has also contributed to increased enrollment, necessitating these changes to the graduation format. The university’s special events team will group colleges based on projected graduate numbers by utilizing historical data to ensure a smooth experience for graduates and guests alike.
As part of the preparations for the 2025 commencement, UT has implemented several logistical measures to enhance the experience. Parking will be free for graduating students and their guests in selected non-commuter and commuter core parking lots and garages around campus. Recommended parking areas include the Volunteer Hall garage for the College of Veterinary Medicine graduation, as well as the Commuter Core 4 parking lot, which offers accessible parking options and a shuttle service to the arena.
In the event that campus parking fills up, additional parking will be available at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum garage, which will also provide a shuttle service from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Graduates and guests are advised to minimize their belongings to facilitate quicker entry into the ceremonies. A clear bag policy will be in effect, permitting guests to bring one clear plastic bag (maximum size 12x6x12 inches) and one small clutch purse (no larger than 4.5×6.5 inches).
Security screenings will be conducted at each entrance, with all items, including medically necessary supplies, subject to search. Personal cameras are allowed, provided they have detachable lenses smaller than five inches; however, professional cameras with larger lenses are prohibited. While flowers and unwrapped gifts can be brought inside the venue, wrapped gifts, signs, and balloons will not be permitted. Additionally, alcohol and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are banned on campus.
Recognizing that some individuals may not be able to attend the ceremonies in person, UT will also provide livestreams of the events on their dedicated website, allowing family and friends to celebrate this important milestone from afar. Overall, these changes reflect the university’s dedication to providing a memorable graduation experience tailored to the needs of its growing student body.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: UT Knoxville Graduation Schedule
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee
- Knox News: Changes to UT Knoxville Graduation Weekend
- Google Search: University of Tennessee Knoxville graduation
- Tennessean: Tennessee Graduate Schools Overview
- Google Scholar: University of Tennessee
- WBIR: UT Fall Commencement Ceremonies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
