Most
University of Tennessee in Knoxville
Graduation ceremonies this year will see approximately 200 additional students compared to last year’s biggest event, part of a revamp that condenses the graduation weekend schedule.
To achieve this, UT has merged several colleges that usually confer degrees independently into
fewer ceremonies
Across campus from May 15-17. Last year, UT held 11 ceremonies at Thompson-Boling Arena within the Food City Center, along with an additional two events elsewhere on campus.
This year, six commencement ceremonies will take place at the arena. The College of Law graduation will be conducted in the Student Union, whereas the College of Veterinary Medicine ceremony will occur in the Alumni Memorial Building. UT anticipates granting over 6,200 degrees to students; however, participation from all graduates is not guaranteed.
The university predicts that three of the upcoming ceremonies will host over 1,400 graduates, approximately 200 more participants compared to the largest event from last year. In contrast, the previous smallest ceremony included only about 120 students.
The venue can hold roughly 14,000 individuals, and according to UT estimates, every student brings approximately eight guests along. Therefore, larger graduation events ought to comfortably accommodate all attendees.
Every event is anticipated to take around two to two-and-a-half hours.
Why is University of Tennessee combining Knoxville graduations?
UT’s changes to commencement are in response to
growing enrollment
,
increasing student retention
and rising graduation rates as
UT expands its online programs
after launching
three colleges in recent years
. The
new colleges
Would have stretched the graduation timeline to its maximum, prompting UT to completely revamp the structure instead.
This marks the university’s first significant revision to graduation proceedings, bringing it in line with ceremony structures adopted by numerous institutions across the nation.
The university’s special events team is clustering colleges according to the anticipated number of graduates,” said UT spokesperson Tyra Haag to Knox News. “Although precise predictions can be challenging, they utilized past data to estimate comparable ceremony sizes with the objective of ensuring an equitable experience for both graduates and their attendees at each event.
Following this year, the events team will assess if this revamped model fosters ongoing development without compromising the quality of the festivities.
Additional attendees, briefer addresses at University of Tennessee events
The largest graduating cohorts originate from the College of Arts and Sciences and the
Haslam College of Business
, with ceremonies lasting approximately three hours last year. As part of this restructuring, some changes specifically address these colleges by dividing them up.
divisions inside the College of Arts and Sciences
And the numerous majors within the Haslam College of Business.
As UT anticipates a “slightly higher volume of graduates and guests” at the ceremonies, Haag said, UT will have volunteers stationed throughout the arena to assist throughout the three days of graduations.
She mentioned that the areas designated for speakers during each ceremony will be reduced, instead focusing more on honoring the graduates as they walk across the stage.
“Graduates will enjoy the full experience ‒ checking in, taking photos, sitting with friends and crossing the stage in front of their loved ones,” Haag said. “Similar to fall commencement ceremonies held each December, they’ll share the moment with graduates from other colleges. The shorter format allows more time to celebrate afterward.”
University of Tennessee graduation parking information
UT isn’t worried about traffic congestion or logistical challenges related to the commencement changes.
Parking is still free
for graduating students and guests in commuter lots across campus.
“Graduation is quite similar to a big sports game or major concert, and attendees are advised to come onto campus well before the start time,” Haag informed Knox News.
UT has pointed out these parking choices due to their closeness to the arena:
-
G-10 garage:
Situated close to the arena and Neyland Stadium, G-10 can be entered through the gate on Neyland Drive. The uppermost floor is designated for visitors who have accessibility needs or use mobility aids. -
Commuter Core 6 car park:
Take Lake Loudoun Boulevard to access this parking area, directly opposite the arena. -
G-5 garage:
Situated beneath the Commuter Core 6 parking lot, this garage also links up with the arena. -
G-16 garage
This garage, situated on Volunteer Boulevard close to the Rock, can be reached through Pat Head Summitt Street.
No tickets are needed for the graduation ceremonies. The doors will open one hour prior to each ceremony and stay open throughout, so attendees can relax without worrying about securing seats beforehand.
UT suggests departing early and allowing extra time for potential traffic delays, and also advises steering clear of Phillip Fulmer Way because of ongoing construction. If campus lots become full, additional parking along with shuttle services can be found at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.
Earning a degree from UT marks a significant achievement for our students,” Haag stated. “We aim to craft an uplifting and memorable event atop Rocky Top, one that will be cherished by both the graduates and those who support them. As they move forward into new chapters, we encourage them to relish this distinctive occasion.
Keenan Thomas
Reports for the Knox News business expansion group. Contact him via email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
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.
The article initially appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Why is the University of Tennessee planning for fewer graduation ceremonies even though they have record numbers of students?
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