Ceremony Details
All cell phones must be turned off as soon as you enter the seating area. Please refrain from cell phone use before and during the ceremony.
Any student suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance will be subject to arrest and will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the Knoxville Convention Center.
Arrival Time
Graduates must arrive at the Knoxville Convention Center and be fully gowned by 2:00 p.m. Please allow sufficient travel time. The College of Engineering may not be able to accommodate students arriving after 2:00 p.m. The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
Location
Enter the Knoxville Convention Center from the main entrance on Clinch Ave. You will enter on the Third Floor. Take either the escalators or elevator to the First Floor and follow the signs to Exhibit Hall B. Once inside, send your guests to their seats, then proceed directly to the graduate registration table. Click on the Floor Plan image to see a larger version.
Guest Seating
No tickets are required. Unlimited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The facilities will be opened one hour before the ceremony begins. Guests are encouraged to enter the Knoxville Convention Center from the main entrance on Clinch Ave.
Registration
All graduates must register at the table near the entrance of Exhibit Hall B. You will receive an index card with your name. You must give the card to the Reader of Names to receive recognition upon crossing the stage.
Graduate Seating
After registering and receiving your index card, proceed to the row of seats designated for your major on the left side of the main aisle. Students must be seated in their assigned seats by 2:00 p.m. Ushers will then prompt you when to rise and move toward the stage.
Staging
As you approach the stage, you will be given a diploma tube. Once on stage, hand your index card to the Reader of Names and proceed to accept congratulations from your department head and dean of the college.
Photography
As a courtesy to all in attendance, please have your guests refrain from advancing to the front of the stage to take photos as you are walking across. A professional photographer will be taking photos as you shake hands with the dean on stage. There will be another photographer as you leave the stage that will take your photograph alone. After the ceremony, the dean and department heads will be available in the stage area for additional graduate and guest photo opportunities.
Adjournment
After you have your photograph taken, return to your designated seating area and remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony. Do not leave any personal items or valuables unattended at any time during the ceremony. Once the ceremony has been adjourned, you may meet your guests and make your departure from the Convention Center.