Congratulations to our Knights who are soon graduating! As we prepare to celebrate all that you have accomplished, here are a few key tips to help you and your loved ones have a fantastic experience at commencement.
Ceremony Information for Grads
UCF’s commencement ceremonies will start at 9 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4.
Please arrive at the Addition Financial Arena 90 minutes prior to your commencement ceremony. Bags larger than 12 inches by 6 inches x 12 inches are not allowed and graduates are not permitted to bring signs into the arena.
Ceremony Information for Guests
Doors will open for guests 60 minutes before the start of each ceremony. Please anticipate lines due to security measures. Backpacks of any kind or bags larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are not permitted inside the arena. Guests may bring signs no larger than 8.5 inches x 11 inches, but they must not be disruptive or impede the view of others. A full list of prohibited items can be found here.
Each guest entering the arena, including children and infants, is required to have a ticket for the ceremony. Family and friends who are unable to attend can view live streams on UCF’s YouTube channel. Ceremonies also will be simulcast at the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and at the Student Union, where additional guests can watch with no ticket required.
Parking and Traffic
Graduates and guests may park in Garage D and Garage H for free. Mobility impaired individuals may be dropped off in front of the Addition Financial Arena prior to parking.
The area immediately surrounding the arena will be closed for the majority of these days. Those driving on campus are encouraged to follow the directions displayed on message boards throughout campus.
Decorations and Celebrations
Let your creativity shine, but remember that loved ones will be traveling from across the globe to see you and your fellow Knights graduate. Please respect your fellow graduates and their families during the ceremony.
Graduates are required to wear official UCF regalia. Honor cords and academic stoles from various honor societies may be worn if they are the official designation of an officially recognized group.
Graduation cap decorations must lay flat against the cap and extend no higher than the cap button. Moving or flashing lights are not permitted, but stagnant LED lights are allowed. Language and content on decorated caps must be appropriate for a family-friendly event.
Photo Opportunities
Get your cameras ready! Snag a festive grad photo by the iconic Reflecting Get your cameras ready! Snag a festive grad photo by the iconic Reflecting Pond until Sunday, May 5 or swing by the FBC Mortgage Stadium Wednesday, May 1 and Thursday, May 2 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for a unique opportunity to take a grad pic in the stadium. Check out the main campus’ most popular grad photo spots here or at UCF Downtown here.
Regalia Returns
Bachelor’s and master’s graduates are allowed to keep the cap and tassel ONLY. It is highly encouraged that graduates return rented regalia to the Barnes and Noble @UCF Bookstore located next to the Addition Financial Arena immediately following their commencement ceremony or by the end of business day on Saturday, May 4. Late fees will apply to those not turned in by the deadline and credit cards will be charged full price for any regalia not returned by Monday, May 12.
Welcome to the Alumni Family
Congratulations to our soon-to-be AlumKnights! We cannot wait to celebrate your achievements during your time at UCF and all you have yet to accomplish. Keep reaching for the stars, Knights, and Charge On!
