Spring 2026 Commencement and Hooding
We look forward to gathering together with family, friends, faculty, and staff as we applaud this year’s graduating class and mark the beginning of their next chapter.
This year’s ceremony will take place:
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 10 a.m.
at the Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Important Information & FAQs for Graduates and Guests
Registration
- Information on registering for commencement is sent to each graduate’s official UT email address after they apply for graduation. Graduates will receive an email when registration opens. It is critical that graduates check their university email to stay updated and meet all deadlines.
- Students who have a religious or cultural conflict with their assigned ceremony could contact diplomas@utk.edu for rescheduling options.
All ceremonies will be webcast live on the commencement website.
Additional detailed information will be sent directly to your UTK email in the days leading up to the ceremony.
Their are currently no plans to require tickets for guest entry.
Information for both JD and MLS students is available here.
Graduates and guest parking is available at G-10, CC6, G16. For more information about parking visit here beneath the Dates & Times section.
Graduates should enter the arena through the lower-level Media entrance located near the G-10 garage. The entrance will be clearly marked with balloons.
Doors will open for graduate entry two hours before the ceremony start time.
Graduates MUST arrive and be checked in no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony start time.
Graduates must bring the QR code to enter the venue. The QR code will be distributed to each graduate the week of commencement.
Graduates are asked to bring as little as possible inside the venue with them. This will speed up the entry procedure and reduce chances of lines. The university’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Security screenings will be in place as graduates enter the building. Food City Center is unable to store or secure prohibited items.
BOPP serves as the official commencement photographer. They work with Grad Images to provide online proofs of the photos. A link will be sent to each participating graduate to view and purchase the photos once they are ready. Graduates have the option to include an additional email address to receive the link on their registration form.
Important Information & FAQs for Graduates and Guests
Registration
- Information on registering for commencement is sent to each graduate’s official UT email address after they apply for graduation. Graduates will receive an email when registration opens. It is critical that graduates check their university email to stay updated and meet all deadlines.
- Students who have a religious or cultural conflict with their assigned ceremony could contact diplomas@utk.edu for rescheduling options.
All ceremonies will be webcast live on the commencement website.
Additional detailed information will be sent directly to your UTK email in the days leading up to the ceremony.
Their are currently no plans to require tickets for guest entry.
Information for both JD and MLS students is available here.
Graduates and guest parking is available at G-10, CC6, G16. For more information about parking visit here beneath the Dates & Times section.
Graduates should enter the arena through the lower-level Media entrance located near the G-10 garage. The entrance will be clearly marked with balloons.
Doors will open for graduate entry two hours before the ceremony start time.
Graduates MUST arrive and be checked in no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony start time.
Graduates must bring the QR code to enter the venue. The QR code will be distributed to each graduate the week of commencement.
Graduates are asked to bring as little as possible inside the venue with them. This will speed up the entry procedure and reduce chances of lines. The university’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Security screenings will be in place as graduates enter the building. Food City Center is unable to store or secure prohibited items.
BOPP serves as the official commencement photographer. They work with Grad Images to provide online proofs of the photos. A link will be sent to each participating graduate to view and purchase the photos once they are ready. Graduates have the option to include an additional email address to receive the link on their registration form.
Contact the records office at law_records@utk.edu with any questions.
