Spring 2025 Commencement and Hooding
Spring commencement is one of our favorite times at the College of Law as we celebrate the accomplishments of our students.
This year’s ceremony will take place:
Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 10 a.m.
at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Important Information 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.
Cap, gown, and hood
Information regarding how students may acquire a cap and gown for the ceremony is forthcoming.
Arrival
Graduates should arrive at the lower level Media entrance of Thompson Boling Arena 30-45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. A staff member will be at the entrance to direct you to the area that graduates will line up for the procession.
Security
Large-event security protocol is enforced, including the clear bag policy. View the entire policy here.
Guests
Each participating graduate may bring guests. There are currently no plans to require guest tickets for the spring ceremonies and there is no limit to the number of guests per graduate. Graduates will be contacted if anything changes. The ceremony will last approximately two hours.
Parking and Arena Entry
Graduate and guest parking is available in the G10 (garage next to Neyland Stadium-enter either off Neyland or Phillip Fulmer Way) and G5 (top level of garage near Andy Holt Tower across street from Neyland Stadium) parking garages.
Graduates should enter the venue at the lower level Media entrance near G-10 garage. Orange and white balloons will mark the entrance.
Guests should enter the arena at the upper level gates.
Accessibility
- Sign language interpreters are present for each ceremony and featured on multiple screens.
- Graduates needing special accommodations are to contact commencement@utk.edu so we can connect you with the appropriate services.
- Accessible parking is available.
- The accessible entrance for guests is located on Phillip Fulmer Way. Guests will then take the elevator to the concourse level.
- Closed captioning is provided for the webcast.
After Commencement
BOPP serves as the official commencement photographer. They work with a company called 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.