Commencement Day
Closed Captioning for all commencement ceremonies:
Mandatory Campus COVID-19 Protocols
Graduates and their guests are expected to observe campus COVID-19 protocols while on campus, including during commencement ceremonies. Those include:
1. Wearing a mask that covers one's mouth and nose at all times.
2. Observing social distancing protocols of six feet while seated.
3. Not altering or tampering with seating, strapping, or decals on furniture.
4. Observing directions for entering and exiting campus facilities.
5. Following directives issued by UTC law enforcement, security, or other authorized personnel.
There will be a zero tolerance policy for non-compliance with safety protocols and non-compliant guests will be escorted from the arena.
Parking
Please arrive early. This will allow plenty of time for you to park, walk to the arena, and pass through security.
Parking is available for each of the ceremonies in the following lots on campus: Lot 32, 33, 34 and the Garage (Lot 31) on Mocs Alumni Drive. Accessible disability parking is available in Lot 20. These lots can be viewed on the Parking Map.
McKenzie Arena Map
Graduates will enter at the arena floor level while guests will enter at Gates 2 and 3 identified on this McKenzie Arena map.
Commencement Day Etiquette
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Report in a timely manner and bring your mask.
- Continue to wear mask throughout the ceremony.
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Locate your assigned seat.
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Follow the Marshal’s directions.
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Your tassel is on the right until degrees are conferred.
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Listen for directions to stand or to be seated.
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Respect your peers and others in attendance. This includes maintaining social distancing protocols at all times.
Arrival Time
Arrive on campus 45 minutes prior to ceremony.
Disability Accommodations
If you are a person with a disability requiring accommodations for this event, please visit the Access for Commencement Ceremonies page through the Disability Resource Center. If you need accommodations to have full access to this event please contact the Disability Resource Center at [email protected]
Pictures
The University has arranged for a professional photographer, through GradImages, to be present at the ceremony and capture the moment for each family.
Complimentary proofs will be mailed to your home within one week. Be sure to update your addresses in your MyMocsNet account. Images will also be posted online at the photographer's website and should be available to view within 48 hours. Inexpensive, quality enlargements may be requested online or by mail, phone, or FAX. See contact information below. If you do not receive the proof in the mail within two weeks, you may wish to inquire directly. Graduates are under no obligation to order any enlargements.
Learn more at gradimages.com or call (800) 261-2576.
Prohibited items in McKenzie Arena
Creating a safe and secure environment for all of our guests and employees is a high priority at McKenzie Arena. We take the necessary measures to provide an environment where our guests can enjoy the ceremony without concern. Arena security personnel reserve the right to determine the method of security checks as deemed necessary including the use of metal detectors and handheld wand scanners, the search of jackets, clothing and other items. Details are published on the McKenzie Arena website.
Other Questions
For other questions please review our Frequently Asked Questions page.