# UK prepares for record May commencement with 6,693 graduates  
**Published:** 2026-04-30T17:25:53.000Z  
**Source:** [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/may-2026-grads-your-most-asked-questions)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/uk-prepares-for-record-may-commencement-with-6-693-graduates

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky will celebrate its largest class of graduates this weekend with [commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday](https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/may-2026-grads-your-most-asked-questions) at [Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center](https://commencement.uky.edu/may-2026). More than 4,200 graduates are expected to participate across four ceremonies taking place May 8 and 9, with a record 6,693 total May degree candidates approved by the UK Board of Trustees, including 4,427 undergraduate, 1,526 graduate and 740 professional degree candidates.

The ceremonies will feature [remarks from UK President Eli Capilouto and a graduating student speaker](https://commencement.uky.edu/). All four ceremonies will be [livestreamed on UK's YouTube channel](https://commencement.uky.edu/faq), allowing family members unable to attend in person to participate in the celebration remotely.

For graduates and guests planning to attend, the university has provided detailed logistical information. Graduates should arrive one hour before their ceremony start time for check-in at the West High Street entrance. [Free parking is available on West High Street](https://commencement.uky.edu/sites/default/files/2026-04/new-commencement-parking-map.pdf), though guests are asked to vacate immediately after their ceremony to accommodate the next group. [Shuttle services will run continuously throughout both days](https://commencement.uky.edu/) from campus parking structures to Rupp Arena.

The university has implemented security measures aligned with Rupp Arena policies. Guests may bring only one clear bag no larger than 12-by-12-by-6 inches or one small clutch purse no larger than 9-by-5 inches, and signs, flags, posters and amplification devices are prohibited. Ceremonies are expected to last approximately two hours, though individual experience may vary as graduates exit after crossing the stage.

Following each ceremony, the [UK Alumni Association hosts a Grad Gathering](https://commencement.uky.edu/) in Club C on the lower level of Central Bank Center, where graduates and families can enjoy refreshments, take photos and receive gifts. For additional information, [the university has posted comprehensive FAQs online](https://commencement.uky.edu/faq) and encourages questions to commencement@uky.edu.

## Sources

- [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/may-2026-grads-your-most-asked-questions)
- [UK Commencement official website](https://commencement.uky.edu/)
- [UK Commencement FAQ](https://commencement.uky.edu/faq)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from University of Kentucky News, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/may-2026-grads-your-most-asked-questions.