Commencement Ceremony | GCTC

Commencement Ceremony

Information about Commencement

Gateway celebrates commencement once a year upon the conclusion of the spring semester. We honor all of our graduates and credential earners for the 2024-2025 academic year, including summer 2025.

Date: May 15, 2025 7 p.m.
Where: Truist Arena at Northern Kentucky University (formerly BB&T)

Caps and gowns are required to walk at graduation. All graduates will be required to wear blue caps and gowns. 

Honor cords are provided to eligible degree and diploma graduates when you arrive at the arena. You do not need to purchase honor cords. If you are eligible for an honor stole from a student organization such as Phi Theta Kappa, please check with the group’s advisor prior to graduation about obtaining a stole.

All graduates participating in the ceremony should arrive to Truist Arena by 6 p.m.

You will check in when you arrive. You will not need anything specific. Please note Truist Arena is not responsible for any items left behind.

Truist Arena prohibits: 

  •  Aerosol Cans
  • Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
  • Animals
  • Audio/Video recorders
  • Backpacks
  • Bags larger than 14”x14”x6”
  • Balloons
  • Cans, bottles coolers or other similar containers
  • Fireworks
  • Flags, signs, banners, with poles
  • Hover boards
  • Laser pens/pointers
  • Noisemakers such as air horns or whistles
  • Outside food or drinks
  • Tripods, monopods or other professional photography equipment
  • Selfie Sticks
  • Weapons of any type including, chains, knives, firearms and spiked jewelry

 **Other items deemed unacceptable by event/building management**

To enhance public safety and ease of access into the facility, Truist Arena will now enforce the following purse and bag policy limiting the size and style of bags allowed in the facility.

  • 12” by 6” by 12” clear bag + 1 clutch bag per guest permitted.
  • One Gallon Ziploc storage bag permitted.
  • One Clutch bag no larger than 4.6”x 6.5” with or without straps permitted.
  • Exceptions can be made for Medical bags after a proper inspection.
  • Guests who wish to bring in a Medical Bag will go through inspection at the current gate.

Prohibited Bags

  • Purses, Bags, anything larger than 4.6”x6.5”
  • Camera Bags
  • Briefcases
  • Computer Bags
  • Backpacks
  • Fanny Packs
  • Luggage
  • Draw String Bags

*Subject to change based to event needs*

No tickets are required for friends and family.

Parking is available at NKU's Welcome Center Garage on University Drive. Parking will be free for those attending commencement.

Your photo will be taken by GradImages. An insert in your credential folder will provide more information about how to view proofs and order graduation photos.

If you or your family need any special accommodations, please contact:

Caitlin Fugate
(859) 815-7621
caitlin.fugate@kctcs.edu

Sign Up to participate in Gateway's Commencement Ceremony

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Questions?

Contact GW-Commencement@kctcs.edu