What you can and can’t take into UT graduation ceremonies
Planning to attend a University of Tennessee at Knoxville graduation ceremony? Make sure you use a clear bag without any prohibited items, including selfie sticks.
Sorry, dads and influencers. For commencement ceremonies, UT allows guests to bring a clear plastic bag that is 12 by 6 by 12 inches max. Most other bags and purses will not be allowed, including diaper bags, backpacks and larger shoulder bags.
Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches will be allowed, even if they’re not clear. The same goes for medically necessary items that must be carried in a specific bag.
The University of Tennessee prohibits several other items during graduations:
Alcoholic beverages Artificial noisemakers
Balloons
Cans, bottles and coolers Hoverboards, electric scooters and Segways
Large travel strollers Open umbrellas Outside food and beverages Posters and signs
Selfie sticks Unmanned aircraft including small drones
Weapons, including pocket knives Wrapped gifts or gift bags Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed.
What does University of Tennessee allow at graduations?
UT allows the following items in during graduation ceremonies:
Binoculars, cameras and video cameras without cases Cellphones
Diapers and nonmedically necessary items for babies and young children (must be in clear bags) Umbrella strollers These rules are part of venue policies for Thompson-Boling Arena at Food
City Center.
Guests will also pass through metal detectors at the arena’s entrances, so UT recommends arriving early.
When are University of Tennessee graduations?
The arena at 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way will host nearly every UT graduation ceremony, happening May 16-19. Most ceremonies last around two and a half hours.
The only graduation not being held at the basketball arena is for the College of Veterinary Medicine, which will host its ceremony at Cox Auditorium inside the Alumni Memorial Building at 1408 Middle Drive.
The full list of graduation ceremonies and times can be found at commencement.utk.edu.
Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @specialk2real.