Record Number of Students to Graduate from University of Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Spring Commencement at the University of Arkansas will once again have the largest graduating class in school history – an estimated 3,700 students, roughly 1,000 more graduates than last year. The official number of graduates for the spring semester will not be known until June, after final exams and papers have been graded and final grades turned in to the registrar’s office.

The All-University Commencement, which recognizes graduate students, and six undergraduate ceremonies will be held throughout the day on Saturday, May 11. The School of Law commencement will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18.

Six of the commencement ceremonies can be viewed live, online, a service offered particularly for family members who are not able to attend on campus. A full list of web addresses for streaming video of the ceremonies is available here.

Free public parking for the May 11 ceremonies will be available in a variety of campus lots and the Stadium Avenue Parking Garage. Maps of the available lots can be found at the commencement website. These maps also show the lots designated for people with disabilities. People with disabilities can also be dropped off outside designated entrances of the commencement venues. Ushers will be available to assist people with mobility impairments at each venue.

Normal security precautions will be taken at all of the commencement locations. Each person attending a commencement ceremony will be required to pass through a security checkpoint. Cameras and personal items such as handbags will be inspected. Please allow extra time for this process. Please do not bring baggage, wrapped packages, backpacks, strollers or noise makers to the ceremony. These items must be left at the entrance.  

Additional commencement information is available on the spring commencement website.

GUEST INFORMATION FOR MAY 11 CEREMONIES

All- University Commencement, 8:45 a.m., Bud Walton Arena

Walton Arena doors open at 7:30 a.m. Guests must use the south entrance and all seating will be on the south side of the arena, above the main floor. Guests needing help getting into the arena and to their seats can be dropped off at the south entrance on Leroy Pond Drive.

After the ceremony all those attending will be asked to leave the building using the exits on the east or west sides of the arena. People who need to use the elevator will be directed to the south side exit.

More information and student instructions are available as a downloadable PDF.

Sam M. Walton College of Business, 12:30 p.m., Barnhill Arena

Barnhill Arena doors open at 10 a.m. Guests may enter through the north, east or upper deck of the south entrances.  Guests with mobility impairments may enter through the floor level and will have access to seating at the floor level.

More information is available at the Walton College Commencement page.  

Fay Jones School of Architecture, 1 p.m., Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom

The Verizon Ballroom is located on the 5th floor of the Arkansas Student Union, and doors will be open by 12 p.m.  Parking for people with disabilities is available on floors 3-5 of the Stadium Parking Garage. There is an elevator in the garage and a covered walkway connecting to the Arkansas Union.

A reception for graduates, families and guests will take place in the Field House Studio building, north of the Arkansas Union, immediately following the ceremony.

More information is available from the Jones School Commencement PDF.

J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, 1 p.m., Bud Walton Arena

Guests will be required to enter through the south entrance of the arena, after the completion of the All-University ceremony. 

More information is available in a Fulbright College Word document.

College of Engineering, 3:30 p.m., Barnhill Arena

Guests should enter through the upper south or east entrances. Graduates or guests with mobility impairment may be dropped off near the northwest entrance to Barnhill Arena. Limited special seating will be available at court level.

More information is available at the Engineering College Commencement page.

College of Education and Health Professions, 4 p.m., Bud Walton Arena

Guests will be required to enter through the south entrance of the arena.

More information is available from a College of Education and Health Professions Commencement PDF.

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, 6:30 p.m., Barnhill Arena

Guests should enter through the top south entrance of the arena, following completion of the College of Engineering ceremony. Drop-off areas for people with mobility impairments will not be accessible before 5:15 p.m. Guests with disabilities may be dropped off at the southwest entrance to Barnhill Arena. Limited special seating will be available at court level for those with disabilities.

 More information is available in a Bumpers College Word document.