By Kelly Berger

With graduation day approaching, there are somethings students should keep in mind before they receive their diplomas:

• To ensure students are graduating in May, they can make sure they have filled out the degree application and have met all university, college and major requirements.
• All undergraduate and graduate degree candidates who received their degrees as of August, December 2008, or May 2009 are eligible to participate in Main Commencement Ceremonies.
• Degree diplomas will be mailed about 90 days after graduation.
• April 23 is the last day for doctoral students to sit for final examination to receive a Spring 2009 degree.
• May 8 is the last day for graduate students to submit final copies of their dissertation.

  The difference between the Main Commencement Ceremony and the individual college recognition is the Main Commencement Ceremony involves UK President Lee Todd acknowledging degree recipients.

• Individual college recognition is where the dean of the college presides and graduates will be recognized individually.
• Tickets are not needed for the Main Commencement Ceremony, and there is no limit to the number of family members that can attend. As far as the college of recognition, you’ll need to check with the dean’s office to see if tickets will be needed.
• To participate in all commencement ceremonies, a traditional cap and gown is required. They can be purchased at the University Book Store in the Student Center.
• The Main Commencement Ceremony will start at 2 p.m. on May 9 at Rupp Arena. The doors will open at 12:30 p.m. To know where you’ll be seated, visit the seating chart diagram on the Commencement Web site.
• Before receiving the undergraduate degree, the tassel is worn on the right side and then after recognition of degree, moved to left side.
• The Main Commencement Ceremony will last about 90 minutes. Individual college recognition usually lasts about an hour.
• Graduate attendance for either the Main Commencement Ceremony or the college recognition ceremony, is not required but encouraged.
• Recipients of a doctoral degree planning to attend Main Commencement ceremony must notify graduate school of the attendance. All other students need to be at Rupp Arena 40 minutes before the ceremony begins.
• There is no rehearsal for the Main Commencement ceremony. Once students have arrived at Rupp Arena, they will line up on Cox Street parking lot and faculty, along with designated banners, will direct them to where the college is going to be seated.