Graduation

Credentials are not issued at the ceremony. They will be mailed to the address indicated in your self-service account approximately eight weeks after the ceremony.

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, please plan to attend one of our Graduation Information Sessions. (see schedule below) Sessions will last approximately one hour.  Your attendance at rehearsal will ensure a smooth commencement ceremony.

In-Person

Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

All students participating in the ceremony will need to purchase a royal blue cap, gown, and tassel.   These are to be ordered through the Herff Jones online portal and then picked up at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore located at either the Leestown or Newtown Campus.  There is also an option to have them shipped to your home address.  Different packages are available with the costs starting at $44.98 (plus tax).  Order at the link below:

Order Caps and Gowns

Ordering Details

• Using Financial Aid- Order between 1/1/25 - 1/22/25.
• Credit Card with In-Store Pickup - Order between 1/1/25 - 4/26/25
• Credit Card with Ship to Home - Order between 1/1/25 - 4/3/25
• All In-Store Pickup Orders will be available beginning 4/15/25.

• The commencement ceremony will be held at Rupp Arena on Sunday, May 11th at 4:00 pm. Graduates should arrive by 3:00pm.
• Rupp Arena is located at 430 West Vine Street, Lexington, Kentucky.
• Admission tickets are not issued to the commencement. It is free and open to family, friends, and the public. Seating is first come, first serve.
• We expect the ceremony to last around two hours depending on how many students participate.  Graduates are expected to stay for the entirety of the ceremony.
• Many students dress in casual business outfits beneath their regalia. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Everything you bring must fit in your pockets. You will not be able to have a purse or bag with you. Review Rupp Arena policy on their website.
• For those unable to attend the ceremony it will be live-streamed to YouTube

The Rupp Arena parking lot on West High Street will be open for free parking for guests and graduates. Parking in this area will be on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be 1,700 spots available.  

Metered spots in downtown Lexington are free on Saturday and Sunday.

Click HERE for additional parking information.

Graduates are to enter the venue from Vine Street. This access point is adjacent to Triangle Park, under the “Rupp Arena at CBC” sign.  Once you enter you will go through a security check point and then directed to Club C for check-in.

Guests are to enter from the High Street entrance.

You can view Rupp Arena’s policy information on their website. Please be sure to reach out to their guest services team for specific questions regarding Rupp Arena.  Please review the Security and Bag policy to ensure a smooth entry process for everyone.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College now has ONE online graduation application that will be used for all students for all programs.  Please see your advisor to discuss courses needed to fulfill the curriculum requirements for your program.  They will perform an audit for you to ensure you are ready to apply for graduation.  Then you will need to complete and submit the online graduation application by the deadline stated above.

Start your BCTC Graduation Application

• BCTC Programs
• Graduation Policies
• Frequently Asked Questions

Students with graduation questions may send an email to: bluegrass.graduation@kctcs.edu