Graduation

BCTC hosts one graduation ceremony each academic year in May. August and December graduates and all May credential candidates are invited to attend. Information regarding the graduation ceremony is posted online during the Spring term as it becomes available. An email containing more specific information about graduation is sent to the student's KCTCS email address.

Congratulations!

The Bluegrass Community and Technical College Graduation Activities Committee would like to invite you, your family, and friends to participate in the graduation activities for 2026. For your reference, we have put together the following schedule of events related to the graduation activities.

Credentials

Credentials are not issued at the ceremony. They will be mailed to the address indicated in your self-service account by the end of June 2026.

Rehearsal

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

In-Person

Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

Caps and Gowns

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 by Friday, May 8th, at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore located at the Newtown Campus.  There is also an option to have them shipped to your home address.  Different packages are available with costs starting at $46.98 (plus tax).

Order Caps and Gowns

Ordering Details

• Jan 1, 2026: Herff Jones site opens
• Jan 19, 2026: Last day to use financial aid
• Jan 20, 2026: The Herff Jones site opens with ship-to-home option available for students one month prior to graduation (April 10, 2026).
• May 8, 2026: Last day to buy regalia in the bookstore (Newtown Campus)

Commencement

• The commencement ceremony will be held at Rupp Arena on Monday, May 11th at 6:00 pm. Graduates should arrive by 4:30pm.
• 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-three 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 our YouTube channel (@bluegrassctc).

Parking

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. Additional parking is available nearby.

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.

Photographs

Professional photographs will be taken at the commencement ceremony, and various packages are available. You are under no obligation to order photographs, and no money is required unless you place an order. Proofs and information from the photographer will be sent to the student’s email address approximately two weeks following the ceremony. Personal photographs and videos can be taken during the ceremony in designated areas only.

Exit Loan Counseling

You must complete exit loan counseling. Exit counseling can be completed online on the Student Aid website. If you have questions regarding exit loan counseling, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (855) 246-2477 or email your question to bluegrass-financialaid@kctcs.edu. 

If you have any questions concerning graduation activities, feel free to contact us at bluegrass.graduation@kctcs.edu. 

August 2026 Graduates

The August 2026 graduation application is now open. The deadline to apply for August 2026 graduation is Friday, June 12, 2026. All credentials will be conferred by the end of August and mailed to the students address on file by the end of September.

December 2026 Graduates

The December 2026 graduation application is now open. The deadline to apply for December 2026 graduation is Friday, September 11, 2026. All credentials will be conferred by the end of January and mailed to the students address on file by the end of February.

Application for Graduation

Contact

If you have any questions concerning graduation feel free to contact us at bluegrass.graduation@kctcs.edu