Northern Kentucky University will hold its fall commencement at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati. This is the university’s last commencement off campus as spring’s graduation will be at the newly constructed Bank of Kentucky Arena.

DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS

Diplomas will be mailed after Jan. 18, 2008. To ensure graduates receive their diplomas in a timely manner, they are encouraged to go online through Norse Express to verify their permanent mailing address in the Registrar’s office. The permanent address on record, whether in or out of the country, will be used as the mailing address for all diplomas.

GRADUATES ASSEMBLY ‘ CEREMONY

Graduates are required to arrive at the U.S. Bank Arena no later than 8:30 a.m. Dec. 15 and enter the assembly areas inside the arena via the street-level doors off Broadway Street. They will then be directed to the graduate assembly area. At the designated tables in the graduate assembly area, each graduate should obtain a name card that indicates where to be seated according to college and degree. After taking position in the line of march, graduates should remain in place and keep their name cards. Graduates must return to and remain in their seats once they have received their diplomas. The entire ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours so please share this information with your guests and plan accordingly. Graduates, please note that there will be no place to securely store personal belongings such as coats or purses at U.S. Bank Arena. Personal property should not be left in the assembly areas. Please make arrangements to leave belongings with guests at their seats.

GUESTS

Guests should enter U.S. Bank Arena at the Concourse level gates, not through the graduates’ entrance on Broadway Street or proceed to the floor level of the arena before or after the ceremony. The U.S. Bank Arena Security Lot entrance at the corner of Broadway Street and Mehring Way is to be used for handicapped access only. No tickets are necessary for commencement. Seats will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Guests are asked to enter the arena from the Concourse level. Elevators and stairs to the Concourse level can be accessed from the Broadway Street level. Per U.S. Bank Arena fire regulations no guests will be allowed on the arena floor. Graduates need to make arrangements to meet their guests at a predetermined place on the Concourse level or outside the U.S. Bank Arena following the ceremony.

PARKING

U.S. Bank Arena is located on the Ohio River next to the Great American Ball Park. Parking is available for a fee in the East Garage, adjacent to U.S. Bank Arena, in lots north and east of the arena, or at other locations in downtown Cincinnati. Guests and graduates are encouraged to use the Western-Southern garage located two blocks north of the U.S. Bank Arena with entrances at Third and Broadway and at Third and Sycamore. Parking will also be available in the Queen City Garage, which has entrances on Sycamore, Fourth Street and Third Street or the 303 Broadway Garage. Guests should take the stairs from the street level to the Concourse level of the U.S. Bank Arena. Enter the arena at the doors by the Box Office.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographs of graduates will be taken by a professional photographer from Chappell Graduation Images during the ceremony. A special section near the stage will be provided for guest photo taking. Additional information and proofs will be sent to you by the photographer.

ACADEMIC APPAREL

Each degree candidate must have a cap, gown and tassel. Undergraduate students graduating with University honors will receive an Honors cord to wear with the apparel. Masters candidates do not receive honors cords. Honors cords can be picked up at the dean’s office of your respective college until Dec. 14 or at commencement Dec. 15. Academic apparel is available at the Bookstore through Dec. 14.

DISABLED GUESTS AND GRADUATES

Disabled guests and graduates may be dropped off in the U.S. Bank Arena Security Lot located at the corner of Broadway Street and Mehring Way. They will be directed to the elevator, which will take them to the appropriate level in the arena. Seating is available in the last row of each section on the Concourse level for disabled guests. Accommodations for disabled graduates will be made in the Graduate Assembly area. For additional information regarding disabled seating, please call (859)572-5199.

SECURITY CONCERNS

No coolers or backpacks will be allowed in the arena. Random security checks will be performed by arena security staff at all gates. Be aware that all large bags, camera bags and diaper bags are subject to search.