UNK Online
UNK Online
How to Make the Most of Your UNK Graduation Day
The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Fall Commencement Ceremony is Friday, December 19 at 10 a.m. (CST) at the Health and Sports Center. For many UNK graduate students, it marks the first time they’ll set foot on campus.
Whether you earned your degree fully online, on campus or through a blended format, this event is to celebrate you and all your achievements. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled eight expert tips to help you make the most of your UNK graduation day.
1. Attend the Online Student Reception
Immediately following the ceremony, join the Office of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation inside the Health and Sports Center’s Hyper Gym for an online student reception. It’s a great opportunity to meet the faculty and advisors who helped you through your program. Plus, there will be cookies and UNK giveaways!
2. Arrive early
Plan for parking, traffic and a little bit of “where am I going?” chaos. Graduates must be checked in by 9:15 a.m., but arriving early gives you time to explore, take photos and soak in the moment. Bonus: it gives you time to stop for coffee (see tip No. 7).
3. Take all the photos
You’ve worked hard for this day. Bring your phone, gather your people and take full advantage of the backdrops around the Health and Sports Center. UNK photographers will also be at the event; feel free to ask for a quick photo. Pro tip: Find the bell tower for a classic UNK shot.
4. Tour campus
If time allows, take 30 minutes to walk through the place that’s now part of your story. Be sure to stop by your academic department or advisor’s office. UNK’s academic buildings are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on graduation day. You never know who you’ll run into. It may be your first visit, but don’t let it be your last.
5. Email your professors ahead of time
If there’s a faculty member or advisor who made a difference in your graduate journey, email them and let them know you’ll be attending Commencement. Your message might be the reason they attend, and they’ll likely be thrilled to meet you.
6. Dress smart
Comfort is key. Wear shoes that are easy to walk in; you’ll be climbing stairs and crossing a stage. Graduation robes do not have pockets. Consider wearing something with pockets to store your phone, spare make-up and other items. Pro tip: Your graduation gowns have long sleeves that hang past the wrists. These are open and make a great place to tuck an item into (but expect the sleeves to get heavy).
7. Treat yourself
Need a morning caffeine boost? Kearney is home to some great coffee shops - Barista’s Daily Grind, Kitt’s Kitchen and Coffee, Penny Coffee Roasters, Good Roast are just a few local favorites. And don’t forget to celebrate with a meal afterward; Kearney offers a wide variety of great local restaurants.
8. Stay connected: Once a Loper, always a Loper
Graduation isn’t goodbye. Join the UNK alumni network, follow UNK Online and Graduate Studies on social media and tell us where you’re headed next. Whether it’s a new job, future plans or another degree, we want to celebrate with you.
UNK’s Fall 2025 commencement ceremony is 10 a.m. Dec. 19 at the Health and Sports Center.
To learn more, visit unk.edu/about/commencement/index. We’ll see you there. We’ll be the ones cheering extra loud for you!
