More than 1,200 students are expected to graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on Saturday, Dec. 16. 

Commencement will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Jack Stephens Center on the UA Little Rock campus. 

The Jack Stephens Center will open for guests at 8 a.m. Guests are advised to arrive early. Graduating students should arrive at least one hour early and meet in the Derek Fisher Court on the first level of the Jack Stephens Center.

The Jack Stephens Center is accessible off 28th Street via Fair Park Boulevard or University Avenue. Guests are encouraged to park in the lots nearest the Jack Stephens Center — Lot 13, Lot 14, and Lot 16.  However, all interior campus parking lots will be open during commencement, including the parking deck and Lot 8.

The UA Little Rock Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Lane, will provide music for the academic processional. Featured music will be provided by UA Little Rock Concert Choir, led by Dr. Bevan Keating.

Dr. Kathryn A. King, assistant professor of anthropology and the winner of the 2017 Ted and Virginia Bailey Foundation Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching, will give keynote remarks, followed by the conferring of degrees by Chancellor Andrew Rogerson.

Immediately following the ceremony, a commencement celebration for the graduates and their guests will be held at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center with desserts provided by Community Bakery.

Rogerson also will host a light breakfast and reception for faculty and staff from 7:30-8:45 a.m. in the Legends Room to celebrate UA Little Rock employees’ contribution to helping students succeed.

Special seating will be available for guests with disabilities. For more information, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 501-569-3143.