Inauguration FAQs
The inauguration is the formal installation of a university president. It is both a longstanding UF tradition and an opportunity for our community to celebrate the start of a new chapter.
This is the 10th inauguration in our history. As with previous inaugurations, it is an opportunity for the university community to come together to reflect on UF’s accomplishments, welcome President Stuart R. Bell and his family and be a part of setting the course for the future.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
The formal inauguration ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Following the ceremony, from 4-6 p.m., everyone in the UF community is invited to a lively, festival-style celebration in the Cultural Plaza, featuring barbecue, entertainment and interactive activities created by UF’s 16 colleges and major units.
The inauguration is a university-wide celebration and is intended for students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community members.
All events are open to all members of the UF community.
Seating inside the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is limited, so attending the 2:30 p.m. inauguration ceremony requires advance registration. A registration link will be posted on this site in coming weeks.
No registration or tickets are required for the 4 p.m. celebration in the Cultural Plaza. UF community members are encouraged and welcome to attend throughout the event, whether or not they attend the ceremony.
All inauguration events are free.
Registration is required for the 2:30 p.m. inauguration ceremony in the Phillips Center, since seating is limited. There is no cap on attendance for the celebration in the Cultural Plaza beginning at 4 p.m. However, attendees are encouraged to arrive early, since food, refreshments, giveaways and certain activities may only be available while supplies last.
Yes. If you are unable to attend the ceremony in person, you can watch it live on this website. The livestream link will be available on this site as the date gets closer. The celebration will not be livestreamed.
Yes, the celebration will include a selection of savory bites inspired by Texas-style BBQ and sweet treats while supplies last.
While some items may be limited, there will be plenty to enjoy throughout the celebration – including hands-on activities interactive experiences provided by UF’s colleges and major units, and live performances across the Cultural Plaza. Guests are encouraged to join us throughout the event and take part in all the fun activities.
Parking information, including locations and any anticipated impacts, will be shared closer to the event. Please check this site for updates as you plan your visit.
UF is committed to providing accessible experiences for all participants.
The inauguration celebration is a rain-or-shine event. In the event of severe weather, we will post updates at this site and on UF’s social media platforms as needed.
The inauguration celebration is a rare university-wide occasion that brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of UF. Whether you attend the formal ceremony, the celebration or both, this your opportunity to be part of a joyful and memorable moment in the university’s history.
Yes! Other inauguration-related events and activities are being planned at UF, in Gainesville and across the Gator Nation, including by UF Health, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the UF Athletic Association. The goal is to create opportunities for everyone in the university community, alumni, and friends to be part of the celebration. Watch this site and UF social media outreach for further information and updates as these efforts develop.