Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I didn’t get a Graduation Booklet in the mail?
2. How do I make a reservation to attend the ceremony?
3. Where do I get a cap and gown?
4. What time do graduates and guests need to arrive?
5. Which ceremony do I attend?
6. What about parking?
7. If I am a graduate, what do I do?
8. If I am a parent, what do I do?
9. How long will the ceremony last?
10. Will photographs be taken at the ceremony?
11. Is a video or DVD of the ceremony available?
12. What arrangements are available for guests who are in wheelchairs?
13. Can the ceremony be viewed online?
14. Where do I order invitations?

1. What if I didn’t get a Graduate Information Booklet in the mail?

Prior to each ceremony, a Graduate Information Booklet is mailed to individuals who have filed for their degree and who are eligible to graduate. This booklet gives the dates/times when the online reservation link is available. If you did not receive one in the mail you can download and print a copy here.

2. How do I make a reservation to attend the ceremony?
You need to make a reservation in your myWSU portal under the "Grad Links" area by the commencement deadline in order to participate in a commencement ceremony. For the Fall 2012 Commencement ceremony the reservation deadline is December 10th, 2012 at 8:00 am.

3. Where do I get a cap and gown?
Academic regalia is available for purchase at the WSU Bookstore. The deadline for renting or purchasing doctoral regalia for the 2012 Fall Commencement is October 12th, 2012, so be sure to order early. Graduates can purchase their cap and gown along with other commencement items such as invitations from the WSU Bookstore.

4. What time do graduates and guests need to arrive?
Graduates need to arrive by 1:30 pm for the fall ceremony or by the designated check-in time for their college ceremony in the Spring (noramlly one hour prior to their ceremony time). We encourage friends and family to come at the same time as the graduate in order to find adequate parking and seating at Koch Arena. Those with disabilities or health concerns should plan to arrive at least an hour before the ceremony to allow sufficient time to be seated.

5. Which ceremony do I attend?
Wichita State University holds commencement twice a year. A May ceremony is held for spring semester graduates and a December ceremony is held for fall graduates. In May, graduate and undergraduate degrees are conferred during six individual college ceremonies. In December, there is one ceremony for the conferral of all degrees.

6. What about parking?
Guest and graduate parking at commencement is not reserved. Since there is a limited amount of parking spaces available carpooling is encouraged. A map of Koch Arena can be found here.

7. If I am a graduate, what do I do?
Arrive, cap and gown in hand, by the check in time for your individual college ceremony. Graduates will check in at the Preferred Health Arena. Be sure to bring your WSU ID with you, but leave all other personal items with your family or friends as there will be no secure place to store these items during commencement.

8. If I am a parent, what do I do?
Remember to carpool - parking is at a premium. Arrive early to allow sufficient time to get into Koch Arena and find seats. Remember no large items such as tripods, strollers, or balloon bouquets are allowed into the arena so leave them in the car or you can check them in at our Personal Items Check-In station located in the concourse to be picked up after the ceremony.

9. How long will the ceremony last?
The combined December ceremony will generally last between two and two and one-half hours. In the spring, each college holds a separate ceremony so the length of the ceremonies will vary by the size of the college and number of graduates. Generally, the longest spring ceremony is Liberal Arts and Sciences which will last around two and two and one-half hours. Other spring college ceremonies will take around two hours or slightly less.

10. Will photographs be taken at the ceremony?
Professional photographers will be on site taking photos during the commencement ceremony. Photograph proofs and rate sheets will be emailed to the graduates a few weeks after the event. If you wish to order your photographs over the phone please call Grad Images at 1-800-261-2576, or you can visit their website at www.gradimages.com.

11. Is a video or DVD of the ceremony available?
Wichita State University no longer sells DVDs of the commencement ceremonies.  However, past commencement cermeonies can be viewed on the WSU YouTube website.

12. What arrangements are available for guests who are in wheelchairs?
Charles Koch Arena is handicap accessible and has reserved parking and seating for individuals with special needs. Guests in wheelchairs or those needing additional time to move through the building will want to arrive with sufficient time to avoid heavy crowds along the concourse. Commencement Staff will assist you in finding the handicapped seating area.

13. Can the ceremony be viewed online?
Live webcasting of WSU commencement ceremonies are broadcast at the time of the event. To watch the ceremony live, click on "live commencement streaming" which is located on the left hand side of the commencement webpage.

14. Where do I order invitations?
Invitations can be ordered via the WSU Bookstore at 316-978-3490 or visit their website for assistance in ordering your invitations.

Special Accommodations: Wichita State University is committed to making programs available to people with disabilities. If you wish to volunteer information regarding any special assistance you may need, please contact the Commencement Office at (316) 978-6724.

Notice of Nondiscrimination: Wichita State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a veteran, genetic information or disability.  The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita KS 67260-0205; telephone (316) 978-6791.