Information for Graduates

Applying for Graduation:
You must file your application for degree with your college prior to the deadline given you by your advisor. You can file for your degree up to two semesters prior to your expected graduation date. Contact your college records office or advisor to get more information.

Commencement Reservation:
Prior to each ceremony, Graduate Information Brochure 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. You need to make a reservation in your myWSU portal under "Grad Links" by the commencement deadline in order to participate in a commencement ceremony. For the Spring 2013 Commencement ceremony the reservation deadline is May 13, 2013 at 8:00 am. 

Information Regarding the Ceremony and Check-In:

Ceremony Instructions:

• Commencement is held at the Charles Koch Arena on the WSU main campus at 21st and Hillside. (see map)
• All graduates check in at the Preferred Health Systems Gymnasium at the northeast corner of the building. (see map)
• You may enter the gymnasium directly through the northern most entrance on the east side of the building- no family or guests may enter here. If you would prefer to enter through the main doors on the south side with your guests, you will find signs and staff able to direct you to the gymnasium.
• Be on time. All graduates should arrive by 1:30 pm to check-in for the combined Fall cermeony or for the Spring ceremonies they must arrive by the check-in time of their individual college ceremony!

Walking in Commencement:

• At check-in you will receive a card with your name, address, and major.  You will give this card to the Reader as you get to the stage and your name will be read as you walk across the stage.  Make sure the information is correct on the card because the photographer will email your photo proofs to you after the ceremony using this information.  Without this card, you won't walk across the stage or receive photographs.

Bring to Commencement Check-In:

• Your regalia: gown, mortarboard, tassel, and hood. (Hoods are only worn by graduate students.)
• Your WSU ID card. For security reasons, no one will be allowed to participate in the ceremony without prior reservation and proper identification.

Do NOT Bring to Check-In:

• Any personal items you do not wish to carry inside the ceremony (i.e: cell phones, cameras, coats or purses, etc.).  There are no secure places to store these items so we recommend giving them to family or friends if you must bring them to the ceremony. 

Services/Access for Disabled Graduates:

• Charles Koch Arena is handicap accessible and has reserved parking and seating for individuals with special needs. Graduates should inform their college office of any special needs they have so proper arrangements can be made for them to cross the stage and participate in the processional and recessional.  If you have questions or concerns you can contact the Commencement Office at 316-978-6724 or commencement@wichita.edu. 

Cap and Gown:

Masters and Bachelors regalia is available for purchase only. Regalia is available in the WSU Bookstore prior to the day of Commencement. To ensure proper sizes and colors are available, we recommend that degree candidates begin purchasing their regalia before the semester ends. Bookstore personnel will be available to assist students in selecting the appropriate colored tassel and hood. Costs to purchase regalia are also posted on the WSU Bookstore Website. Please be advised that doctoral candidates must contact the Bookstore for regalia by March 8, 2013 to ensure arrival for the Spring 2013 Commencement Ceremony.

Diplomas:

You will receive a scroll as you walk across the stage.  The scroll contains information on when and how you can receive your official diploma.
Because Commencement often occurs before the final day of exams, you may not yet have completed your requirements for graduation when you attend the ceremony (Doctoral candidates must have completed ALL requirements to participate in the ceremony).

Once you have completed all your requirements, your college has verified your degree and all your financial obligations to the University are fulfilled, you will be issued a diploma.  The diploma is usually issued six to eight weeks after graduation but please check the scroll you receive at the ceremony or contact the Registrar's Office for exact dates. Students who want their diplomas mailed to them may fill out a card in the Registrar's Office.

Individual College Information:

Liberal Arts and Sciences   Health Professions   Business    Education    Engineering    Fine Arts

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.