Commencement Staff
Want to become part of the Commencement Team?
The first step to becoming part of the WSU Commencement Staff team is signing up. We have commencement ceremonies twice a year with six ceremonies held in spring over the course of two days and one held in fall. When you fill out this form, you will be signing up to volunteer in one of those ceremonies. Throughout the semester you will receive information regarding the upcoming ceremony along with updates and information on the events. Participation is voluntary; you will be fed well and enjoy a great time with a fun group of people as you welcome thousands of guests and graduates to this memorable event. You should check with student organizations you are a member of or your department to see if there are even more benefits to your participation.
Please note that non-exempt employees who help with commencement, with prior approval from their supervisor, are eligible for overtime pay and must be compensated for their extra time worked. Should you have questions, call Libby Gilbert at extension 6124 or Frankie Brown at extension 3540.
Responsibilities
Members of the Commencement Staff are the face of Wichita State University. Many of the individuals filing through the doors and walking the corridors of Charles Koch Arena at commencement time have never been to WSU before and may have traveled many miles to get here, so commencement volunteers are their welcome to the university. Many of the guests at WSU commencement ceremonies are not familiar with WSU or the arena and the Commencement Staff team is there to ensure that they feel welcomed and able to find what they need.
A few things that the volunteer Commencement Staff team at WSU assist with:
- Greet all who enter the building;
- Provide programs to each interested adult, extra programs may be picked up after the ceremony if they are requested;
- Watch for strollers, tripods, balloon bouquets and other items too large to be allowed in the arena and assist guests in checking them in at the Personal Items Check In station;
- Help provide a safe environment by keeping alert to the activities and people around them; alerting the police, emergency services or Leadership Team members to any perceived concerns.
Where to Go and What to Wear:
- Commencement Staff team members can park in lot 2 of the Charles Koch arena parking areas. As you enter the lot, let the cadet guarding it know that you are a staff member for the ceremony.
- The staff entrance to Koch arena is located on the east side of the building, there will be signs posted.
- The Champion's Club is where staff members check in and out before and after ceremonies. They will receive their black vest and name tag and be given their assignment at check in.
- Staff members should wear black slacks or skirts, comfortable black shoes and a white button shirt.
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.