Commencement FAQs
Graduate Information Diplomas Regalia (Cap and Gown) Graduate Day of Information
Guest Information Parking Faculty and Staff
Graduate Information
Commencement is held twice a year, at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters.
View commencement dates here.
AFD stands for Application for Degree. You file your AFD to let the university know that you intend to graduate in a specific semester. The AFD is located in your myWSU portal > myClasses > Graduation Links. Prior to filing your AFD, you should review your Degree Works Audit and verify everything is correct. For help, please contact your college's graduation advisor.
FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY: There is a $25.00 fee in order to file your AFD. Click here for more details.
IMPORTANT: The AFD also lets you list your name as you wish it to appear on your diploma,
in the commencement program and read/displayed at commencement. PLEASE TAKE EXTRA
CARE TO VERIFY THAT THIS FIELD IS CORRECT.
Undergrad Students
Fall Graduates: OCTOBER 1
Spring/Summer Graduates: MARCH 1
Graduate Students: 20th day of classes
Although there is no fee to participate in commencement, students are required to wear academic regalia (cap and gown).
GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY: There is a $25.00 fee in order to file your AFD.
Participation is voluntary. Participation in Commencement is unrelated to graduation and the awarding of your degree. Even if you don't want to participate in the commencement ceremony, you still need to file your AFD. When you get the email asking you to RSVP for commencement, log in and submit a NO rsvp.
HOWEVER, if you think you might want to, or are unsure if you can make it, we encourage you to RSVP anyway. It is easier to remove an RSVP than add one.
Walk Late: Graduates can walk up to one year (2 commencement ceremonies) after their official graduation semester. Please email commencement@wichita.edu with your original graduation semester, reason for postponing your walk, and desired ceremony to walk in.
Walk Early: Graduates may walk up to one semester early (1 ceremony) if their college approves. Graduates must contact their college advisor with this request and then have the advisor email the commencement office with the approval. NOTE: Graduates walking early do not qualify for academic honors to be displayed/announced at the commencement ceremony. Honors (if applicable) will be displayed in the program the semester the student officially graduates.
NOTE: Graduate's names will only be listed in the program the semester they officially graduate(d).
The university only confers honors for undergraduate degrees.
Honors are based on BOTH the WSU cumulative grade point average and the overall cumulative grade point average:
Summa Cum Laude ≥ 3.9
Magna Cum Laude ≥ 3.55
Cum Laude ≥ 3.25
As grades are not confirmed in time for commencement or the program, student honors are listed based off the prior semester’s GPAs. There are no exceptions. Your final honors will be reflected on your diploma.
The Toast is a graduation celebration held by Student Affairs each semester. Click here to learn more or RSVP.
Check with your college to see if they host any college specific graduation events.
Diplomas
Diploma distribution dates are listed below. Diplomas can be picked up at the transcript window on the first floor in Jardine Hall on the Main Campus. If the distribution dates fall on a weekend or holiday, diplomas will be available the next business day. You must show identification to pick up your diploma and cover.
Fall diplomas: Available starting February 8
Spring diplomas: Available starting July 1
Summer diplomas: Available starting September 8
Dates are subject to change. Official communication will be sent out to all graduates regarding pickup of their diplomas.
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Regalia (Cap and Gown)
Bachelor's Students (and Associates): Bachelor’s gown, mortarboard cap, major tassel (by color)
Master's Students: Master’s gown, mortarboard cap, master hood (by color), major tassel (by color)
Specialist Students: Master’s gown, mortarboard cap, specialist hood (by color), major tassel (by color)
Doctoral Students: Doctoral gown, mortarboard cap or tam, doctorate hood (by color), Dr. Old Gold major tassel (by color)
The turning of the tassel is used to signify a person’s transition from candidate to graduate.
Bachelor’s/Associates: For an undergraduate degree, tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved from the right side to the left when directed to do so by the graduation speaker.
Master’s/Specialist/Doctorate: For graduate degrees, tassels are worn on the left side of the cap before, during and after graduating as you have already received an undergraduate degree.
No. Certain specialty (pre-order only) stoles are available for order; graduates should know if they are eligible for these stoles. If uncertain, please contact your college to inquire. The only stoles carried in-stock, as an open stock item, are for the Honors College.
The Shocker Store sells a gold double-knotted honor cord for Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude distinctions. Wearing the honor cord is optional.
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Graduate Day of Information
Only graduates are permitted on stage. If you have extenuating circumstances, you must email commencement@wichita.edu as soon as you RSVP.
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Guest Information
Seating for guests with disabilities and companions are available in Sections 106, 108, 110, 120, 121, and 122.
Limited Mobility seating is available in Sections 104, 112, 119 and 123, rows 15 & 16.
Seating is first come, first served. There are no reservations.
SEE CLEAR BAG POLICY FOR MORE GUIDELINES
Please observe the following restrictions for all Commencement Activities on the Wichita State University Campus. The following items are prohibited from entering Koch Arena:
- Drugs and alcohol
- Outside food and drink
- Weapons – firearms, knives, razorblades, pepper spray, tasers, brass knuckles, cat keys, etc.
- Noisemakers – air horns, bells, megaphones, whistles, etc.
- Balloons, poles, banners, large signs, flags, laser pointers, or incendiary devices
- Strollers, infant car seats, and/or baby carriers
- Flash/professional photography, detachable lenses, monopods, tripods
- Selfie sticks
- Live animals (except guide and service dogs)
- Large/Golf umbrellas (non-retractable)
- Seat Cushions larger than 14” x 14” x 6”
- Computers and tablets larger than 14” x 14” x 6”
Anyone attempting to take these items into the arena will be required to dispose of the item or return it to their vehicle.
All items are subject to search at the discretion of Wichita State University. All Commencement venues reserve the right to prohibit any items at the discretion of Commencement Officials.
These policies are subject to change without notice.
Commencement will be implementing a clear bag policy which will speed up the entry process into the venue, improve security and limit
touch points. Clear bags allow staff to check for prohibited items without having
to touch or open a bag. This will also prevent staff from having to touch personal
items of guest.
The following outlines bags that are permitted:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 14" x 6" x 14";
- One-gallon clear plastic storage bags (Ziploc bag or similar); and
- Small clutch or purse, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 5.5" x 7.5" (approximately the size of a hand).
- An exception will be made for medically necessary bags or equipment after proper inspection and have been tagged by security. For questions about medical equipment or other needs please contact the Athletics Operations office at 316-978-7591.
Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:
• Purses larger than a clutch bag
• Briefcases
• Backpacks of any size
• Drawstring bags
• Fanny packs
• Luggage of any kind
• Computer bags/cases
• Camera bags/cases
• Diaper bags
• Coolers
• Duffle bags
• Binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than the permissible size
This policy pertains to bags and is not an all-inclusive list of items that are prohibited
from being taken into the venue.
Several gifts are available for purchase from vendors set up on the concourse.
The Shocker Store is located just inside the South Entrance, and across from the Ticket Office Lobby on the concourse level. It offers a variety of Shocker novelty and souvenir items from the University Bookstore.
On Campus: Hyatt Place at Wichita State University
City of Wichita: https://www.visitwichita.com/hotels/