COMMENCEMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PREPARING FOR GRADUATION AND COMMENCEMENT: APPLICATIONS, ELIGIBILITY & MORE
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Graduation is the official awarding of degrees by the Registrar’s Office. All students completing their degree requirements must submit their Application for Graduation to ensure they are reviewed and awarded their degree.
The Commencement Ceremony is a voluntary celebration in which eligible graduates can participate but are not required to attend. Only those students who want to participate in the commencement ceremony must also complete the Ceremony RSVP form.
WSU Tech hosts one commencement ceremony each academic year in May to celebrate graduating students.
Students who have been awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Technical Certificate (TC) in the Fall semester or have a graduation application on file indicating they plan to complete their AAS or TC requirements in Spring or Summer are eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony.
Students who want to participate in the 2025 commencement ceremony must complete all 3 requirements below by or before Friday, April 18, 2025:
1) Apply to Graduate,
2) Submit the WSU Tech Commencement Ceremony RSVP form, and
3) Order your WSU Tech cap, gown and tassel.
Links to the Application for Graduation and RSVP forms can be found in your myWSUTech portal on the Commencement Requirements widget.
Students can order their cap, gown and tassel by visiting Oak Hall.
To ensure you are reviewed and awarded your degree, apply for graduation when your advisor enrolls you in your final semester. This step is also important to ensure qualifying students receive important information on how to participate in the annual commencement ceremony.
While you can submit your application up until the last day of the term in which you complete your degree requirements, applications submitted after the ceremony participation deadline will prevent you from receiving ceremony details and joining the event.
To determine if you have met all the requirements for graduation:
- Review your Degree Works audit to track your completion status to see any remaining requirements.
- Meet with your academic advisor if you have any questions and to confirm that you are on track to complete all necessary coursework.
Application for Graduation: Required for all students completing their degree. This form notifies WSU Tech when you intend to complete your degree requirements so your records can be reviewed and your degree awarded. The form can be found in your myWSUTech portal under the Student General Information tab.
Commencement Ceremony RSVP: Only required if you plan to participate in the annual commencement ceremony in May. The RSVP form is available by March, and only students who wish to attend the ceremony need to complete it. The form can be found in your myWSUTech portal on the Commencement Requirements widget.
If you need assistance, contact your academic advisor or the Registrar’s Office.
Yes! WSU Tech hosts one commencement ceremony in May each academic year. Students who have been awarded their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Technical Certificate (TC) degree in the Fall semester or have a graduation application on file indicating they plan to complete their AAS or TC degree requirements in Spring or Summer are eligible to participate in the ceremony.
No. Participating in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee successful completion of degree requirements. Degree checks are completed after all final grades are processed for the semester the student indicates they will complete their requirements. Students successfully completing all degree requirements should receive their diplomas within 8-10 weeks, provided all financial obligations have been met.
To check your current graduation applications, log into your myWSUTech portal and select “My Current Grad Apps” under the Student General Information tab. If no programs are listed, the Registrar’s Office does not have an active graduation application on file for you.
To be listed in the 2025 commencement program, students must Apply to Graduate by or before Friday, April 18, 2025.
To participate in the commencement ceremony, students must complete the application for graduation, RSVP for the ceremony, and order their cap, gown, and tassel by the established deadline each academic year.
There is no fee to participate in commencement; however, students are required to purchase their own cap, gown, and tassel.
Yes, an outstanding balance or other obligations will not affect your ability to participate in the commencement ceremony. If you have questions about any outstanding obligations, please contact the Business Office at (316) 977-9511.
WSU Tech evaluates and awards specific commencement honors each year. These honors are listed on the Commencement Ceremony RSVP, and students can select their applicable honors during the RSVP process.
Students are not required to attend the commencement ceremony to receive their diplomas. All students completing their degree requirements must submit their Application for Graduation to ensure they are reviewed and awarded their degree.
Degree checks are completed after all final grades are processed for the semester the student indicates they will complete their requirements. Students who successfully complete all degree requirements should receive their diplomas within 8-10 weeks, provided all financial obligations have been met.
Participation in the commencement ceremony is voluntary and does not affect the awarding of your degree. Even if you choose not to participate in the ceremony, you must still complete your Application for Graduation.
Students can indicate any special accommodation needs in the designated section on the Commencement Ceremony RSVP.
To request a verification letter, please email registrarsoffice@wsutech.edu.
For any additional questions about participating in commencement, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrarsoffice@wsutech.edu.
Regalia & Dress Code Guidelines
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Yes, regalia (cap, gown, and tassel) is required for all participating students. Gowns must be worn fully zipped at all times.
Students are required to purchase their own cap, gown and tassel. Students can order their cap, gown and tassel by visiting Oak Hall.
The deadline to order caps, gowns and tassels is Friday, April 18, 2025.
Graduates are required to wear a black cap, gown, and WSU Tech tassel to participate in the ceremony. You are allowed to decorate your cap, but decorations cannot include profane or crude language or images. Graduates arriving at commencement with inappropriate attire will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.
There is no official dress code, but all students must wear a black cap, gown and WSU Tech tassel. It is strongly recommended that all graduates wear comfortable shoes for comfort and safety, as there will be extended periods you must stand and walk up and down stairs.
The turning of the tassel is a symbolic gesture that signifies the transition from candidate to graduate. Tassels should be worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony. When directed by the graduation speaker, you will move the tassel from the right side to the left.
Commencement Day: What Graduates Need to Know
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- Graduates will check in at the Charles Koch Arena Ticket Office entrance between 5:00-5:45 PM. Be sure to arrive already wearing your regalia. It’s strongly recommended to wear comfortable shoes for comfort and safety, as there will be extended periods of standing and walking up and down stairs.
- After passing through security, graduates will proceed to the practice gym for check-in and to receive their Grad Card. This card is essential for graduates to keep, as it will be used to announce your name when you cross the stage. Graduates must remain in the gym until the ceremony begins.
- You will be directed to line up in two lines. Just before the ceremony begins, the lines will proceed downstairs to the large tunnel entrance of the arena. Listen carefully to directions and stay in your line.
- At the start of the ceremony, follow the ceremony guides into the arena to your seat. Remain standing until instructed to sit.
- When it’s time for individual recognition, follow the ceremony guides’ directions to the stage. You will wait in line, proceed up the ramp to the scanner, and have your Grad Card scanned. Please have it ready.
- When your name is read, proceed forward to receive your diploma cover, then exit on the other side of the stage. A photographer will take a photo of you immediately after you exit the stage, then ceremony guides will direct you back to your seat.
- Students are expected to stay for the entire ceremony and remain in their seats until released by a guide. After all graduates have crossed the stage, the President will give a short closing statement.
- Important Note: Streamer cannons will be fired near the end of the ceremony, creating a loud bang.
- Exiting the Arena: After the platform party and faculty exit down the center aisle, graduates will be directed by the guides to follow.
- Graduates will exit the arena through the large tunnel, unless there is inclement weather. Be sure to predesignate a meeting spot outside the arena with your guests, as it can be difficult to locate people in the crowd.
There is no rehearsal or practice for graduates.
Graduates must check in at the Charles Koch Arena Ticket Office entrance between 5:00 – 5:45 PM in cap, gown, and tassel. Make sure to allow ample time for parking, check-in, and security screening. Graduates who arrive late will not be able to participate in the ceremony.
Graduates must adhere to the bag policy and security requirements of Charles Koch Arena. Avoid bringing large personal items that cannot be worn under your gown. Bring only what you intend to carry with you for the duration of the ceremony, as there is no secure storage available.
No. Graduates are expected to stay for the entire ceremony.
No, there is no commencement reception.
Tickets are not required for graduates or guests, and there is no limit to the number of guests a graduate can invite. However, seating for guests is general admission and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Graduates are encouraged to invite family and friends to celebrate at the commencement ceremony. However, only graduates are allowed in the check-in area and can participate in the ceremony. If you bring a child, another adult must be available to watch them throughout the ceremony.
No. While graduates are encouraged to invite family and friends to attend and celebrate, only graduates are allowed in the check-in area and can participate in the ceremony. If you bring a child, another adult must be available to watch them throughout the ceremony.
No. Only graduates are allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Students do not receive their diplomas at the commencement ceremony. Degree checks are completed after all final grades are processed for the semester the student indicates they will complete their requirements. Students successfully completing all degree requirements should receive their diplomas within 8-10 weeks, provided all financial obligations have been met.
A professional photographer from GradImages will be present to take photos of graduates. You are not required to purchase any photos, but you will be able to view proofs a few weeks after the ceremony. GradImages will send proofs via email and mail, and you may choose to purchase photos if you wish.
If you have questions after the ceremony, please contact GradImages directly at (800) 261-2576 or visit www.gradimages.com.
Ceremony Logistics: Times, Tickets & Accessibility
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The 2025 commencement ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, at 6:30 PM at Charles Koch Arena.
Graduates should check in at the Charles Koch Arena Ticket Office entrance between 5:00 – 5:45 PM.
Guests should enter the arena through the South Entrance, and doors will open at 5:00 PM.
Tickets are not required for graduates or guests, and there is no limit to the number of guests each graduate can invite. However, seating for guests is general admission and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ceremony typically lasts about 2 hours.
WSU Tech broadcasts its commencement ceremonies live on platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. You can also access the livestream through the official website at www.wsutech.edu/graduation.
For safety, all graduates and guests will be screened and pass through metal detectors before entering the arena. The Wichita State Athletics clear bag policy will be in effect for all attendees. Please visit their webpage for full details on the policy, approved bags, and FAQs.
WSU Tech reserves the right to prohibit any items deemed inappropriate. All items are subject to search. The following are prohibited:
Drugs and alcohol
Outside food and drink
Weapons (firearms, knives, razorblades, pepper spray, tasers, brass knuckles, etc.)
Noisemakers (air horns, bells, megaphones, whistles, etc.)
Balloons, poles, banners, large signs, flags, laser pointers, or incendiary devices
Strollers, car seats
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”
Yes, concessions will be available during commencement. Graduates and guests are not permitted to bring outside food or beverages into Charles Koch Arena.
Accessible seating for guests is available in Sections 106, 108, 110, 120, 121, and 122. Seating is first-come, first-served and no reservations are available.
ASL/hearing impaired seating is located in the lower rows of Section 118, with an interpreter provided.
I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
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Please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrarsoffice@wsutech.edu.
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