Wichita State University
Commencement FAQs
Graduate Information
Diplomas
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Regalia (Cap and Gown)
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Graduate Day of Information
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Guest Information
Do guests need tickets?
No. There is no limit to how many guests a student can bring. Guest seating is first
come, first served.
A relative needs an invitation letter to obtain a visa to attend my commencement. What do I need to do?
The Registrar's Office handles these requests. Please direct questions to student.verification@wichita.edu or call (316) 978-3055.
- Fill out your Application for Degree if you haven’t already. This is located on your myWSU page under the Student tab at the top, under graduation links. This application must be completed before we can generate your letter.
- Please fill out this request form (SACM and Kuwait Students click here)with all of your information to be included in your letter. Under “Mail Certifications to,” you do not need to fill out that information unless you want us to mail the letter directly to your parents, which will be an extra $40 charge for international FedEx. Please make sure you include your projected graduation date as well as when you would like to walk in a graduation ceremony. Next to “Invitees/Relationship to Student,” please include your family members’ full names and their relationship to you. You may include as many people as you would like on one letter as long as they all live at the same physical address.
- Once you have returned that form to us, please call the Registrar's Office at 316-978-3055 to give us your credit card information over the phone. We DO NOT take credit card information over email, so do not fill it out at the bottom of your form. The letter itself costs $12. If you would like to pick the letter up in-person, there is no additional charge besides that $12.
- Finally, once all of these steps have been completed, we will email you a draft of your letter to make sure everything is spelled correctly and the information we have included is correct. Once you approve that, you will be able to come pick up your letter or we will send it in the mail, depending on your preference.
Graduates can email student.verification@wichita.edu with any questions.
What time should guests arrive?
All seating is first come, first serve. Please leave ample time to park, enter the
arena, go through security, and be seated prior to the ceremony. Doors open 1 hour
prior to the ceremony start time. You are encouraged to arrive early as security lines
can be long.
How long is the ceremony?
Ceremonies typically last 2-2.5 hours.
How do I view the ceremony livestream?
Livestream links will be posted on the front page of commencement website wichita.edu/commencement
a few weeks before the ceremony.
When will my student be crossing the stage?
All graduates will be called across the stage individually. Doctoral candidates will
be hooded first, followed by Masters' graduates and then Bachelor's and Associates
graduates. In the fall, students are not separated by college, only by level. In the
spring, students are separated by level and by college. Graduates are not alphabetized
or separated by degree/major in any ceremony.
How do I order pictures of my student crossing the stage?
Pictures can be ordered through GradImages. 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.
Where is accessible seating?
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.
Can my family sit with a member sitting in the wheelchairs/limited mobility seating section?
There is limited companion seating available.
Where should hearing impaired sit and is there interpretation provided?
ASL/hearing impaired seating is in Section 118 Rows 3-4. An interpreter is provided.
What items are not allowed at commencement?
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, 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”
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.
Clear bag policy
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.
Can I bring food or drink to the arena?
No outside food or drink. This includes water bottles. There are concessions available
inside the arena.
Can I purchase gifts at commencement?
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.
Is there a nursing mother’s room?
There is a Family Restroom, formerly referred to as the "Nursing Mother's Room." It
is located across from the Champion's Club (Section 123-124).
Will there be concessions?
Yes. Concessions are available at section 125/126 during Commencement. Graduates
and guests are not permitted to bring outside food or beverages into Charles Koch
Arena. Cash and major credit cards are accepted.
Where should I find hotel accommodations?
On Campus: Hyatt Place at Wichita State University
City of Wichita: https://www.visitwichita.com/hotels/