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Kansas Wesleyan University

Commencement 2027: May 15, 2027 at Tony’s Pizza Events Center

Graduation Requirements

Graduate Application

Once a student reaches 89 credit hours, they become eligible to apply for graduation. Submit your graduation application by Dec. 1, 2026 to make sure your regalia will be here on time to be dispersed at the Grad Finale! Those who apply for graduation after March 22, 2027 will not be able to have their name in the program and will have to pay an additional fee to receive their regalia on time, due to time constraints on printing and shipping, respectively. Completing the graduate application is an important piece of the Commencement process and enables us to make sure you are properly recognized during the ceremony.

Applications submitted after December 1 will be assessed a non-refundable $50 late application fee and may not be included in Commencement publications or ceremonial materials. 

Grad Finale!

Brown Mezzanine
March 8, 2027 – 10 a.m. – noon

Mark your calendar! All spring 2027 Graduates are expected to attend the Grad Finale!  Your cap and gown and other on-campus resources will all be in one convenient place to assist you as you plan for the special day.

Students are expected to RSVP to Commencement by emailing Jill Koster. Please note, you do not have to RSVP for your guests. Students can invite as many people as they’d like. Seats at Tony’s Pizza Events Center are first-come, first-serve.

Commencement FAQ

Coming soon!

Commencement 2027 Activities and Events

Class Photo

Pioneer Hall, Front Steps
May 14, 10:45 a.m.

This year’s class photo will be taken on the front steps of Pioneer Hall on Friday, May 14 at 10:45 a.m., immediately before the Baccalaureate Service. Students must arrive by 10:30 as the photo will be taken PROMPTLY at 10:45, no exceptions. Please make plans to attend.

Baccalaureate Service

Sams Chapel
May 14, 11 a.m.

The processional will be ordered on the front steps of Pioneer Hall immediately after the class photo.

A streaming link for this service will be available on this page and through KWU’s social media.

Graduate and Family Luncheon

Mabee Arena
May 14, Noon

RSVP for this special graduate and family event is required by April 20 to [email protected].

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Sams Chapel
May 14, 6 p.m.

The Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony will be streamed live online for anyone unable to attend. Students receiving their pins should be seated by 5:45 p.m.

Commencement

Tony’s Pizza Events Center
May 15, 10 p.m.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
Graduates Check-in: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Graduate/Faculty Social: 8:45-9:30 a.m.

Kansas Wesleyan livestreams many of its Commencement events, including Baccalaureate, the Nursing Pinning Ceremony and the Commencement ceremony itself.

KWU Student Media livestreams Baccalaureate and the Nursing Pinning Ceremony, while Commencement appears on the Coyote Sports Network.

Specific links to livestreams will be posted here and/or on social media in the days leading up to Commencement.

Information for Guests of Graduates

Commencement Weekend Photos & Videos

The university plans to stream the Baccalaureate, the Nursing Pinning and Commencement ceremony live and free of charge.

To better allow families to enjoy the commencement ceremony and ensure the safety of all guests in the arena, a professional photographer will take the photos of all graduates as they cross the stage. All graduates will be able to download their free graduation photos (including the class photo) in the days following graduation. Links to these photos will be posted on social media and can be found at the top of this page, once available.

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating will be available in the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Arena. These seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited.  Ushers will be available to assist guests. Kansas Wesleyan will make every effort to accommodate parents and guests, however accessible seating is limited and advanced planning is strongly encouraged.

Parking

Parking is available within walking distance of the arena. Please do not park in the parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities unless you have the proper tag.

Programs

Commencement programs will be available via QR code for guests or at the link at the top of this page.

Visiting Salina

If you are unfamiliar with campus, please consult the campus map to help find buildings and parking areas.

If you plan to fly to Kansas to attend Commencement Weekend, Salina Regional Airport now offers service from Denver and Chicago. The Salina community has many options for dining and entertainment during your visit. Find out more at Discover Salina.

In addition, several hotels offer discounts to KWU visitors. Please be sure to mention KWU when making your reservation.

Candlewood Suites
2650 Planet Ave
Salina, KS 67401
785-823-6939

Comfort Suites
715 W Schilling Rd
Salina, KS 67401
785-404-6944

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson
2760 S 9th Street
Salina, KS 67401
785-827-1271

Courtyard by Marriott
3020 Riffel Dr.
Salina, KS 67401
785-309-1300

Homewood Suites
115 E. Mulberry St.
Salina, KS, 67401
785-515-2600

Holiday Inn
3145 S 9th St
Salina, KS 67401
785-404-6767

La Quinta Inn & Suites
201 E. Diamond Drive
Salina, KS 67401
785-827-9000

Hampton Inn
401 W Schilling Rd.
Salina, KS 67401
785-823-9800

Kansas Wesleyan University

100 E. Claflin Avenue
Salina, KS 67401

785-827-5541

Kansas Wesleyan University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.