The 2024 Commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on May 11 at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in downtown Salina.
All graduates are required to RSVP for the event by April 15 to [email protected].
Graduation Requirements
To participate in the Commencement ceremony, eligible graduates must submit a completed graduation application. Each degree candidate is personally responsible for completing all steps (exams, exit interviews, etc.) as required for graduation from Kansas Wesleyan University. Graduation applications are due to the K-Dub Hub by Nov. 1. All outstanding debts to the university must be paid in the Business Office prior to graduation.
Complete the Graduation Application
Grad Finale!
Mabee Arena
April 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mark your calendar! All spring 2023 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.
Commencement Weekend Activities
Coming soon!
Class Photo
Pioneer Hall, Front Steps
May 10, 10:45 a.m.
This year’s class photo will be taken on the front steps of Pioneer Hall on Friday, May 10 at 10:45 a.m., immediately before the Baccalaureate Service. Please make plans to attend.
Baccalaureate Service
University United Methodist Church
May 10, 11 a.m.
The processional will begin from the front steps of Pioneer Hall after the class photo.
A streaming link will be available on the main Commencement page, as well as through KWU’s social media channels.
Graduate and Family Picnic
Student Activities Center and Patio
May 10, Noon
RSVP for this special graduate and family event is required to [email protected] by April 15.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Mabee Arena
May 10, 6 p.m.
The Nursing Pinning Ceremony will be streamed live online at the KWU Athletics Video Portal. Students receiving their pins should be seated by 5:45 p.m.
Processional and Marching Order
All graduates and faculty should enter the south arena doors and must report to the concourse area of the Tony’s Pizza Events Center by 9:15 a.m. to form the lines of march for the processional. Doors open at 8:30 am. A marching order will be available during the line-up for Commencement.
Class Photo & More
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 these and other photos from the event free of charge in the days following graduation. Specific instructions will be made available on the main graduation page and KWU social media outlets as soon as possible.
Academic Attire and Honor Cords
Caps and gowns were ordered by the K-Dub Hub based on information submitted on the graduation application, and will be distributed to each graduate in the celebration box at the Grad Finale! event. Please try on your cap and gown to ensure a proper fit. Undergraduate candidates with graduation honors (based on residence and cumulative grade point averages after the fall semester) will wear honor cords over their gown. Cords will be awarded at the Commencement Ceremony. Please be sure to bring your cap and with you for the May ceremony!
Undergraduate candidates should wear their tassels on the RIGHT side until the president of the university confers the degree, at which time the tassel is moved to the left side. The mortarboard on the cap should be parallel to the ground (FLAT), not sitting on the back of the head. Bobby pins will be available in the concourse area at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. Event staff will be glad to help you position your cap appropriately.
Your cap MUST be worn during the academic procession, ceremony and recessional. Men should remove caps during prayer, National Anthem, or other specified times as noted by the president.
MBA candidates will be hooded at Commencement and may not wear their hood until presented with it during the ceremony. Undergraduate candidates may keep their caps and gowns as well as honor cords. Graduate candidates may keep their caps, gowns and hoods.
Honor Cord Colors
Summa Cum Laude (3.90- 4.00 GPA) candidates wear a purple and gold braided honor cord.
Magna Cum Laude (3.75- 3.89 GPA) candidates wear a purple honor cord.
Cum Laude (3.50-3.74 GPA) candidates wear a gold honor cord.
