What is the difference between the Commencement Ceremony and the College Recognition Ceremonies?

The Commencement Ceremony, held on Thursday (only in the spring semester), is a university-wide event, celebrating all graduates from all colleges across WKU. This is a large celebration and a time for the entire WKU Family to come together at one place for one event.

The evening begins with a (30-minute) Topper Walk down the center of campus, ending at Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium where the (60-minute) Commencement Ceremony takes place. During this Commencement Ceremony, graduates' degrees are officially conferred, and students hear addresses from President Timothy C. Caboni, the Student Government Association President and the Alumni Association President. The ceremony concludes with the turning of tassels, a graduate Red Towel wave, the WKU Fight Song and fireworks. Immediately following this extraordinary celebration, the (60-minute) Big Red Bash is held on South Lawn. 

The College Recognition Ceremonies, held on Friday (in both the fall semester and the spring semester), are individual ceremonies held by each academic college. Participating graduates attend only their college’s ceremony where they walk into Diddle Arena, hear an address from their college dean and receive individual recognition as their names are called and they walk to the front of the arena to shake hands with President Timothy C. Caboni. At the close of the ceremony, graduates wave their Red Towels. The College Recognition Ceremonies vary in length depending on the number of graduates in each college. It’s best to plan on ceremonies lasting between 60-75 minutes. Due to the number of graduates, the College of Health and Human Services’ ceremony runs approximately 90 minutes. View our Graduation Ceremonies at WKU video to learn more.

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Can I attend the spring Commencement Ceremony as a fall graduate? 

Yes, fall 2026 graduates may attend the 2027 Commencement Ceremony and participate in Topper Walk. Save the date for Thursday, May 6, 2027 and stay tuned to this website for more details.

When do I pick up my cap and gown (regalia)?

Graduates must order their regalia through WKU's approved vendor, Herff Jones. To guarantee availability for pickup at the Grad Fair, orders must be placed by XXXX. Orders placed after this date, and selected for Grad Fair pickup, will be subject to availability. After the Grad Fair, regalia can be ordered via the Herff Jones ordering site and picked up at the WKU Store. Direct shipping is also available for an additional fee.

Where are the College Recognition Ceremonies held?

WKU's College Recognition Ceremonies occur in E.A. Diddle Arena.

GPS Address: 1605 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, KY 42101

What is the schedule for College Recognition Ceremonies?

View the schedule of ceremonies for details on times. Look for your academic college's specific time. 

Where do I line up, and when, for my College Recognition Ceremony?

Graduates should plan to arrive 1 hour in advance of their ceremony time on Friday and gather in Diddle Arena's Auxiliary Gym to line up for the ceremony. 

What if I need accessibility accommodations?

Graduates should contact the WKU Student Accessibility Resource Center (SARC) at (270) 745-5004 or sarc.connect@wku.edu in advance for assistance with accessibility accommodations (such as seating) during the ceremony. Requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis. SARC will make every effort to accommodate all requests.

Do I need to reserve a ticket for my guest(s)?

Tickets are not required and there is no limit on the number of guests per graduate. Additionally, seating is not reserved. Guests can seat themselves.

Where do I park?

Please view our Directions & Parking page for available parking lots, along with rideshare information. Allow ample time for parking due to increased traffic on campus.

Tell me about diplomas.

Your diploma is symbolic of the completion of your degree. The WKU diploma lists only the name of the degree and not the specific major.

The diploma will be mailed to you at the address listed on your Application for Graduation approximately 4-6 weeks following the ceremony.

If you have questions about an address change, paying outstanding obligations, or other diploma-related questions, please visit our Diplomas & Eligibility page.

I have family members who cannot attend. Can they watch it online or on TV?

WKU's Commencement Ceremony and College Recognition Ceremonies will be broadcast live via Bowling Green, KY local cable channels, such as WKU PBS. Check local listings for additional information.

The Commencement Ceremony and College Recognition Ceremonies will be live streamed on the WKU Facebook Page and the WKU YouTube Channel. Recordings will be archived on the WKU YouTube channel for later viewing. 

Where do I go if I need first aid?

For graduates and guests needing assistance, please visit the EMT room to the left of the main stage in Diddle Arena.

Do I need to participate in a College Recognition Ceremony to officially graduate?

No. Once a student has met the academic requirements for their degree completion, participation in additional activities is not required to receive their diploma. Graduation ceremonies and events are optional and a way to celebrate graduating seniors.

I lost an item during the ceremony. Where do I locate the Lost & Found?

If you are looking for a lost item, please check with the team at the Floor Microphone in Diddle Arena or with the WKU Police Department in the bottom of Parking Structure 1 (PS1).

Where are the College Recognition Ceremonies held?

The College Recognition Ceremonies occur in E.A. Diddle Arena.

GPS Address: 1605 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, KY 42101

I need information on accessible parking and seating for guests. Where can I find that?

We are happy to offer special accommodations for guests and graduates. Please refer to the Accessibility page for this information.

Where do I park?

Please view our Directions & Parking page for available parking lots and directions to campus. Allow ample time for parking due to increased traffic on campus.

Do I need a ticket? Are seats reserved?

Tickest are not required and there is no limit on the number of guests per graduate. Additionally, seating is not reserved. Guests can seat themselves.

Are programs available that list my graduate's name?

Yes, commemorative programs are available that list graduates' names. There are a limited number of printed programs available at the ceremony, plus the program is also available online for digital viewing. 

Can I take photos or video of my graduate?

Guests may take photos or videos of the ceremony from their seats.

Professional photographers are also present and taking photos of graduates.

Please Note: Only press photographers, WKU University Marketing staff, and the official Commencement photographer will be allowed on the ground level during the ceremony.

How do I view professional photos of graduates from the ceremony?

Learn more about where to view individual graduate photos on our Event Photography page. Additionally, the WKU Facebook Page will share albums of general event photos taken by University Marketing staff members.

What is the approximate time duration for the College Recognition Ceremonies on Friday?

The College Recognition Ceremonies on Friday vary in length depending on the number of graduates in each college. It’s best to plan on ceremonies lasting between 60-75 minutes. Due to the number of graduates, the College of Health and Human Services’ ceremony runs approximately 90 minutes.

Where do I go after the ceremony ends?

Guests should plan to meet graduates outside of Diddle Arena following the ceremony. We recommend setting up a location in advance so that all members of your party know where to meet.

What are the graduation honors?

Undergraduate students who maintain outstanding academic achievement are recognized at Commencement and College Recognition Ceremonies by wearing red and white honor cords. Criteria for graduation honors are described in the undergraduate catalog in the section entitled "Recognition of Academic Achievement." Determination of the honor status is based upon the academic record in existence at the beginning of the final semester of enrollment.

Learn more about graduation honors.

I cannot attend the ceremony. Where can I watch the ceremony?

WKU's Commencement Ceremony and College Recognition Ceremonies will be broadcast live via Bowling Green, KY local cable channels, such as WKU PBS. Check local listings for additional information.

The Commencement Ceremony and College Recognition Ceremonies will be live streamed on the WKU Facebook Page and the WKU YouTube Channel. Recordings will be archived on the WKU YouTube channel for later viewing.