Applying for graduation is the first and most important step toward celebrating your accomplishment. Your application officially lets us know that you intend to graduate and participate in the Commencement ceremony, allowing us to begin the graduation review and ceremony planning process.

Be sure to submit your application by the deadline so you can stay on track for graduation, receive important updates via email, and join us in celebrating this exciting milestone.

How to Apply for Graduation

*Deadlines to apply vary based on the semester. Submitting your application notifies your Degree Certification Officers of your intent to graduate and begins a review of your degree progress. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee eligibility to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

Graduates must order their regalia through WKU's approved vendor, Herff Jones. Be sure to pre-order your cap and gown to guarantee availability and sizing. 

Pre-Order Your Cap & Gown

*Deadlines to pre-order vary based on the semester.

Grad Fair is WKU's kickoff to the graduation celebration! While attendance is optional, it's a convenient opportunity to take care of many graduation-related tasks in one place. If you're unable to attend—especially if you're graduating from a distance—you'll still be able to complete all required steps for graduation.

At Grad Fair, you can:

• Pick up your cap & gown (if pre-ordered)
• Grab your graduation info card with your arrival time and check-in location
• Take your professional graduation photo
• Order personalized announcements, class rings, diploma frames, and more from Herff Jones

View Grad Fair Information

Before you attend Commencement and College Recognition Ceremonies, make sure you know where to go and what to expect.

There are no rehearsals to attend, but graduates are expected to line up in advance at specific meeting locations. For all ceremonies, we ask that you wear your cap and gown.

Don't forget to share information with any family, friends, or guests attending the ceremony as well. Tickets are not required to attend Commencement activities at WKU.

Review Ceremony Information  

Your WKU story doesn’t end at graduation—it’s just getting started, and the WKU Alumni Association is here to support you every step of the way. Stay connected with young alumni spotlights, networking and mentorship opportunities, leadership development sessions, and more. 

Connect with WKU Alumni

WKU has partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase.

View Photos After Ceremony

During the College Recognition Ceremonies, graduates will receive a diploma cover. The diploma will be mailed to you at the address listed on your Application for Graduation approximately 4–6 weeks after degrees are awarded. 

Learn More About Diplomas

*Please make certain all obligations have been fulfilled prior to leaving campus. Diplomas will not be issued to students with outstanding obligations.

If you need a final transcript showing your awarded degree, please wait until your degree has been officially awarded before placing your order.

Degrees are typically awarded in the weeks following the posting of final grades, so transcripts ordered immediately afterward may not reflect your completed degree.

Before requesting your transcript, check your unofficial transcript to confirm your degree has been awarded or wait until you receive your congratulatory email confirming your degree has been posted.

Ordering an Official Transcript

*Applying to a WKU graduate program? WKU graduates applying to a WKU graduate program do not need to request an official transcript for admission purposes.