WKU Grad Information
Information for graduating seniors at Western Kentucky University
Graduating Senior Information
You've been working toward this milestone for years, Hilltoppers - and now, it's almost your time to celebrate!
From waving your red towel during Topper Walk, turning your tassel at the university-wide Commencement Ceremony, and walking the red carpet at your College Recognition Ceremony, we cannot wait to celebrate every moment with you and your loved ones.
Check out the information below for important reminders, information to share with your guests, and ways to commemorate your achievement.
Get Ready To Graduate
Check out the important steps you need to take, starting the semester before you graduate.
Graduates must order their cap & gown (also known as regalia) through WKU's approved vendor, Herff Jones. Pre-order your cap & gown for pickup at the annual Grad Fair.
While at Grad Fair, you can pick up other graduation-related items, explore graduate studies on the Hill, and connect with the WKU Alumni Association.
No, tickets are not required for guests.
Family and friends of WKU graduates are invited to attend all Commencement activities. Seating and parking are first-come, first-served.
What's the difference between Commencement and the College Recognition Ceremonies?
Both events are a celebration of your hard work and achievements and a warm welcome to the WKU Alumni family. We encourage you and your guests to attend both events to fully experience our graduation festivities!
Commencement only takes place during the spring semester.
The Commencement Ceremony 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 Topper Walk, an unforgettable kickoff to the graduation celebration.
- Walk down the Avenue of Champions, led by Big Red and a drumline.
- Hear the cheers of friends and family as you walk into Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium.
- Walk with fellow graduates one final time to take your seat on the field.
During Commencement, you can expect to:
- Officially have your degree conferred and turn the tassel on your cap.
- Hear addresses from President Timothy C. Caboni, the Student Government Association President, and the WKU Alumni Association President.
- Sing the WKU Fight Song, wave your Red Towel, and take a class photo.
- View a burst of celebratory fireworks.
Immediately after Commencement ends, all graduates and guests are invited to the Big Red Bash on South Lawn, where you can:
- Dance to live music with friends.
- Share a champagne toast.
- Snap photos at the WKU Alumni Association's photo booth.
- Purchase refreshments from local food trucks.
- View a dazzling firework show to close out the night.
College Recogntion Ceremonies are held in the fall and spring semesters.
The College Recognition Ceremonies are individual ceremonies held by each academic college. Participating graduates attend only their college’s ceremony in E.A. Diddle Arena and receive individual recognition as their names are called.
During your College Recogntion Ceremony, you can expect to:
- "Walk the line" and receive individual recognition as your name is called.
- Take your graduation photo.
- Hear an address from your academic college's dean and the WKU Alumni Association President.
- Shake hands with President Caboni and your academic college's dean.
- Listen to the singing of our alma mater, "College Heights", turn the tassel on your cap, and wave your Red Towel.
Plan to line up near the Charles Hardcastle Kentucky Building at 6 p.m. Look for your academic college's gonfalon, which is a flag/banner with the college's name on it.
Graduates should come dressed in full regalia (cap & gown).
Topper Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It will end at Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium where the Commencement Ceremony will take place.
Once at the stadium, graduates will be seated on Jimmy Feix Field for the ceremony.
The Commencement Ceremony lasts approximately 60 minutes.
After the ceremony, the Big Red Bash celebration on South Lawn continues until dusk, when fireworks are launched for a dazzling finale to the day's events.
Plan to arrive 1 hour in advance of your specific ceremony's time and gather in Diddle Arena's Auxiliary Gym to line up for the ceremony.
Graduates should come dressed in full regalia (cap & gown) and should bring their printed reader card. Reader cards are handed to the announcer and include your name and graduation honors. If you need a reader card, look for the table in the Auxiliary Gym to request one.
Graduates will enter the arena together and be seated by marshals on the arena floor. During the ceremony, you will be directed to stand up and walk row-by-row for graduation photos and individual recognition. Your name will be read from a printed reader card by the announcer.
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.
Share Important Information With Guests
View information on parking, accessibility, accommodations, and more for guests to review ahead of the ceremonies.
WKU PBS will share live broadcasts of Commencement and College Recognition Ceremonies. These ceremonies will also be live streamed via the WKU Facebook Page and the WKU YouTube Channel.
Afterward, these broadcasts will be archived on the WKU YouTube Channel for later viewing.
Review our Frequently Asked Questions for even more information relating to Commencement activities, or visit our Contact Us page to connect with specific offices.
Start Your Next Chapter
Celebrate your achievements, get support for your next adventure, and encourage the next generation of Hilltoppers!
It's time to celebrate your climb! Check out some timeless graduation photo locations, explore fun graduation traditions, and opportunities to share on social media.
We're thrilled to welcome you to the WKU Alumni family, Hilltoppers! You're part of a community that extends far beyond the Hill.
- Jumpstart your post-graduate journey with complimentary resources for career and personal growth.
- Meet experienced WKU alumni who can guide you through the early stages of your career or help you transition to a new city via Career Connections.
- Stay informed about Homecoming and other signature events.
- Share your personal/career milestones by submitting to Class Notes.
- Show off your WKU spirit wherever your adventures take you - take a red towel photo and submit it to Red Towel Travels.
As Hilltoppers, we believe in lifting each other up and making a difference in the world. There are countless ways to get involved, get inspired, and give back as WKU alumni.
- Join the Young Alumni Council to share feedback and shape programming.
- Mentor rising Hilltoppers in your field or first-gen college students.
- Support scholarships, programs, and initiatives that empower WKU students and alumni.
- Connect with local chapters and affinity groups in your area to meet fellow Hilltoppers.
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