Know Before You Go
Before you arrive for the College Recognition Ceremonies, we have some important information to share about how to prepare, what to bring, where to go once you arrive, and what to expect during the ceremony.
Information for Graduates
Graduates, you may be wondering what to expect on your ceremony day. Below, you will find important information to know regarding what to bring, where to go, and the events happening during the ceremony. Click through each tab to explore.
Before The Ceremony
Where do the Fall College Recognition Ceremonies happen?
WKU's College Recognition Ceremonies occur in E.A. Diddle Arena.
What is the schedule for Fall 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 Fall 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 do I need to bring with me?
Graduates should wear their academic regalia (cap & gown) and bring their reader card. Reader cards are included with your cap and gown from grad fair, or you can pick one up at the table in the Auxiliary Gym.
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.
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 attend a rehearsal for the ceremony?
No, there are no rehearsals for WKU's Commencement Ceremony or College Recognition Ceremonies.
Can I decorate my graduation cap and/or wear stoles?
Yes, graduates may decorate their cap and wear stoles. We look forward to seeing graduates wear the honor cords and stoles that they have earned.
What's a reader card and why is it important?
Reader cards are what the announcer uses to share your name as you "walk the line" during your College Recognition Ceremony.
Where can I pick up a reader card?
Graduates have multiple opportunities to pick up a reader card:
- During Grad Fair, when you pick up your cap and gown.
- On the day of College Recognition Ceremonies, look for the Registrar's table in the Diddle Arena Auxiliary Gym.
Can I share information on how to pronounce my name?
Yes, you may include a written note on how to pronounce your name on your reader card or tell the announcer right before you walk the line.
Ceremony Day
When should I arrrive at Diddle Arena?
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.
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.
Where do I enter Diddle Arena?
Any first floor entrance in Diddle Arena leads to the Auxiliary Gym, and there will be staff available to assist you with directions if needed.
For the closest possible entrance, please use Entrance 1 next to Parking Structure 2.
Once I get to the Auxiliary Gym, what should I do?
This is your time to get a reader card (if you do not already have one), make sure your academic regalia is picture-perfect, and take a photo at the WKU Alumni Association's photo booth. Listen carefully for instructions from the marshals regarding lining up during this time.
Where do I sit for the ceremony?
Graduates will enter the arena together and be seated by marshals on the arena floor.
How will the announcer read my name?
The announcer will read the information that is written on your reader card. You may choose to include or omit information on the card, such as middle names.
Can I share information on how to pronounce my name?
Yes, you may include a written note on how to pronounce your name on your reader card or tell the announcer right before you walk the line.
What time do the ceremonies end?
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.
What should I expect during the College Recognition Ceremony?
During your College Recogntion Ceremony, you can expect to:
- "Walk the line" and receive individual recognition as your name is called by the announcer.
- 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.
Make sure to view the Schedule of Events and look for your academic college - there is a specific time designated for each college's ceremony.
After the Ceremony
What happens at the conclusion of the ceremony?
After all graduates' names have been read, there will be closing remarks, one final red towel wave as a class, and the singing of our alma mater, "College Heights." Graduates should remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony, which will be marked by the platform party recessional, and will be guided to exit the arena floor by marshals.
Where do I go after the ceremony ends?
Graduates should plan to meet their guests outside of Diddle Arena following the ceremony.
How do I view my photos from the ceremony?
Learn more about where to view your photos on our Event Photography page.
I want to watch the ceremony after it ends or show it to someone else. Where can I find it?
You can view archived ceremony livestreams on WKU's YouTube Channel.
How do I get my diploma?
During the College Recognition Ceremonies, you will receive a diploma cover as you walk up for individual recognition.
Approximately 4–6 weeks after degrees are awarded, your diploma will be mailed to you at the address listed on your Application for Graduation.
Need to update your address after the ceremony? View our Diplomas & Eligibility page or contact the WKU Office of the Registrar if you have questions.
Information for Families, Friends, & Guests
Families and guests, let's get ready to celebrate graduates at the College Recognition Ceremonies! Below, you will find important information to know as you prepare to attend the ceremonies. Click through each tab to explore.
Before the Ceremony
Where do the Fall College Recognition Ceremonies happen?
WKU's College Recognition Ceremonies occur in E.A. Diddle Arena.
What is the schedule for Fall College Recognition Ceremonies?
View the schedule of ceremonies for details on times. Please confirm the specific time to attend with your graduate.
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.
What if I need accessibility accommodations?
Guests should view our Accessibility page for information on ASL interpretation services, accessible seating, and more.
Ceremony Day
When should I arrive at Diddle Arena?
The doors to Diddle Arena will open 60 minutes before the first College Recognition Ceremony.
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.
Where do I enter Diddle Arena?
Guests may enter through any first floor entrance to Diddle Arena and will be directed to the upper levels for seating. Staff will be available to assist you with directions if needed.
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.
Are concessions sold during the ceremony?
Yes, concessions are sold during the ceremony at multiple kiosks.
What occurs during the ceremony?
During each College Recogntion Ceremony, graduates will be seated individually recognized as their name is called by the announcer. Graduates will be
- "Walk the line" and receive individual recognition as their name is called by the announcer.
- Take a graduation photo.
- Hear an address from their academic college's dean and the WKU Alumni Association President.
- Shake hands with President Caboni and their 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.
Can I take photos or video of my graduate?
Guests may take photos or videos of the ceremony from their seats.
Please Note: Only press photographers, WKU University Marketing staff, and the official Commencement photographer will be allowed on the ground level during the ceremony.
Are the ceremonies livestreamed online or broadcast on television?
Yes! WKU's Commencement Ceremony and College Recognition Ceremonies will be broadcast live via local cable channels, such as WKU PBS. Check your 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.
What time do the ceremonies end?
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.
After the Ceremony
What happens at the conclusion of the ceremony?
After all graduates' names have been read, there will be closing remarks, one final red towel wave as a class, and the singing of our alma mater, "College Heights." Guests should remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony, which will be marked by the platform party recessional and recessional of graduates.
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.
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.
I want to watch the ceremony after it ends or show it to someone else. Where can I find it?
You can view archived ceremony livestreams on WKU's YouTube Channel.
Have additional questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional common questions and offices you can contact.
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.