College Recognition Ceremonies
Schedule for College Recognition Ceremonies
Graduates, our College Recognition Ceremonies put you in the spotlight. Hosted by our five academic colleges, these special recognition ceremonies are your opportunity to hear your name called, walk down the red carpet, and receive your diploma cover. It's an unforgettable moment to celebrate your accomplishments.
Join us on Friday, December 11, 2026
We can't wait to celebrate you, Hilltoppers!
To celebrate our Fall 2026 graduates, WKU's Fall College Recognition Ceremonies will be held on Friday, December 11, 2026 in E.A. Diddle Arena.
WKU's five academic colleges will host ceremonies where students will walk up for individual recognition, greet the university president, take their graduate photo, and more.
All graduates & families are encouraged and welcome to attend!
Schedule of Events
There are three ceremonies throughout the day on Friday, December 11, which happen in E.A. Diddle Arena. Graduates should attend the ceremony corresponding to their academic major. (Have a double major? Graduates may attend choose to attend one ceremony or both ceremonies.)
E.A. Diddle Arena
Potter College of Arts & Letters
College of Education & Behavioral Sciences
E.A. Diddle Arena
Gordon Ford College of Business
Ogden College of Science & Engineering
E.A. Diddle Arena
College of Health and Human Services
Information for Graduates
Graduates should plan to arrive 1 hour in advance of their ceremony time and gather in Diddle Arena's Auxiliary Gym to line up for the ceremony.
Come dressed in full regalia (cap & gown) and bring your printed reader card. Reader cards are handed to the announcer and include your name and graduation honors.
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.
Information for Guests
Guest seating is available in the stands of Diddle Arena, and is first-come, first served. There are no tickets or reservations.
Seating options for guests using mobility devices or who need an ASL interpreter are available. Learn more about accessibility accommodations.
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.
Weather & Safety Information
College Recognition Ceremonies are held rain or shine, so graduates and guests should check weather forecasts and plan accordingly. Umbrellas and ponchos will be allowed in Diddle Arena.
In the event of severe weather, WKU will communicate delay information via the Commencement website, WKU's social media channels, text message, and email.
Countdown to College Recognition Ceremonies
Friday, December 11, 2026
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.