FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where are the commencement ceremonies held?

The in-person commencement ceremonies are held in Gross Memorial Coliseum and simultaneously broadcast Live on the Tiger Media Network.  Login directions will be posted on the FHSU Facebook Page a few minutes prior to the ceremonies.

Graduates who are unable to attend or watch the live ceremonies, can watch the Virtual Ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students on the Tiger Media Network on Saturday, May 13 at 2 pm and 4 pm (CT). 

What is the difference between in-person and virtual ceremonies?

• In-person ceremony: Graduates physically attend the graduation ceremonies held on the Fort Hays State University campus on the designated dates and times.  The ceremonies are simultaneously streamed LIVE on the Tiger Media Network to allow guests unable to travel to campus to view the ceremonies in real time. 

• Virtual ceremony:  Graduates unable to physically come to campus for the ceremonies, are recognized in a virtual ceremony on the Tiger Media Network on Saturday, December 17.  The undergraduate and graduate ceremonies will feature formal remarks from the President, Provost, Kansas Board of Regents member and deans. All graduates (including those attending the in person ceremonies) will have their name and degree appear on a slide on the screen as it is read by the Reader of Names.  

Where do I park for the commencement ceremony?

You can park in the Gross Memorial Coliseum parking lot until it is filled. Typically, this lot fills up at least one hour before commencement and traffic is extremely heavy. If you plan to park in the lot, leave early to allow sufficient arrival time.

Once the Gross Memorial Coliseum parking lot is full, you will be directed to other areas on campus. A shuttle bus service is available to and from Gross Memorial Coliseum for those who park on campus. 

Shuttle stops (marked by A-frame signs that say “Commencement Shuttle Stop”) are available at the following locations:

• Lot A2, near the College Dr. entrance
• Lot D, near the exit/Malloy Hall
• Lot Q, between the fountain and the north driveway
• Lot J, near the Elm St. entrance
• GMC, at the north end of the building, near Gate 2

What accessibility provisions are there for guests at the commencement ceremony?

 -Accessible Seating     
     Seating is reserved on the entrance level of Gross Memorial Coliseum (GMC) for guests with accessibility needs. A commencement staff member will escort the individual(s) and one guest to the accessibility seating. Seating in this area is in high demand and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests needing this accommodation are encouraged to arrive early.  

  -Deaf and Hard of Hearing
     An ASL interpreter will be shown on screen, visible on the center screen.

  -Accessible Parking
     Drivers will find Gates 2 and 3, at the northwest and southwest corners, most convenient for dropping off passengers with disabilities.

Where can I get my cap and gown?

Regalia (caps, gowns and tassels) is ordered for all graduates by the Victor E. Apparel and Gift Co. located on the University campus. Please use the online order form to request your regalia.

The Apparel store will email graduates to arrange their regalia pick up time. 

If graduates are unable to arrange a time prior to the ceremony, the Apparel store will have regalia available for pick up the day of the ceremony located in the Robbins Center from 8:00 am – 11:00 am (CT).  The Center is located north of Gross Memorial Coliseum where the ceremonies are held.

Regalia may be shipped only to addresses outside of Hays. Shipping requests can be made through the online order form.

Students located outside of the United States please note that you may still request your regalia, but you are responsible for the shipping cost.

All of us here at the University would love to see you in your regalia by posting your photos on Facebook or the Kudoboard (coming soon)! 

If you have any questions regarding your regalia please feel free to reach out to the Victor E. Apparel and Gift Co. at victore_co@fhsu.edu . or call at 785-628-4417.

Gown Sizing Chart

Note: The Plus size gown will comfortably fit a bust/waist/hip measurement of 72”.  If you do not need this much width in the body of the gown, but your weight is slightly higher than the ranges listed above, order the next gown length, ie., instead of 5’3-5’5”, order size 5’6-5’8”.

Where can I order graduation announcements?

You can order customized graduation announcements from Jostens or generic ones from the Victor E. Apparel and Gift Co. 

Are tickets required for attendance at Commencement 2022?

No tickets are required to attend the ceremony.

Will there be assigned seats?

Graduates will be directed to seating on the floor by Commencement Event Staff.  Guests will be seated in the upper-level of Gross Memorial Coliseum.  Accessibility seating is available on the floor on a first-come, first-served basis.

What do I need to do to participate in the on-campus ceremony?

Potential graduates are required to submit an "apply for program completion (APC)" form in WD, submit an RSVP form, and purchase regalia in order to participate in the ceremonies.

How can I RSVP for Commencement?

An email with a RSVP form is sent to all potential undergraduate graduates at their FHSU email address or use the link above.  Master's, Ed.S. and DNP graduates should contact the Graduate School.  To participate in the on-campus, please submit the RSVP form prior to Monday, May 1, 2023.

What is the Commencement RSVP deadline to attend the On-Campus Ceremonies?

Monday, May 1, 2023

Will there be a practice for any ceremony?

No.  Commencement staff will be available the day of the ceremony to assist graduates to prepare for the line up and directions.

When will I get my diploma?

Graduates will receive their diploma 4-6 weeks after the Commencement Ceremony by USPS mail. 

Why am I not listed as graduating with honors?

There is no honors distinction for Master's, Ed.S., or Doctoral degrees.

For undergraduate students, honors are calculated based on students' cumulative (from all colleges attended) and FHSU grade point averages. Both the cumulative and the FHSU GPA must be at or above the required level in order to be recognized for graduating with honors.

Will I receive honor cords to wear at commencement if I'm graduating with honors?

The Registrar's Office provides honor cords for undergraduate students when they check-in on the day of the ceremony.

Will there be a professional photographer at the ceremonies?

Yes.  The University has contracted with a professional photographer, GradImages, to take individual photos as each graduate crosses the stage and with the University president. Proofs and forms for ordering will be emailed by GradImages to each candidate after Commencement.  There is no obligation to purchase photos.

Will the Commencement Ceremonies on the FHSU campus be rescheduled due to inclement weather?

No.  If the ceremonies on the FHSU campus are cancelled due to inclement weather, they will not be rescheduled.  However, students will be able to view the virtual ceremonies on Facebbok and the Tiger Media Network on Saturday, December 17.  An announcement will be made the morning of the scheduled ceremony and disseminated through social and regular media. 

Will a live stream be available?

Yes. Family and friends can view a live stream of each ceremony by clicking on the live stream link located on the Tiger Media Network page.  Ceremonies will also be recording for future viewings.

How can I figure out when my name will be read in the Virtual Ceremonies?

The Virtual ceremonies are in the same college order and then alphabetically by last name.