Guest Information

FHSU welcomes family and friends arriving on campus to celebrate Commencement with their graduates.

Accessibility
-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 located near the left side of the stage and will be 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.

Air Travel Discounts
The University is partnering with United Airlines for air travel to the May 2023 Commencement.

To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZN9K912082
MileagePlus members earn Premier Qualifying Dollars and miles for their travel.
Dates of travel must occur between May 7, 2023 to May 18, 2023, and use the discount code ZN9K.

You may also call United Meeting Reservation Desk at (800) 426–1122

Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Central Time
Saturday – Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time

Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.

Ceremony
Doors will open 45 minutes prior to each ceremony start time. Upon entering Gross Memorial Coliseum (GMC), guests will be directed to the balcony seating area. There will be no general seating on the GMC floor. The elevator is accessible by Gate 3. Guests unable to use the balcony seating will be escorted by a commencement staff member to the accessibility seating on the GMC floor (see directions below).

Livestream: Family and friends who are unable to attend the commencement ceremony in person can watch each ceremony on the Tiger Media Network livestream at the designated ceremony start times.

The ceremony will begin promptly at the designated start time. Graduates will file into GMC and be seated in their respective rows (listed on the graduate's name card). The President, Kansas Board of Regents representative and Provost will provide a short welcome and congratulatory remarks. The President will then confer the degrees of the graduates. The Reader of Names will individually recognize graduates at the ceremony. A photo will be taken as the graduate is hooded (if applicable), with the dean, and with the president. Graduates will exit the stage and be escorted back to their seats for the remainder of the ceremony.

After the ceremony concludes, the president will dismiss the graduates who will immediately exit the building and meet up with their guests outside of GMC. Plan accordingly and prearrange a designated area to meet your graduate outside of the building. Graduates will not be allowed to wait for guests inside of the building. Programs will be available for graduates as they exit the building.

Concessions
Limited concessions will be available on the second-level of the Coliseum. No outside food or beverages are allowed inside the Coliseum.

Dining

Restaurant Guide

Lodging
The following hotels in Hays have agreed to provide room discounts for graduates and guests attending Commencement. Discounts vary by hotel so be sure and mention “FHSU Commencement” when making reservations. Applicable dates for the discounts are May 11-14, 2023.

Complete Listing of Available Lodging Options

Lost and Found
The Lost and Found is located in Room 170, on the lower level near Gate 3. Call 1.785.628.4199 if you discover a missing item post-Commencement.

Parking
Please leave early to allow sufficient arrival time. Traffic is extremely heavy in the GMC area for Commencement. The Coliseum parking lot is normally full one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Shuttle bus service for those who park on campus will be provided to and from GMC. In the event of inclement weather, please park on campus.

Photos
Photographers from GradImages will take individual photos as each graduate crosses the stage and with the university president. Proofs and forms for ordering will be mailed by GradImages to each candidate after Commencement. Please allow up to five business days for mailing. There is no obligation to purchase photos.

Only press and official university photographers with passes will be allowed to take photos on the lower level of the building. Guests are asked use the various locations on campus or outside Gross Memorial Coliseum for personal photos with the graduates.

Things to Do
Local Places and Activities

Visit Campus
Directions to Campus
Campus Map
Self-Guided Campus Walking Tour