facebook Skip to main content

Guest Information

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

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.

Accessible Parking

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

Close Captioning

Close captioning will be available on the jumbo screen in Gross Memorial Coliseum during each ceremony.

The University is partnering with United Airlines Meetings Travel for air travel to the December 2024 Commencement.

  • Make flight reservations online - discount code ZPGM694063.
  • Dates of travel must occur between December 10, 2024 to December 16, 2024, and use the discount code ZPGM694063.
  • Under Destination Deals, select Flights to popular destinations
  • Along with the destination fields and departure/return dates there should be a Promotion Code field where you can enter the discount code (ZPGM694063)
  • MileagePlus members earn Premier Qualifying Dollars and miles for their travel.

You may also call United Meeting Reservation Desk at 1-800-426–1122 during their operating hours:

  • 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.

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.

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.

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

View Visit Hays's restaurant guide for more information.

Roses for the graduates will be available on the second level of Gross Memorial Coliseum between Gates 2 and 3.  The cost for one dozen of roses is $30.  Credit card and cash sales only.  Roses will be available at both ceremonies or until sold out.

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 TBD.

Complete listing of available lodging options.

The Lost and Found is located in Room 170, on the lower level near Gate 3. Call 785-628-4199 if you discover a missing item post-Commencement.

Please leave early to allow sufficient arrival time. Traffic can be heavy in the Gross Memorial Coliseum area for Commencement.  In the event of inclement weather, parking will be restricted to the Gross Memorial Coliseum parking lot and on campus.

Shuttle bus service for those who park on campus will be provided to and from Gross Memorial Coliseum. Commencement Shuttle Stops will be at the following locations:

  • Lot A2, near the College Drive entrance
  • Lot D, near Malloy Hall
  • Lot Q, between the fountain and the north driveway
  • Lot J, near the Elm Street entrance

Access vans are available to transport passengers with disabilities who park on campus to and from Gross Memorial Coliseum Gates 2 and 3. After the event, vehicles leaving the parking lot at the north exits will be directed north. Those exiting south will be directed south.

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.

Learn more about local places and activities.