Message from the Chancellor: 2020 commencement rescheduled for spring 2021
The commemorative virtual event from May 17 is posted at: 2020grads.ku.edu.
KEY INFORMATION
Congratulations graduates!
The University of Kansas holds one Commencement ceremony each spring. Ceremonies such as Graduate Hooding, school, department and special program recognitions are scheduled in advance of Commencement. ROTC Commissioning ceremonies are conducted following the conferral of degrees after Commencement. Please refer to the “Events” tab to determine time and location. Students with questions regarding logistics or eligibility should contact their school or department directly.
FAQs
How do I obtain my cap and gown?
All academic regalia, including mortarboard or tam, gown, tassels and hoods, can be purchased through the KU Bookstore. KU Bookstores on all campuses carry academic attire.
Each fall and spring the KU Bookstore holds Grad Fairs and graduates are encouraged to attend and purchase regalia, announcements, diploma frames, etc
Where do I line up, and when, for the Commencement ceremony?
Graduates from each of the 13 schools and college line up along Memorial Drive. Please refer to the “MAP” to determine which side of the Memorial Campanile your school/college is listed.
This is also good information to share with your family, friends or guests if they choose to line the sidewalks leading to Memorial Stadium.
When the procession begins, graduates should follow the University Marshal (dressed in blue ceremonial regalia) instructions through the Memorial Campanile, down the Hill, into Memorial Stadium, through the photo tents, and down the center of the football field to the seating area on the west side.
Graduates are encouraged participate in the entire Commencement ceremony, but if a graduate chooses to leave early, please go through the entire walk and then leave. Departing at any other point of the procession causes a disruption for other graduates.
When do I get my diploma?
Diploma Distribution
Lawrence Campus
Graduates can pick up their diploma at the Office of the University Registrar, KU Visitor Center, 15th and Iowa after July 15. The Registrar’s Office will contact graduates when diplomas are ready for pick-up. A photo ID will be required.
Edwards Campus
Graduates must complete a “Diploma Request Form” at the Regents Center front desk. The Registrar’s Office will contact graduates when diplomas are ready for pick-up. A photo ID will be required.
KU Medical Center
M.D. graduates will receive their diplomas during the School of Medicine hooding ceremony.
Graduates can pick up their diploma and/or certificates at the Office of the Registrar, 3014 Student Center after July 1. A photo ID will be required.
Mailing of Diplomas (Lawrence, Edwards and KU Medical Center)Graduates who prefer to have their diplomas mailed must complete the Diploma Delivery Request function within Enroll & Pay. Be sure to update your mailing address.
Additional information or questions can be directed to the Office of the University Registrar: http://registrar.ku.edu/diplomas
Reminder: Diplomas will not be provided for graduates with financial and/or other obligations to the University of Kansas
When and where is Commencement?
The date for Commencement is Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Memorial Stadium on the Lawrence campus.
The ceremony is approximately 2 hours in length. Beginning at 10:30, graduates will participate in the traditional walk down the hill, followed by a program culminating in the conferral of degrees by Chancellor Douglas A. Girod.
Graduates do not need to sign up or register to participate. Graduates should gather on Memorial Drive by 10 a.m. to participate in the procession.
Family, friends or guests do not need tickets to attend Commencement.
Names of graduates are not read during the ceremony, nor are diplomas presented at Commencement.
Where do I find information about School and Department Recognition Events?
Schools and Departments may hold a Recognition Event in addition to Commencement. Please check the Events page for listings and additional information about those events.
Please note: some events may require reservations and/or tickets.
My grandparents will be attending and cannot walk long distances. Where can we park?
Depending on which event you are attending, please refer to the parking information under "Guests". You may also want to refer to the "Accessibility" information for Memorial Stadium.
Where do I find information about my School/Department Recognition Event?
Please check the Events tab for information about School and Departmental Recognition Events.
What are the words to the Alma Mater?
Alma Mater (Crimson and the Blue)
Far above the golden valley
Glorious to view,
Stands our noble Alma Mater,
Towering toward the blue.
CHORUS:
Lift the chorus ever onward,
Crimson and the blue
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater,
Hail to old KU.
Far above the distant humming
Of the busy town,
Reared against the dome of heaven,
Looks she proudly down.
(REPEAT CHORUS)
Greet we then our foster mother,
Noble friend so true,
We will ever sing her praises,
Hail to old KU.
(REPEAT CHORUS)
Events Calendar
Commencement ceremony:
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