FAQ

Short answer: No.

Students should ensure that they have applied for graduation through Enroll & Pay in consultation with their academic advisor. If your individual department is holding a recognition ceremony, you may need to register or RSVP with your academic unit for that event. Commencement for the entire university is open to all graduates, and registration is not required. 

All KU graduates are welcome to participate in the walk down the Hill. Learn more about the tradition and the ceremony.

Mid-year (December) graduates, past or upcoming summer graduates, and even previous graduates who were unable to attend their year's ceremony are all welcome at Commencement. Only summer 2022, fall 2022, and spring 2023 graduates have the option to have their names printed in the 2023 Commencement book.

Many academic units and student organizations hold recognition ceremonies in the month of May. Check KU’s official events calendar to find dates, times, and links for attendees, or contact your department directly.

Diplomas for students on all KU campuses will be mailed and related fees waived until Sept. 1. Deliveries will take place mid-August. To receive a diploma within this timeframe, a graduate must complete the “Diploma Delivery Request” function within Enroll & Pay and ensure that the mailing address on file is up to date. 

Lawrence students who do not complete this step may retrieve their diplomas after Sept. 1 from the KU Visitors Center, 1502 Iowa St., or pay the fee to have their diplomas mailed. Note: Diplomas will not be provided for graduates with obligations, financial or otherwise, to the University of Kansas.

Complimentary souvenir books, which contain the names of summer and fall graduates as well as spring degree candidates, are available to guests at entrances to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium while supplies last. 2023 graduates will receive a copy as they enter their seating area. Requests for printed books prepared with large print or Braille must be sent to commencement@ku.edu by mid-April. 

As set by the Kansas Board of Regents, the Commencement date for 2024 graduates will be May 12, 2024. Commencement dates for future years are listed on the Registrar's website.

Paramedics and an ambulance will be available at Memorial Stadium beginning at 9 a.m. The medical aid station is at the southeast corner of the stadium, in the inner concourse at Section 23. Fire and medical units will also be in the stands on the east and west sides of the stadium and in the north bowl.

The University of Kansas YouTube page contains videos of many past Commencement events, both full ceremonies and highlights. Once the 2023 ceremony has concluded, the event will be uploaded to the channel for future viewing.