Day-of celebration

Find helpful information below about arriving at the ceremony, and the ceremony experience.

Parking

More information about parking

Stage Pass

Approximately one week prior to commencement, the Stage Pass will be available for pick up at the Wildcat One Stop, 119 Anderson Hall. Graduates who are unable to pick up their Stage Pass prior to the day of the ceremony can pick up their Stage Pass in the Bramlage Concourse prior to lining up for their ceremony.

At the top of the Stage Pass will be the graduate's name and under the name will be the phonetic pronunciation of the graduate's name. If the generated pronunciation is not how the graduate would like their name pronounced, the graduate can cross out the generated pronunciation and write on the Stage Pass how they want their name pronounced. Graduates will keep their Stage Pass with them through the processional to their seat and beginning of the ceremony. The Stage Pass is scanned prior to crossing the stage to allow the graduate's name to be read and displayed. Click Here to see an example image of the Stage Pass.

For the Salina ceremony, Stage Passes will be handed out prior to the ceremony on the upper track in the Student Life Center.

Cermony Entry

Manhattan Commencement:

  • Graduates enter through the southwest and southeast doors of Bramlage Coliseum.
    • Graduates will be given a GradPass to aid with check-in the day of the ceremony, but this is NOT a ticket.
  • Guests enter through northwest and northeast doors.

Salina Commencement:

  • Graduates will gather on the upper track in the Student Life Center.
  • Guest enter through the main entrance of the Student Life Center.

Regalia

Graduates are encouraged to wear their regalia to the ceremony as there are not changing stations available.

  • Bachelor- purple gown, purple cap and tassel
  • Master- black gown, black cap, hood and tassel
  • Doctoral- gown, hood, tam and tassel

Visit the Wearing Academic Apparel page to learn more.

Assembly order

Manhattan Commencement:

Graduates will assemble on the concourse of Bramlage Coliseum in the Southwest and Southeast corners. Signage will be displayed to direct graduates to their correct position in line. Graduates are asked to arrive one-hour prior to the start of the commencement ceremony.

Salina Commencement:

Graduates participating in the Salina ceremony will assemble on the upper track in the Student Life Center. Signage will be displayed to direct graduates to their correct position in line. Graduates are asked to arrive one-hour prior to the start of the commencement ceremony.

Personal items

There is no checking area. Leave all valuables (purses, wallets, cameras, etc.) at home, in the trunk of your car or with a trusted member of the audience.

Photography

Photographers will be on site during the ceremony to capture graduates as they walk across the stage. A staged photo in front of the K-State backdrop will also be taken. Students will receive an email following commencement weekend containing information on how to purchase photos.

Prohibited Items

Please note that there is no clear bag policy for the commencement events.

  • Signs, posters, banners, etc.
  • Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances
  • Cans, glass, bottles, ice chests, coolers, picnic baskets and insulated beverage containers (see Containers and Coolers)
  • Possession or use of explosives (including fireworks)
  • Food and/or beverages
  • Noisemakers and laser pointers
  • Live animals (except Guide and Service Dogs)
  • Large flags, flagpoles and items obstructing sightlines
  • Oversized strollers
  • Throwing of any objects
  • Standing in aisles
  • Umbrellas