UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES
Thi is K-State Social Media Week!
The 5th annual K-State Social Media Week is happening now—April 13-17! This week-long event encourages students to explore the opportunities presented by social media: to stay informed, explore new ideas, express themselves personally, and engage in discussions. Events are in-person, online and hybrid. All campus community members and alumni are invited.
Discussion – Hungry Heartland: Exploring Food Deserts in the Breadbasket
Thu., April 16 | 5:30-7 p.m.
UMB Theater, Beach Museum of Art
In conjunction with the “Rural America” exhibit, which offers an intimate look into the shared stories of America’s small towns, the Beach Museum of Art will host a conversation with faculty and students from the art and social transformation studies departments and A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication, who have collaboratively studied and produced documentaries and other works on food insecurity in Kansas.
K-State Open House
Sat., April 18
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Manhattan Campus
K-State’s annual carnival attracts thousands of attendees and features exhibits, entertainment, food and fun activities! The College of Arts and Sciences will host an academic program expo in the Union Courtyard, and our departments will host additional activities at their locations around campus. Activities and special events are listed on the Open House website.
K-State Health and Well-Being Week
April 19-25
The university dedicates this week to uplifting and engaging the entire Wildcat community in meaningful, restorative and energizing experiences. When we take time to nourish our well-being, we make this community stronger, healthier and more connected. See webpage for full schedule of activities, including free yoga and blood pressure checks all week.
Research Connections
Mon., April 20 | 3-5 p.m.
K-State Alumni Center Banquet Room
Everyone involved in research, scholarly and creative activity and discovery at K-State is invited to attend and exhibit at this event, part of One K-State Research Week. Explore interdisciplinary collaborations, find resources and promote your work. Register by April 17.
Spanish and sociology alum to talk about developing her global career
April 22 | 11:30-12:20
Morris Family Multicultural Center, Room 204-205
Sponsored by Department of Modern Languages
2026 K-State Alumni Fellow Summer Lewis will give the talk, “More Than I Imagined: Navigating a Global Career through Connection.”
Summer earned her B.A. in Spanish, sociology, and women’s studies in 2005. Now a consultant for international non-profits and global initiatives, she will discuss the value of relationships and networks in international work, and how studying Spanish and traveling to Spain and Guatemala as a K-State student created a web of connections that only became clear in hindsight.
K-State Undergraduate Research Symposium
Thu., April 23
1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
K-State Student Union, Grand Ballroom and Bluemont Room
Support undergraduate researchers from across the university, learn about the outstanding scholarly and creative work being done by them and their mentors, and network with other K-State researchers at this in-person, poster-style presentation event.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program information session
Thu., April 23 | 11 a.m.-Noon
Zoom
Jon Mahoney, K-State philosophy professor, will give a brief overview of the Fulbright Student Program, drawing on his own experience as a Fulbright alumnus in Kyrgyzstan. Lukasz Dominiak, Nicolaus Copernicus University (Poland) philosophy professor, will discuss his current Fulbright project at University of San Diego.
Whether you’re seriously considering applying or simply curious, everyone is welcome to join this informal session hosted by the philosophy department.
Kansas Science Festival
Sat., April 25
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Manhattan Public Library
K-State scientists and other science enthusiasts will offer fun, interactive science activities for all ages in Downtown Manhattan! Meet researchers and discover how we all use science every day. Topics range from Mars rovers and mighty microbes to the science behind historical events in Kansas.
Hungry Heartland project to premiere its newest documentary, “Sharing the Harvest”
Fri., May 1 | 1 p.m.
Hale Library, Hemisphere Room (Rm 581)
The Hungry Heartland Project and Engaged Stories Lab at K-State will host the premiere screening of their latest documentary, “Sharing the Harvest.” The event is free and open to the public. It will be followed by a brief Q&A session with the creators.
The film examines issues of food access in Garden City, Kansas, and highlights local organizations and community leaders working to bridge the gap for families struggling with food insecurity.
Grad Bash
Wed., May 6 | 4-6 p.m. | Alumni Center, Johnson Terrace
Students graduating in May or August 2026 are invited to Grad Bash to enjoy live music, free T-shirts, food, Manhattan Brewing Company beer and prizes!
ROTC Officer Commissioning Ceremonies
Fri., May 15
9 a.m. – Army
1 p.m. – Air Force
Forum Hall, K-State Student Union
Cadets in Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC will be commissioned as officers at these ceremonies.
For more information, contact Melissa Winkel, mewinkel@k-state.edu, 785-532-6600.
Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies
Arts and Sciences Undergraduate
Sat., May 16 | 8:30 a.m.
Bramlage Coliseum
Graduate School
Fri., May 15 | 1 p.m.
Bramlage Coliseum
Undergraduate commencement participants, please:
- Wear your purple regalia.
- Arrive by 7:30 a.m. to line up with your department.
- Park in the west lot.
- Graduates enter through southwest doors. Guests enter through northwest doors.
- Bring your printed Stage Pass!
- Place tassels on the right and pin honor cords on the left shoulder.
- Do not bring personal items that you can’t wear under your gown, including purses, cameras, etc.
- Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be standing a long time and using stairs.
- Please watch your e-mail for announcements from the university or college.
For more information, including about parking and schedule, visit K-State’s Graduation website and Day-of-Celebration Guide.
Important dates
- April 17 – Summer 2026 Early Enrollment Ends – Open Registration Begins
- May 5 – Summer 2026 Tuition & Fee Assessment/Bills Available in KSIS
- May 8 – Spring 2026 Application for Graduation Closes
- May 8 – Last Day of Classes (Grade rosters created at 5 p.m. in KSIS)
- May 11-15 – Final exams
- May 12 – Deadline to Return I-NR Grades
- May 15-16 – Manhattan Commencement ceremonies
- May 18 – First Day of May Intersession (Late Enrollment Fee Assessed)
- May 20 – Spring 2026 Grades available in KSIS