Fort Hays State University > About FHSU > Academic Divisions > Commencement > FAQ
When and where is the commencement ceremony held?
The commencement ceremony for students receiving a Master's or Ed.S. degree will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 6 p.m. in Gross Memorial Union.The commencement ceremony for students receiving an Associates or Bachelor's degree will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 10 a.m. in Gross Memorial Union.
Where do I park for the commencement ceremony?
You can park in the Gross Memorial Coliseum parking lot until it is filled. Typically, this lot fills up at least one hour before commencement and traffic is extremely heavy. If you plan to park in the lot, leave early to allow sufficient arrival time.On Saturday morning, once the Gross Memorial Coliseum parking lot is full, you will be directed to other areas on campus. A shuttle bus service is available to and from Gross Memorial Coliseum for those who park on campus.For those who choose to view the ceremony in Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, parking is available on campus near Sheridan Hall.
What provisions will be made for mobility challenged attendees of the commencement ceremony?
The area between gates 2 and 3 at Gross Memorial Coliseum is a designated drop-off zone for mobility challenged guests. Access vans will be available on campus to transport disabled guests to and from Gross Memorial Coliseum.Seating is available in the bleacher areas on either side in front of the stage. No reservations are available for this section. One person, if necessary, may accompany an individual in this seating area. There is not sufficient space in this area for entire families.An interpreter will be available near Section C on the main floor for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. Limited seating within close proximity will be available.An elevator to the balcony is located between gates 2 and 3. Please note that you will have to climb at least a few stairs once on the balcony level to reach the seating area.
Where do I go to line up for the commencement ceremony?
Students and faculty will line up in the hallways of Cunningham Hall. For a listing of exactly where you are to line up, check out the Student Line of March or Faculty Line of March, available the week of commencement.Master's and Ed.S. students will line up by college in the hallways of Cunningham Hall. No line of march will be posted for graduate students.
Is it required for me to attend commencement rehearsal?
You are not required to attend rehearsal. However, we strongly recommend that you do. We provide important information to graduates during the rehearsal and the ceremony goes much smoother if everyone knows what is expected of them.
When am I able to participate in a commencement ceremony?
We invite all graduates to participate in the spring commencement ceremony following the completion of all degree requirements. This means that summer 2012 and fall 2012 graduates will be allowed to participate in the spring 2013 ceremony.Summer graduates are allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony prior to the summer of their graduation if they prefer not to wait until the following spring. To take advantage of this opportunity, you must contact your degree analyst before the end of March.
Where can I get my cap and gown?
You can pick up your cap, gown, tassel and name card from the University Bookstore. The pick-up dates and times in the Memorial Union are yet to be scheduled.If you would like your cap and gown mailed to you, please contact the University Bookstore at fhsu@bkstr.com.
How and when will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed to the address you indicated on your intent to graduate form, NOT your permanent address. To change the address your diploma will be mailed to, you will need to contact your degree analyst in the Registrar's Office, 785-628-4222, before the end of your final semester.
If I don't attend the ceremony, can I still get my cap and gown?
Yes. If you are unable to attend the commencement ceremony, the University Bookstore will ship your cap and gown to you. Contact the University Bookstore at fhsu@bkstr.com for more information.
Why am I not listed as graduating with honors?
There is no honors distinction for Master's or Ed.S. degrees.For undergraduate students, honors are calculated based on students' cumulative (from all colleges attended) and FHSU grade point averages. Both the cumulative and the FHSU GPA must be at or above the required level in order to be recognized for graduating with honors.
Will I receive honor cords to wear at commencement if I'm graduating with honors?
The Registrar's Office and the Graduate School do not provide honor cords. Some departments on campus provide their graduates with cords or other adornments to be worn during the commencement ceremony. Contact your department for more information.
How can I get a DVD copy of the commencement ceremony?
DVDs are available for pre-order now. To reserve your copy, simply fill out the order form and mail your check before May 17, 2013. DVDs will be shipped within 3-4 weeks following commencement.
How can I buy graduation photos?
Following the commencement ceremony, an email message will be sent to every graduate who attended the ceremony. This message will contain the information necessary to order copies of the photos taken by Chappell Graduation Images during the commencement ceremony. If you do not have a current email address on file with FHSU, you will not receive this information from Chappell Graduation Images. To update your contact information, login to TigerTracks.If you do not receive a message within 5-7 business days, please contact Chappell Graduation Images directly at 1-800-261-2576.
How quickly will I receive the commencement photos I ordered?
Once your order has been received, photos are typically shipped within 5-7 days. If you have not received your photos after 2 weeks, contact Chappell Graduation Images directly at 1-800-261-2576.