Commencement Information 2008

Wednesday, May 14:
9 am to 3 pm -- Cap, gown, hood, tassel and name card with Line of March distribution in the Memorial Union. Table located next to the University Bookstore.

Thursday, May 15:
9 am to 3 pm -- Cap, gown, hood, tassel and name card with Line of March distribution in the Memorial Union. Table located next to the University Bookstore.

7 pm -- Graduate School Awards Ceremony and Reception for all graduate students. Stouffer Lounge, Memorial Union (no academic gowns; no cost)

Friday, May 16:
9 am to Noon -- Cap, gown, hood, tassel and name card with Line of March distribution in the Memorial Union. Table located next to the University Bookstore.

11:30 a.m. -- Graduate and Faculty Brunch for all degree candidates. Fort Hays Ballroom, Memorial Union (no academic gowns; tickets required)

1 pm to 4 pm -- Cap, gown, hood, tassel and name card with Line of March distribution in Gross Memorial Coliseum, Gate 1.

2 pm -- Rehearsal for Commencement. Degree candidates assemble in Cunningham Hall for Commencement processional rehearsal and final instructions (no academic gowns).

3 pm to 6 pm -- GRAD FEST 2008. Robbins Center (across from Gross Memorial Coliseum. All graduates and guests are welcome.

Saturday, May 17:
8 am to 9:45 am -- Cap, gown, hood, tassel and name card with Line of March distribution in Gross Memorial Coliseum, Gate 1.

9:15 am -- Degree candidates assemble in Cunningham Hall according to your location in the Line of March. Please be punctual.

9:30 am -- Faculty assemble in Cunningham Hall. Faculty will precede candidates in the Line of March.

10 am -- COMMENCEMENT, Gross Memorial Coliseum (Gates open at 8:30 am)

12 Noon -- Post-Commencement reception, Victor E Lounge (inside track area of Gate 3). Opportunity to meet with professors, sharing experiences, taking pictures. Beverages will be provided.

Other information:

If you have out-of-town guests who need a listing of motel accommodations, please contact the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau at 785-628-8202; outside the Hays area 800-569-4505 or www.haysusa.net.

Automobile parking: Traffic to Gross Memorial Coliseum is extremely heavy on Commencement day. Plan to arrive early as the Coliseum parking lot is traditionally full before 9 am.
Shuttle bus service for those who park on campus will be provided to and from Gross Memorial Coliseum. In the event of rain, please park on campus. For those choosing to view Commencement in Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, parking is available on campus near Sheridan Hall.
Drivers may let off passengers with disabilities at Gates 2 and 3. Access vans are available to transport passengers with disabilities who part on campus.
After the event, vehicles leaving the parking lot at the north exit will be directed north. Those exiting south will be directed south.

Flowers: Bouquets of fresh flowers will be available for purchase for your graduate. Prices range from $15-30. A Fort Hays themed-bouquet will also be available. Look for the Grad Flowers table near Gate 1.

Commencement pictures: Chappell Graduation Images. Professional photographers will take individual pictures as each graduate crosses the stage and at the stage exit ramp. Proofs and order forms will be mailed by Chappell to each candidate after Commencement. There is no obligation to purchase pictures. You may preregister today at http://www.gradimages.com/Register.cfm.
Individuals who wish to take personal pictures may do so from the designated area on either side of the stage.

Commencement announcements: Fort Hays Alumni Office, 785-628-4430 or toll-free 800-351-3591.

Brunch tickets: Fort Hays Alumni Office, 785-628-4430 or outside the Hays area 800-351-3591.

Gradfest: Fort Hays Alumni Office, 785-628-4430 or outside the Hays area 800-351-3591

Admissions|Student Fiscal Services|Financial Assistance|Residential Life