Commencement Day Instructions

Arrival Time & Parking

The commencement ceremony will be held in the George F. Collins, Jr. Sports and Convention Center, located at the corner of Sixth and Fremont streets in Baldwin City. Seating for guests in wheelchairs or for whom walking is difficult will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking near the Union is limited. A large parking lot is available two blocks south of the corner of Sixth and Dearborn streets, directly south of Collins Center. Please come in your cap and gown. Graduates will be led into Collins Center by the Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums.

At least 30 minutes before the ceremony, arrive in cap and gown at Mabee Memorial Hall Gymnasium, 525 Sixth Street. University marshals will direct degree candidates to the corner of Sixth and Dearborn streets. Graduates will pass through their class gate, the King Arthur's Court gate, as part of the traditional walk.

Processional & Seating

University marshals will form the candidates for degrees into two processional lines. Marshals will lead the Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums, flag bearers and degree candidates into Collins Center by the west entrances and direct degree candidates to their seats for the commencement ceremony.

Commencement Ceremony

University marshals and administrators seated at the podium will direct and lead candidates for degrees during the commencement ceremony. Follow the directions of the University marshals. All candidates for degrees should wear their mortarboard tassels on the right side until signaled to move the tassel during the commencement ceremony.

Diagram of Degree Presentation Process

Recessional

University marshals will direct and lead candidates for degrees during the recessional. Please keep moving after exiting Collins Center so that people behind you can exit promptly. Once all degree candidates have exited the Collins Center, audience and family members will be permitted to exit.

Inclement Weather Plan

In the event that weather will not permit degree candidates to make the short outdoor march to the Collins Center, candidates will be directed to assemble with caps and gowns no later than 30 minutes before the commencement ceremony in the north and south hallways of Collins Center. University officials and University marshals will direct the degree candidates to line up by degree group in the appropriate hallway in preparation for the indoor processional. Follow the directions of the University marshals.