Commencement
Congratulations to the class of 2026!
You have persevered through countless obstacles to reach this point in your journey.
2026 Commencement Convocation information
Saturday, May 9 | 10 a.m. | 2 p.m. | William Exum Center
Ceremony 1 | 10 a.m.| College of Arts and Sciences
Ceremony 2 | 2 p.m.| College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources & College of Business,
Engineering, and Technology
Safety
To ensure a safe and smooth experience for everyone, Kentucky State University’s Clear Bag Policy will be enforced at ALL events — including Commencement on Saturday, May 9.
Approved bags include:
- Clear totes (no larger than 12" x 12" x 6")
- Small clutches or wallets
- Small clear storage bags
Please plan accordingly and help us create a secure environment as we celebrate the Class of 2026!YouTube
Doors will open at 8 AM for Ceremony 1 and 1 PM for Ceremony 2. Please note that seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. We kindly ask you to inform your guests about this arrangement and advise them to arrive early to secure their seats.
Guests may arrive at 9 AM.
Please ensure that your family and friends arrive at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to be seated. The doors will close approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and no one will be allowed to enter William Exum Center once the ceremony begins. Once seating hits capacity, guests will be redirected to overflow seating.
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Baccalaureate Assembly
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 11 am
Location: Carl H. Smith Auditorium
Nursing Pinning
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6 pm
Location: Carl H. Smith Auditorium
Hooding Ceremony
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 11 am
Location: Carl H. Smith Auditorium
Commencement Convocation
College of Arts & Sciences
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 10 am (All graduates are required to arrive by 8:30 am)
Location: William Exum Center
College of Agriculture, Health & Natural Resources
College of Business, Engineering & Technology
Time: 2 pm (All graduates are required to arrive by 12:45 pm)
Location: William Exum Center
Rehearsal
College of Arts & Sciences
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 10 am
Location: William Exum Center
College of Agriculture, Health & Natural Resources
College of Business, Engineering & Technology
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 2 pm
Location: William Exum Center
Financial Obligations
All candidates for graduation are required to pay non-refundable fee, this excludes regalia. The undergraduate fee is $100.00 per degree and the graduate fee is $150.00 per degree.
*Students must submit a new application for degree if they have been unsuccessful with graduation attempt. A non-refundable graduation fee is assessed each time a student applies for graduation.
Students who apply for graduation and plan to participate in the ceremony must have a zero balance. You are required to contact the Bursar’s Office at (502) 597-6278 or bursarmail@kysu.edu to ensure your balance is paid in full prior to May 2.
*Please note should you have a balance, we will not provide your diploma until account is paid in full.
Honors
Students who meet honors requirements will be indicated on name card provided to you during rehearsal. You will be provided with honors stole to wear during ceremony.
Honors Requirements
Summa Cum Laude — must have cumulative GPA of 3.8 and have received no grade of “D or F”
Magna Cum Laude — must have cumulative GPA of 3.5 and have received no grade of “D or F”
Cum Laude — must have cumulative GPA of 3.2
Departmental — must have overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 and GPA of 3.3 in major courses
Note: Graduation honors are awarded only to students who have earned at least 50% of their credit hours at Kentucky State University
Guests
Please ensure that your family and friends arrive at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to be seated. The gates will close approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and no one will be allowed to enter the stadium once ceremony begins. Once seating hits capacity, guests will be redirected to overflow seating.
Attire
All graduates are encouraged to wear professional attire, this includes (dresses, blouses, slacks, shirts and ties). However, we want you to be comfortable so wear what makes you happy and dress to impress, it’s your day!
Parking
Priority parking will be available at the Academic Services Building (ASB) on a first come, first served basis. Additional parking will be designated at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on Martin L. King Blvd. Golf carts and shuttles will be available to assist families getting to William Exum Center.
Schedule-Related Items to Note
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 (Ceremony 1)
- 8 AM - Doors open at William Exum Center
- 8:30 AM - All Graduates should arrive at William Exum Center
- 9:45 AM - Doors WILL CLOSE promptly to all guests and WILL NOT REOPEN.
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 (Ceremony 2)
- Noon - Doors open at William Exum Center
- 12:30 PM - All Graduates should arrive at William Exum Center
- 1:45 PM - Doors WILL CLOSE promptly to all guests and WILL NOT REOPEN.
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We look forward to celebrating this joyous occasion with you and your loved ones. If you have any further questions, please visit the FAQ page or email the registrar@ksyu.edu.