Graduates throw confetti at the conclusion of commencement

Graduation

A graduation application and fee must be submitted to graduate from Barton even if a student is not participating in the commencement ceremony.

The Commencement Ceremony is held in May for the Barton County campus (Great Bend) and in May/June for the Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth campuses. Those invited to participate in the ceremony at the Barton County campus are graduates (certificates and degrees) from the prior summer and fall semesters, as well as, the current spring applicants.

Graduation FAQ's

How do I know if I’m eligible to graduate?

Potential graduates are encouraged to meet with their advisor before applying to ensure they’ve met the necessary requirements. All degree seeking students must submit an application for graduation.

How do I apply for graduation?

Log into your portal, Popular Student Links and Apply to Graduate.

Is there a deadline to submit my application?

Yes and No. If you want your name to be in the printed graduation program, you must submit the application by April 28th.

What is Commencement?

It is a formal ceremony which celebrates our candidates for graduation.

What if I am being awarded a degree and a certificate?

Students will participate with the higher honor, unless the student has expressed a particular desire to participate with peers of a specialized program.

Where will the ceremonies be held?

Please refer to the Ceremony Information here.

Are tickets required for graduates or guests?

At the Great Bend campus, No, but we recommend you contact Megan Chambers for the Fort Riley or Fort Leavenworth ceremony. Ceremony seating at the GB campus is a first-come, first-serve basis. Individuals needing special parking, may want to arrive at least 30 minutes early as these areas are limited.

What is the approximate length of the ceremony?

The ceremony will last at least an hour and up to an hour and a half. The ceremony will be live-streamed at: (TBD) and the printed program can be found online so you can follow along.

Is there a fee to participate?

Yes, all degree and certificate seeking students will pay a $30 fee to participate in the ceremony.

Can my family take pictures of me on the gym floor?

No, only Barton’s Communication department will be taking photos on the floor of the gym but there will be an option for photos, with family and friends, prior to lining up to march into the gym.

I want to sit with my friend during the ceremony, can I?

Most likely not. Each student will be placed alphabetically within their appropriate degree or certificate area.

I’m considered a Great Bend graduate but I live closer to the Fort Riley or Fort Leavenworth campus, can I participate there?

Possibly but you cannot just show up at either one of those campuses expecting to be able to do so. Planning is crucial. Please contact Megan Chambers at the Fort Riley campus to see if there’s room to do so.

I “think” I should be graduating with some sort of honors?

Honors are decided through the previous Fall semester, not spring, as spring grades are normally not posted by the time of the ceremony. If the student ends up with honor status after the ceremony, the designation will be added to the transcript and also the diploma.

I haven’t ordered a student cap and gown, is it too late?

Students do not order their own graduation regalia. The Enrollment Services office orders multiple sizes for distribution. Distribution for the GB Campus will be held April 18th – April 28th. All students should come to the Enrollment Services Office which is located in the Kirkman Student Activity center from 8am – 3pm.

I indicated on my application I didn’t want to participate but I changed my mind, what do I do?

All you need to do is pick up your cap and gown during the timeframe or make arrangements for someone else to pick up for you.

I applied and said I wanted to participate but now I don’t.

No worries, you are charged the same graduation fee whether you pick up a cap and gown or not.

I can’t come during those times, can you mail me one?

No, but you can have someone pick up on your behalf. Just email [email protected] with some pertinent information to allow someone else to pick up your items.

I want to decorate my cap, can I?

Yes, we want our ceremony to be a joyous celebration for all of our students and decorating caps is permitted as long as your decoration is in good taste and not offensive. If deemed offensive, you will be given a different cap at the ceremony.

My friends and family brought noisemakers, are these allowed?

Yes, as long as it is doesn’t infringe on the student(s) behind you. We encourage fun but every person in attendance is there to celebrate their person.

When will I receive my diploma or certificate?

Barton has partnered with Parchment to give you permanent access to a high-resolution digital copy of your diploma. Students will receive a text or email when your digital credential is available. A printed diploma is also being sent to the address you listed on your graduation application. Create or login to your Parchment account to trace delivery progress of your diploma. Please allow 15-20 business days to receive your printed diploma. If you would like the mailed diploma sent out of the country, contact Enrollment Services to receive additional cost information.

Please note, any student who has a financial hold on their account, will not receive their diploma or transcript until the hold is cleared.