
Diplomas & Eligibility
Western Kentucky University recognizes its students during spring Commencement and each college's Recognition Ceremony. View the below information to learn about eligibility, honors, picking up your cap and gown, and receiving your diploma.

Several honors recognize our students' achievements
Undergraduate students who maintain outstanding academic achievement are recognized at Commencement by wearing red and white honor cords. Criteria for graduation honors are described in the undergraduate catalog in the section entitled "Recognition of Academic Achievement."
Associate Degree Recognition:
- With Distinction
- With High Distinction
Baccalaureate Degree Recognition
- Cum Laude
- Magna Cum Laude
- Summa Cum Laude
Honors College Graduate:
Awarded to students who are graduates of the WKU Mahurin Honors College.
Scholar of the College:
Awarded to the student(s) with the highest GPA from each college.
Ogden Foundation Scholar Award:
The Ogden Foundation Scholar Award is presented to one graduating baccalaureate degree senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and outstanding university and civic engagement.
John D. Minton Graduate Student Award:
The John D. Minton Graduate Student Award recognizes a graduate student for outstanding contributions to the academic discipline while pursuing a graduate degree.

Diplomas are mailed after graduation
The diploma will be mailed to you at the address listed on your Application for Graduation; however, if the address to which the diploma is to be mailed has changed since filing the graduation application, update the diploma address on TopNet immediately by selecting the Personal Information tab, View/Update Address(es) and Phone(s), click the down arrow for Type of Address to insert, select diploma address, then select submit.
If you encounter any issues updating your address, please contact the Office of the Registrar at (270) 745-3351. Diplomas will be mailed approximately 4–6 weeks after degrees are awarded.
Please make certain all obligations such as the return of books to the library, arrangements for repayment of loans, parking tickets,etc., have been fulfilled prior to leaving the campus. Final transcripts and diplomas will not be issued to students with outstanding obligations.
SPRING ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Undergraduate Student Eligibility
Undergraduate students who complete all degree requirements during the 2026 Spring and Summer semesters may participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremony at L.T. Smith Stadium.
If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact your assigned academic advisor or your Degree Certification Officer:
LAST NAME:
A-K: |
Dana Jones |
|
L-Z: |
Marsha Wagoner |
Graduate Student Eligibility
Graduate students who complete all degree requirements during the 2026 Spring and Summer semesters may participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremony.
If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the Graduate School at 270-745-2446.
FALL ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Undergraduate Student Eligibility
Undergraduate students who complete all degree requirements during the 2025 Fall semester may participate in the Fall College Recognition Ceremony at E.A. Diddle Arena.
If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact your assigned academic advisor or your Degree Certification Officer:
LAST NAME:
A-K: |
Dana Jones |
|
L-Z: |
Marsha Wagoner |
Graduate Student Eligibility
Graduate students who complete all degree requirements during the 2025 Fall semester may participate in the Fall College Recognition Ceremony at E.A. Diddle Arena.
If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the Graduate School at 270-745-2446.
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