Graduation and Commencement Ceremony

Commencement exercises are held each May. Students completing all degree requirements for the previous fall or current spring semesters are eligible in participate in commencement. Summer candidates who are within nine (9) credit hours of completing degree requirements and enrolled in the necessary courses to complete degree requirement are also eligible to participate.

Only individuals with tickets in hand will be allowed into the Fieldhouse. Doors open an hour before the ceremony, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is often a line to enter the building ahead of the opening time. This is a gun-free zone, and all persons will be scanned. For the quickest movement through the line minimize what you bring with you into the ceremony.

Both ceremonies will be live streamed from KCKCC’s home page. Click on the Commencement Ceremony Livestream links at www.kckcc.edu.

2 p.m. Ceremony

The Commencement Ceremony at 2 p.m. has reached total capacity in the Fieldhouse. Due to space limitations for this ceremony, you will receive the number of tickets reserved up to a maximum of 6 tickets

Overflow Viewing in Upper Jewell at 2 p.m.

Family and friends who do not have tickets can join the celebration in the overflow viewing area in the Upper Jewell Conference Room. Family and friends will then be able to see graduates after the ceremony and join in any celebrations after commencement.

7 p.m. Ceremony

Additional tickets can be received at the Will-call station in front of the Fieldhouse on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reserved seating is available at the graduation ceremony for audience members who require accommodation due to a physical disability. The area will be identified with “Reserved Seating” signs. If you have guests who meet the criteria for reserved seating, instruct them to arrive early to ensure a place. Sign language interpreters and real time captioning will be provided during the ceremony. 

Individuals who require additional accommodations should contact Student Accessibility and Support Services at 913-288-7664 to request needed services.

As a reminder, a graduation fee is required even if students do not participate in the commencement ceremony.  All first-time candidates are assessed a $20 graduation fee, or $8 if this is a succeeding application. To pay the fee go to Self-Service and make a payment under the Student Finance section. Please contact the Business Office at 913-288-7620, busnoff@kckcc.edu, or visit their office at 3260 Upper Jewell on the main campus. You cannot pick up your cap and gown until the graduation fee has been paid. 

The deadline to complete the RSVP and guest ticket request is Friday, May 12, 2023.

Please RSVP to let us know that you are attending and to reserve tickets for your family and friends who want to come and celebrate this momentous occasion with you. You must login with your KCKCC username and password.

Ceremony RSVP and Guest Tickets Request Form

Ticket Pickup

Tickets will be available for pickup starting May 15 through May 17 from the location you selected on the RSVP form. On the day of graduation, all tickets will be available from Will Call (near KCKCC Fieldhouse). More detailed information about hours of availability and where to pickup tickets will be received via email.

Questions about RSVP and tickets can be sent to graduationtickets@kckcc.edu.

Cap and gowns will be available from  April 3, 2023, through May 16, 2023, at the following locations: 

Locations

KCKCC Main Campus Bookstore

Distribution will be during the business hours of Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The bookstore is located on the lower level of the Jewell Student Center.

Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center

Distribution will be during the business hours of Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pioneer Career Center

Students must visit the front office to order their cap & gown. Orders will be available within two business days for pick-up at the Pioneer Career Center. Please contact 913-288-7750 or pion@kckcc.edu for pick-up confirmation.

Sizing and Availability

Sizing and availability of cap and gowns will be on a first come, first serve basis. Exact sizing cannot be guaranteed on the final days of distribution.

Graduation gift items and keepsakes will be sold separately in the bookstore such as commemorative tassels, “bling” tassels for $8.95, and keychain tassels for $4.95, along with graduation announcements in packages of five (5) for $5.95.

For questions regarding class rings or personalized announcements please visit Josten’s website at jostens.com.

Professional graduation photos will be available for individual graduates by Egans Photography around time of graduation.

Photographs will be taken of each graduate as they are receiving their diploma during the graduation ceremonies. Photos may be purchased after a proof/ order form is mailed to the graduate's home address following the graduation ceremonies. There is no obligation to purchase these photos.