Information for news media covering University of Kansas Class of 2024 Commencement

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas invites news media to cover the university’s Commencement ceremony May 12 for the Class of 2024.

The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. as graduates begin the traditional “walk down the Hill” to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, followed by a program and the conferral of degrees by Chancellor Douglas A. Girod.

News media photographers will need KU credentials to shoot from the photo pen on the Campanile plaza and to get inside the stadium. News organization credentials alone will not suffice. To receive KU credentials, email Erinn Barcomb-Peterson by noon May 8.

Construction on the stadium that is part of KU’s larger Gateway District means guests will be seated entirely on the east side of the stadium, with some overflow seating available on the field if needed. All graduates will enter the stadium on the east side before being seated on the field.

A few other things to keep in mind:

• Members of the news media are welcome to capture photos or video of the events from any publicly accessible area.
• The graduates will be seated on the field facing south. Limited roaming in the graduate seating area is allowed; however, photographers may not photograph on or from the dais.
• Because of space constraints, media members may not bring large video cameras with tripods into the photo pen.
• Only graduates and the university’s official photographers from KU Marketing are allowed to walk through the Campanile. 
• Unmanned aerial systems, including drones — other than those of official photographers from KU Marketing — are not allowed. 
• Nearly 2,300 parking stalls are available a short distance from the stadium, and a complimentary shuttle service will run May 12.
• Additional details, including an inclement weather plan, are available at the Commencement website.