President Caboni

Dear Colleagues,

Commencement represents an important milestone in our students’ lives and provides them with an opportunity to reflect on their time on The Hill, bid farewell to friends and educators, celebrate successes and prepare for what lies ahead. It also marks the second largest annual gathering of alumni on our Hill, eclipsed only by Homecoming.

In December, we anticipated celebrating our fall 2021 graduates. However, the tornadoes that tore through Bowling Green on the morning of the College Recognition Ceremonies forced an unexpected day-of cancellation. To that end, we look forward to recognizing our fall graduates alongside our spring and summer graduates this year throughout our May Commencement activities.

We begin on Thursday, May 5, at 6:30 pm with our traditional Topper Walk down the Avenue of Champions followed by our university-wide Commencement ceremony in Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium and Big Red Bash on South Lawn. Then, on Friday, May 6, each of our academic colleges will host their individual recognition events. You can access the full Commencement schedule and find additional details on our Commencement website. As we reflect on the lifechanging roles we play at WKU, we have no greater affirmation of our work than seeing our students earn their degrees. Please plan to join me May 5 and 6 for our Commencement exercises.

Looking beyond Commencement, we will continue our tradition of a reduced 34-hour workweek for employees during summer 2022. The summer period runs Monday, May 9, through Friday, August 12, 2022. Official business hours across our campuses will remain 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. As in the past, employees should work with their supervisors and within their units to create their individual summer schedules, including the option of enjoying a three-day weekend each week, while accommodating both their personal needs and the needs of WKU offices and units.

Thank you for all you do to invest in our students. I look forward to gathering with you during our Commencement activities as we celebrate our graduates, our institution and the difference we make in the lives of our Hilltoppers.

Go Tops!

Best,

Timothy C. Caboni