Western Kentucky University is set to have its 163rd commencement this weekend with a variety of events.

The university is slated to graduate 1,785 students between three ceremonies, conferring 129 associate’s, 1,289 baccalaureate and 358 master’s degrees, along with three doctoral degrees offered cooperatively by WKU and the University of Louisville.

The number of students to receive degrees is comparable to last year, said WKU registrar Freida Eggleton. She said in addition to the students getting their degrees in May, a few hundred more are expected to complete their degrees in August and will participate in the Friday and Saturday ceremonies.

“It is a very exciting time for graduates, families and the college community that has nurtured them to the completion of their degrees,” Eggleton said.

Graduate students will have their ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday. Undergraduate degrees will be given at 10 a.m. for the College of Health and Human Services, Ogden College of Science and Engineering and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and at 3 p.m. for the Potter College of Arts & Letters, Gordon Ford College of Business, University College and Community College.

All graduations will be at E.A. Diddle Arena and will be on the Internet at www.wkusports.tv.

“This is particularly exciting for the families of our international students who can’t be with us,” Eggleton said.

Last spring, more than 500 people watched commencement exercises via the Webcast, she said.

New this year will be the inclusion of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science graduation in the scheduled events of WKU’s commencement weekend. The academy took 120 high school juniors and seniors from across the state out of the 190 who applied last year, giving them the chance to learn in an environment that allots advanced educational opportunities in science, math, technology and engineering.

The academy is slated to graduate its first group of 54 seniors at 1 p.m. at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Amphitheater. In case of rain, the event will move to Van Meter Auditorium.

The guest speaker for the graduations will be Jim Wiseman, vice president of public affairs for Toyota Motor Manufacturing of North America.

Other events include a master of social work pinning ceremony at Downing University Center Theatre, department of psychology reception for graduate students at Tate Page Hall lobby, and a recognition ceremony for Outstanding Black Graduates at Van Meter Auditorium - all Friday.

Saturday events will include the School of Nursing Convocation at the Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium, dental hygiene pinning ceremony at the Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium, associate degree nursing pinning ceremony at Downing University Center Theatre and an Army ROTC commissioning at the Kentucky Building.

— For more information on commencement weekend, go to www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Registrar/commencement.htm.