College of Education Undergraduate Commencement and Teacher Education Program Recognition Ceremony

• Apparel sales for the May 2023 commencement will run through Finals Week.
• Please go to the Iowa Hawk Shop (in the IMU building) or order online to purchase the required apparel.
• Required for all Graduates
  • Bachelor gown (unless MAT student, then wear Master’s gown)
  • Mortarboard cap
  • Black & Gold Tassel with University Seal

• Doors to Hancher will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Graduates should arrive no later than 15 minutes after the doors open.
• Arrive for your ceremony with cap and gown.
• Proceed to Strauss Hall
• Please Note:
  • All items and people are subject to any search deemed necessary by the University of Iowa Police
  • No outside food or beverages except one unopened water bottle per guest will be allowed in the auditorium.
  • Items that cannot be searched by security personnel are strictly prohibited; wrapped packages will not be allowed.

Graduating students should report to the Name Card Hand-Out Table. Tell the staff member your first and last names. Hold onto it! You will hand it to the individual scanning name cards right before you cross the stage.

If you arrive with a coat or purse, make arrangements to leave these items with a family member or friend. You should not have anything in your hand other than your photo name card when the processional begins and throughout the ceremony. Cell phones should be silenced or turned off.

Your marshal will escort your group to a designated seating area. You should sit down as soon as you reach your chair. A program booklet listing the graduates will be passed down the row. Please take only one.

• For the Presentation of Graduates, the candidates will be invited to come to the stage to be recognized individually. Your marshal will lead your group to the stage. Take your name card with you, hand it to the person scanning the name cards and walk briskly to center stage to receive your diploma cover from the University of Iowa official. You will exit the stage on the opposite side you entered and return to your original seat as directed by a marshal.
• Following the closing remarks and processional of platform party, graduating students will begin to recess in an orderly fashion under the marshals’ direction.

• Commencement is the culminating event of University study for students who choose to attend. An appropriate and dignified academic atmosphere is absolutely expected so that you, your family, and other guests may enjoy this important gathering.
• The following rules of behavior will be enforced at all ceremonies:
  • No alcoholic beverages of any kind
  • Inappropriate dress and costumes worn under gowns will not be allowed
  • Cell phones must be turned off or silenced in the graduate seating area
  • No flowers, purses, gifts, balloons, or bags will be allowed in the student seating area
  • Marshals and security staff will be looking for intoxicated persons. Inebriated students are not permitted to participate
  • With everyone’s cooperation, this occasion will become a proud and happy memory of your academic achievement at the University of Iowa
  • Wearing a mask is encouraged but not require. Also, please practice social distancing when possible.