The University of Iowa

College of Education Undergraduate Commencement and Teacher Education Program Recognition Ceremony

Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 4:00pm Hancher Auditorium
Education Graduates with Banner
When
Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 4:00pm
141 Park Road
Iowa City, IA 52242
Details

College of Education Undergraduate Commencement and Teacher Education Program Recognition Ceremony is held at the end of the fall and spring semesters to recognize all of the graduating Teacher Education Program students.

Doors open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. The ceremony will be livestreamed with captions enabled.

Dean Dan Clay will give the welcome, and he and President Barbara Wilson will confer degrees.

Kristen Rickey, an alumna of the College of Education, will be the keynote speaker. Rickey is the superintendent of the West Delaware County Community School District and was named 2022–23 Superintendent of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa.

Samuel Tanner, associate professor of English Education, will be the faculty speaker. Jessica Soria, from Storm Lake, Iowa, will be the student speaker. Soria is graduating with a degree in Educational Studies and Human Relations.

Mark McDermott, associate dean for teacher education and student services, will recognize those who completed the Teacher Education Program.

A livestream of the ceremony is available.

Contact
Becca Stai
319-384-0669

Watch Live

The ceremony will be livestreamed at the scheduled time with captions enabled. 

If you cannot watch the livestream during the ceremony, the video will be uploaded to the University of Iowa's YouTube channel shortly after the conclusion of the ceremony.

Ceremony Information

  • Please order online through Herff Jones (email Becca Stai for the link
  • 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, tassel, 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