All graduates are expected to wear academic regalia at their ceremonies. Required for all College of Nursing graduates: gown, cap, and apricot tassel.

Ordering information and a link to the apparel portal can be found on the Apparel page.

All regalia must be in hand prior to your commencement ceremony. Regalia will not be available to purchase or rent at the ceremonies.

Complementary parking for commencement is available at Hancher Auditorium. Traffic congestion around Hancher Auditorium is expected during commencement, so please allow extra time for your travel and parking.

Lot information and accessible parking details can be found on the Hancher Auditorium venue page.

Detailed security information including allowed and prohibited items can be found on the Hancher Auditorium venue page. 

Graduates arriving with a coat or purse should plan to leave these items with their guests. 

Doors to Hancher Auditorium will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Doors to Hancher will open at 7:45 a.m., graduates should arrive by 8:15 a.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive as early as possible so they can ensure they are in their seat by the start of the ceremony.

Graduates should proceed to the Check-in table north (left down the hallway) of the main entrance in Strauss Hall and find the name card table for their last name. Volunteers can assist with name card location. Hold onto your name card; your name card will be scanned and then handed to the name reader prior to crossing the stage.

After getting their name card, graduates should find their way to Strauss Hall for class photos. Once the processional takes place, student will be seated in the front section of the auditorium, closest to the stage. 

There are no tickets required and no assigned seating for guests at Hancher Auditorium. 

Detailed information on accessible seating can be found on the Hancher Auditorium venue page.

Class photos will take place in Strauss Hall at 8:15 a.m., graduates will then line up at the entrance to the auditorium behind the student marshal, faculty, and staff platform parties. 

All graduates and guests should be in their seats at the start of the ceremony. After a brief video and remarks from speakers, the individual recognition of graduates will begin. 

Graduates will be dismissed by row to the right side of the stage, graduates should have their name cards in hand, then will proceed to have their name card scanned to be displayed on the screens in Hancher Auditorium and on the livestream. Graduates will then hand their card to the name card reader who will individually recognize the graduate. After having their name read, the graduate will shake the hand of the associate dean, then pause for a photo with the dean on stage and exit stage behind the podium closest to them.

 Graduates will have a portrait photo taken by Flash Photography backstage once they are finished being recognized on stage.

After all graduates have been recognized there will be a few more remarks and the class will recognized as a group and the ceremony will conclude.

The ceremony is expected to last around one hour.

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.