All degree programs within University College will be recognized at the ceremony.
Tickets are not required. Doors are scheduled to open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony; the ceremony is expected to last around 90 minutes.
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2019!
Relive the memories and watch a video playback of the ceremony below.
Ceremony Information
Doors to the arena will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Graduates should arrive no later than 15 minutes after the doors open. Upon arrival, please proceed to your designated Name Card pick-up area to retrieve your name card.
Plan to arrive for your ceremony with cap and gown. Graduates who previously ordered apparel should visit the Iowa Hawk Shop apparel table located in Section EE/FF near the North entrance.
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 arena.
- 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 designated for your last name. These tables are positioned on the upper concourse. Tell the staff member your first and last names.
Professional photos will be taken during the ceremony. Fill out the reverse side of the card with contact information so proofs can be sent to you. Hold onto your card! You will hand it to a reader who will read your name from it when you cross the stage.
Name Card Pick-Up Locations
| Last Name | Concourse Location |
|---|---|
| A - B | BB/CC |
| C - E | AA/A |
| F - H | A/B |
| I - K | C/D |
| L - M | L/M |
| N - R | N/NN |
| S | NN/MM |
| T - Z | KK/LL |
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.
iberal Arts & Sciences and University College students will be seated together on the arena floor.
Maps of the seating assignments are posted at each card hand-out station and at the Processional aisles.
Your marshal will escort your group to a designated seating area. You should sit down as soon as you reach your chair. A diploma cover and a program booklet listing the graduates will be on your chair.
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 reading names at the microphone and walk briskly to center stage to shake hands with the University of Iowa official. You will return to the opposite end of your original row of seats, cross to your original seat and be seated.
Following the closing remarks and processional of platform party, candidates 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.
If you're not able to attend the ceremony assigned for your primary Program of Study, please submit a Commencement Ceremony Change Request Form.