This event celebrates the accomplishments of 2021 spring and summer graduates. Please see below for details on:
Accessibility and Accommodations
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact UI Celebration team in advance by email ui-celebration2021@uiowa.edu or call 319-335-3549.
- The program will be livestreamed with captions and there will be an ASL interpreter present at the in-person event.
- Accessible parking will be available immediately north of the stadium in Hospital Parking Ramp 3.
- ADA and companion seating will be available on the north and south sides of Kinnick Stadium.
- Graduates and guests may request ADA and companion seating upon arrival.
Detailed information about seating and parking will be available when registration numbers are tabulated after the May 1 deadline.
Eligibility and Tickets
All Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and recent REACH Program Completion students are eligible to participate. Eligible students should have received an email Monday, April 5th with instructions on how to register.
The deadline to register and submit a photo was May 1 at 11:55 p.m.
- Each graduate may reserve one ticket for themselves and will be allotted
two ticketsfor guests.- Update: Based on projected attendance, we are pleased to inform you that we are now able to provide each student six guest tickets for the event. See email memo with details.
- Electronic tickets will be emailed to graduates after the May 1 deadline.
- Colleges will be grouped together in the Kinnick and more seating information will be available when registration numbers are tabulated after the May 1 deadline.
Parking
Complimentary event parking and bus shuttle service is provided for the Celebration of Graduates at Kinnick Stadium on Sunday, May 16.
- Event parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at several campus parking locations near Kinnick Stadium.
- Accessible parking is available immediately north of the stadium in Hospital Parking Ramp 3 for persons with state issued ADA placard or license plates.
- CAMBUS shuttle service will be provided frequently beginning at 1:30 p.m.
- All buses are ADA accessible.
Detailed information including maps and directions can be found on the Parking and Transportation website.
Seating
Registration numbers are in and we are pleased that we were able to allot 6 guest tickets per student registrant.
Here's what to plan for:
- Gate A on the south side of Kinnick Stadium, near the statue of Nile Kinnick will be open. Gates B, E, and H also will be open on the west side of Kinnick Stadium.
- Graduates will be grouped together by college in the Kinnick stands. Collegiate sections will be indicated on the student ticket.
- Guests will have general admission seating in the West Stands.
- No graduates or guests are allowed on the field at any point before, during, or after the event.
- ADA and companion seating will be available on the north and south sides of Kinnick Stadium.
- Graduates and guests may request ADA and companion seating upon arrival.
Detailed seating information was emailed to students on May 10.
Program Information
This event celebrates the accomplishments of 2021 spring graduates and details are still being finalized. A final program document should be available on this page approximately one week prior to the event.
Here's what we know:
- Gates will open at 1:30.
- Graduates are encouraged to wear a cap and gown! However, there will be no apparel vendors or professional photographers on site during the event.
- Graduate names and photos will be displayed on the Kinnick Stadium’s video board until the 3 p.m. program start.
- Graduates will be honored as a group with their college during a short program with remarks from UI administrators and student leaders.
- The program will be livestreamed with captions, and there will be an ASL interpreter present at the in-person event. (Livestream information is still being finalized, please check the Watch Live section for up to date information)
- Graduate names and photos will resume displaying until gates close (close time is still under review and could be impacted by final registration numbers).
Please note:
- This event is not a commencement ceremony.
- Graduates will not cross a stage.
- Graduates will not be individually recognized.
Kinnick Health and Safety Protocols
**A mask will be required for entry to Kinnick Stadium**
Anyone participating in this event will be required to follow UI COVID-19 mitigation strategies. This includes staying home if you are sick, wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and washing or sanitizing hands frequently. Hand sanitizing stations will be available at this event.
Allowed Items
The following items are allowed inside Kinnick Stadium:
- Blankets and seat cushions (without back support)
- Bottled water (sealed and non-flavored water) – Limit one (1)
Items allowed after proper inspection at any gate:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
- Binocular cases
- Breast pumps (for nursing mothers; bags subject to search and will be tagged at gate)
- Clutch bags and fanny packs that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (with or without a handle or strap)
- Diaper bag (items are subject to search and will be tagged at gate)
- Food items in a clear plastic bag (gallon sized or smaller)
- Medically necessary items (items are subject to search and will be tagged at gate)
- One-gallon clear plastic bag (Ziploc or similar)
Prohibited Items
The following items are not allowed inside Kinnick Stadium. Admission will be denied to anyone carrying the following items:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Backpacks, purses, handbags and cinch bags
- Banners and signs
- Coolers, kegs, camel backs, thermoses, canned or bottle beverages
- Footballs
- Large lens cameras (6" or more) or tripods
- Noisemakers, horns, bugles or any disruptive devices
- Personal chairbacks
- Strollers
- Tobacco of any kind (including e-cigarettes)
- Umbrellas
- Video cameras
- Weapons of any kind
This event will occur rain or shine. It will be canceled and will not be rescheduled if lightning or severe weather is detected by the National Weather Service. Please note, umbrellas will not be allowed in Kinnick Stadium.
No. Tailgating will not be allowed outside the stadium.