Individuals with a Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 MBA degree application on file and appropriately submitted RSVP confirmation may participate in this ceremony. (Note: In addition to the RSVP, Summer 2026 candidates must complete their MBA degree application by the deadline on the Degree Completion webpage to participate.)

If your degree application semester is not noted above and/or you have questions regarding your commencement ceremony participation eligibility, contact Ashley Meincke (ashley-meincke@uiowa.edu).

Graduates participating in the commencement ceremony are required to wear the following regalia:

• University of Iowa Masters Gown
• Mortarboard Cap
• Masters Hood
• Black tassel

Ordering information can be found on the Iowa MBA Commencement webpage.

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

Graduates should plan to arrive for the ceremony with appropriate regalia in hand at 3:00 p.m. when the doors open.

Graduates will enter Carver-Hawkeye Arena through the east doors and proceed down the arena stairs to the main floor to check-in. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide assistance throughout the ceremony.

When checking in, graduates will be asked to verify the phonetic spelling of their name and given a name card with that verified spelling. This name card is to be given to the name reader prior to walking across the stage during the ceremony. If graduating with academic honors, honors distinction cords will also be distributed at this time.

After checking in, graduates may proceed to the graduate seating area on the main floor and sit down. To ensure a timely start to the ceremony, graduates should be in their seats no later than 15 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony. We'll begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

Graduates should not have anything in their hands other than a name card throughout the ceremony. Cell phones should be silenced or turned off.

Graduates are seated at the lowest level of Carver-Hawkeye Arena during the ceremony and will go across the stage to be recognized. If a graduate needs any special accommodations, contact Ashley Meincke at ashley-meincke@uiowa.edu at least four weeks before the ceremony for assistance with making appropriate arrangements. 

Complementary parking for commencement is available at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Traffic congestion around Carver-Hawkeye Arena 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 Carver-Hawkeye Arena venue page.

Detailed security information including allowed and prohibited items can be found on the Carver-Hawkeye Arena venue page. All graduates and guests will be expected to adhere to the Carver clear bag policy and all venue security policies. Campus Safety officials will search all bags brought into the building. 

Graduates arriving with a coat or purse should plan to leave these items their guests. Graduates will be expected to open their robes when entering the arena.

Doors to Carver-Hawkeye Arena will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. 

Graduates and guests may use the south or west doors, the east doors are reserved for Graduate Express Entrance only. 

Please Note: The north doors are closed to the public and are only open for staff, volunteers, and platform officials. 

Graduates should arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. 

The doors to Carver-Hawkeye Arena will open one hour before the start of the ceremony. 

There are no tickets required, no limit to the number of guests, and no assigned seating for guests at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. It's encouraged that guests arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony in order to pass through security and find a seat.

Guests should enter through the south and west doors of the venue. (Graduates only may use the east doors for express entry. Entering through the east doors is not required for graduates, but it is highly recommended. The north doors are not open to the public.)

Commencement ceremonies at Carver-Hawkeye Arena follow a clear bag policy. Please review the policy for a list of allowed and prohibited items. 

Accessible Seating

There is no public elevator usage available during commencement, so guests are encouraged only to go down into the arena bowl as far as they're able to get back up. Accessible seating is available in sections K - N and the Feller Club Room. 

Detailed information on accessible seating and the elevator policy can be found on the Carver-Hawkeye Arena venue page.