• Graduation is applying for a degree, completing your degree audit, getting your degree conferred, and receiving your diploma. 
  • Commencement is the ritual of the conferring of degrees through a ceremony with your classmates and guests. Participating in commencement is optional; you must RSVP in MyUI to be individually recognized during a ceremony. 
  • Applying for a degree does not sign you up to attend commencement.

Graduation Checklist

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Apply for Degree

Thinking about graduating?

Need help with a degree audit? Applying for a degree? Have questions about diplomas? 

Degree Services is here to help!

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Attend Your Ceremony

Attending commencement is optional. Degrees are not distributed at commencements. Not attending commencement does not impact your ability to receive your degree.

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Other Academic Recognitions

In addition to earning a degree, many students qualify for other academic recognitions including University Honors, Honors in the Major, and Distinction.

Last Steps as a Student

As you prepare to make the move from student to alumni status make sure you've updated your contact info, paid your final U-Bill, canceled any services, and signed up to stay connected to the Hawkeye family!

First Steps as Alumni

Once a Hawkeye, Always a Hawkeye! Let us know what your next steps are going to be and learn how to stay connected to the Hawkeye Family.

Degree Services

Degree Audit

Before applying for degree, have you completed all your degree requirements needed to graduate? 

Apply for Degree

You MUST apply for your degree to graduate! Degree applications are located in MyUI.

Diplomas

Diplomas are not given out at the ceremonies. They are delivered separately.

Questions?

Have questions about the degree audit or degree application process? Want to know more about diplomas? Degree Services is here to help!

Off-Cycle Participation

Some students wish to participate in a ceremony during a session before all degree requirements have been met or after their degree has been conferred. 

  • Students who have submitted a degree application for the current session or one session after the current session can RSVP for commencement in MyUI if the RSVP is open.
  • The RSVP for fall ceremonies opens by October. The RSVP for spring ceremonies opens in February. If your degree has already been conferred or you will apply for degree in a future session, please contact your collegiate coordinator to inquire about eligibility. 
  • RSVP responses will no longer be accepted after the RSVP deadline. 

Other Academic Recognitions

Distinction

Distinction recognition is earned by meeting academic criteria established by the colleges.

Distinction levels will appear on the transcript and diploma, the program, and will be read at commencement.

Honors

There are two types of honors at the University of Iowa:

  • University Honors
  • Honors in the Major

Cords, Stoles and More

There are many clubs, groups, and organizations that provide a commemorative graduation item to members. Items range from cords, medals, medallions, pins, stoles, and more. Many of these items can be obtained at the Iowa Hawk Shop or will be provided by the managing unit.

Please Note: The UI Commencement Team and Degree Services do not manage or maintain a comprehensive list of items.

Last Steps as a Student

Update Your Address

Update your residing address via MyUI; future communications from the University of Iowa will be sent to this address.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid impacts each student differently; student borrowers should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine if exit counseling is required.

Update IT Services

See how your technology services will be impacted by graduation.

Health Insurance

Cancel student health insurance if enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

Pay Final U-Bill

Remit payment for any outstanding balance on your U-Bill via MyUI. Transcripts and diplomas may not be released until your balance is paid in full.

Parking

Click the button to cancel your permit online or contact the parking office via email at parking-office@uiowa.edu if you have additional questions.

First Steps as Alumni

First Destination Survey

Let the Career Center know about what you are doing next (job, continuing education, etc.). This information helps future Hawkeyes explore what they can do with their major.

UI Center for Advancement

Learn how UI alumni, fans, and friends can stay connected and get involved.