- 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
Graduation Checklist
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
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
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.