Steps to Graduate and Participate

Graduation and commencement are two parts of your Hawkeye journey:

  • Graduation is the academic process of completing your degree — finishing all requirements, applying for your degree, and receiving your diploma.
  • Commencement is the celebration — a ceremony that honors your achievement with classmates, family, and friends.

Use the steps below to make sure you are ready for both.

Graduation

Graduation is the academic process of earning your degree and diploma.

Degree Services oversees these steps, which include:

Apply for Your Degree

You must apply for graduation in MyUI by submitting your degree application. Submitting this application:

  • Triggers the degree audit review and degree conferral process
  • Starts diploma processing
  • Opens the RSVP Portal in MyUI

Note: You cannot RSVP for commencement until you have submitted your degree application.

Meet With Your Advisor

Before you apply, meet with your academic advisor to review your final degree audit and confirm you have completed all degree requirements.

Receive Your Diploma

Diplomas are mailed to you after your degree is officially conferred, which happens after all final grades are processed. You will not receive your diploma at your ceremony. 

Need Help?

If you have questions about your degree application or receiving your diploma, contact Degree Services for assistance.

How Your Name Appears in the Program

  • The commencement program lists all degree candidates by college for each session.
  • If you are earning degrees in multiple colleges, you will be listed under each one.

Note: Although programs are distributed at commencement, inclusion in the program is based on when your degree is conferred—not on whether or when you participate in the ceremony.

Commencement

Commencement is a ceremonial event where degrees are symbolically awarded in front of classmates, family, and friends. Each college holds its own ceremony after finals week. There is no university-wide event.

  • Participation is optional and does not affect your degree or diploma.
  • Diplomas are not distributed during ceremonies.

Graduates must RSVP and attend to be individually recognized. Submitting a degree application opens the RSVP portal but does not automatically RSVP you for the ceremony.

Participating in Commencement

Students may participate in:

  • Their college’s official commencement ceremony, organized by the Office of the Registrar.
  • Optional college or departmental celebrations, if offered (these do not replace the official ceremony).
  • Graduates earning degrees from multiple colleges may RSVP for each ceremony, but must attend each to be individually recognized.

Note: There are no ceremony rehearsals.

RSVP for Your Ceremony

The RSVP is an opt-in process. Only students who select “I plan to participate” by the deadline will have their names read and displayed during the ceremony. 

Get Your Academic Regalia

You are expected to wear academic regalia at your ceremony. Order or rent your regalia in advance; it will not be available on the day of the ceremony.

Attend Your Ceremony

Each college holds its own commencement ceremony where each graduate will be individually recognized. Collegiate and University officials will confer degrees and deliver remarks specific to the college and graduates.

Early or Late Ceremony Participation

You may request to attend a commencement ceremony in a session different from when you earned your degree.

Day of Ceremony Guide

Find everything you need for your ceremony: venue, check-in, name card pickup, arrival time, what to bring, and professional photos. Be prepared so your day goes smoothly.

Professional Photographs

Flash Photography photographs each graduate during the ceremonies. Proofs will be sent to the email and mailing addresses listed on your commencement name card. Expect receipt of these free, no obligation to buy proofs within 14 days of the ceremony’s conclusion.

Other Academic Recognitions

Some students earn Honors in their major, University Honors, or Distinction. Learn how each recognition is awarded and noted at commencement, on your transcript and diploma, and through regalia.

Cords, Stoles, and Other Keepsakes

Many student groups and academic programs recognize graduates with cords, stoles, medals, pins, or medallions. These items are typically distributed by your organization or department and may also be available for purchase at the Iowa Hawk Shop. Offerings and distribution methods vary. 

The UI Commencement Team and Degree Services do not maintain a comprehensive list.

Once a Hawkeye, Always a Hawkeye

As you prepare to turn the page on an incredible chapter of your life and step into alumni status, there are a few easy, important actions you can take right now to ensure a smooth transition and stay connected with the University of Iowa.

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.

First Steps as Alumni

Learn how UI alumni, fans, and friends can stay connected and get involved with the UI Center for Advancement.

Last Steps as a Student

As you prepare to say goodbye to campus life and embrace your next adventure, there are a few important administrative tasks you should take care of before you leave. These steps will help ensure a clean break and prevent any unwanted surprises down the road.