Day of Ceremony Guide

The processes and procedures outlined on this page are intended for all graduates for any ceremony. Specific ceremony details can be found in the "Additional Ceremony Info" section on the individual ceremony page.

Please Note

There are no rehearsals for commencement ceremonies, please review information for what to expect the day of the ceremony.

You Might be Thinking...

Find Your Ceremony

All ceremonies take place at Carver-Hawkeye Arena or Hancher Auditorium. Location and college will be session specific. List of colleges by location and session can be found below.

All venue information including parking, security, seating, and more can be found on the venue link below.

Please note: College of Liberal Arts recognizes student's primary major at each of their spring ceremonies.

Ceremony Finder

Search by college, session, or venue to locate your ceremony.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena Ceremonies and Policies

Carver-Hawkeye Arena has specific commencement related policies.

Carver Spring Ceremonies

  • Graduate College
  • College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
  • University College
  • Tippie College of Business
  • College of Engineering
  • Iowa MBA Program
Carver Fall Ceremonies
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • University College

Hancher Auditorium Ceremonies and Policies

Hancher Auditorium has its own ceremony policies regarding entry, seating, and items allowed.

Hancher Spring Ceremonies
  • College of Pharmacy
  • College of Education
  • College of Law
  • Carver College of Medicine
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Public Health
  • College of Dentistry

Hancher Fall Ceremonies

  • College of Education
  • Graduate College
  • College of Nursing
  • Tippie College of Business- Undergraduate
  • College of Engineering

When to Arrive at Venue

All collegiate commencement ceremonies take place in either Carver-Hawkeye Arena or Hancher Auditorium.

  • Doors open 1 hour before most ceremonies.
    • Spring Saturday ceremonies in Carver-Hawkeye Arena open 1 hour 15 minutes before ceremonies.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early to pick up your name card and find your seat.
  • Be in your seat when the ceremony begins.
  • Bring only your regalia and your phone—leave bags and personal items with guests.
  • Check the “Arriving at the Venue” section on your ceremony page for any special notes.

Travel and Parking

Complimentary parking is available for all commencement ceremonies.
Traffic will be heavier than usual—give yourself extra time.

 

Tickets

Tickets are not required for graduates or guests.
Graduates must submit their RSVP by the deadline and attend their ceremony to be individually recognized on stage.

What to Bring

All graduates should have academic regalia in hand before the ceremony and graduates should leave personal items with guests.

Academic Regalia

All graduates are expected to wear academic regalia at their ceremonies.

  • All regalia must be in hand prior to your commencement ceremony. Regalia will not be available to purchase or rent at the ceremonies.
  • Tassel colors should correspond to the college you are graduating from.
  • Tassels should begin on the right side for undergraduates and should be on the left side for graduate students.
  • Other Academic Recognitions such as distinction, honors, or other involvement might offer additional regalia options.

Regalia Info and Ordering Details

Detailed ordering information and deadlines can be found on the regalia page.

Personal Items

Graduates should leave personal items with guests before heading to their seating area. Bring only what you need to the floor.

  • Graduates should expect a quick security check and may be asked to open their gown.
    • No weapons or alcohol.
  • You should only have your name card, phone (silenced), and bottled water with you in the graduate seating area.

Not Allowed on Floor/Stage

  • Bags/purses
  • Gifts/flowers
  • Balloons
  • Additional guests
  • Weapons
  • Alcohol

Name Card Check-In & Seating

Your name card is created using the information you submitted in the RSVP. Name cards will be picked up at the venue and should remain with you until you cross the stage.

Name Card Info

When you arrive:

  1. Pick up your name card at the check-in area.
  2. Review the pronunciation and contact info.
  3. Keep the card with you until you hand it to the name reader.

Your card will be:

  • Scanned before you cross the stage to display your name on livestreams and screens.
  • Passed to photographers for your photo proofs.
  • Marked with honors and/or distinction, if applicable.

Do not write on the card unless instructed.

Check-In

Pick Up Name Card

Check in at your ceremony by going to the name card pick-up area. Volunteers will be there to help you find your card and guide you to your line-up or seating area.

Seating

Seating areas will vary from ceremony to ceremony but all graduates should be in their assigned seats by the start of the ceremony.

Marshals will be available to help lead you to your seat after you pick up your name card.

During the Presentation of Graduates

All graduates attending commencement will be individually recognized when they cross the stage.

Processionals to the stage may vary between collegiate ceremonies but all graduates will follow the same basic steps.

  • You will hand your card to the name reader before crossing the stage.
  • You will be individually recognized and photographed.
  • After you cross, return to your seat for the rest of the ceremony.
  • Brief remarks will follow once all graduates have crossed.
  • Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony; they are mailed after degree conferral.

Honors and Distinction

Some students may qualify for additional academic recognitions of distinction or honors and those achievements will be read along with the student name.

Professional Photos

All graduates can purchase professional photos from Flash Photography. Your photo proofs will be emailed to you about 14 days after your ceremony.

Expectations of Graduates

Commencement is the culminating event of university study for students who choose to attend.   An appropriate and dignified academic atmosphere is absolutely expected so that you, your family, and other guests may enjoy this important gathering. 

The following rules of behavior will be enforced at all ceremonies:

  • No alcoholic beverages of any kind
  • Inappropriate dress and costumes worn under gowns will not be allowed
  • Cell phones must be turned off or silenced in the graduate seating area
  • No flowers, purses, gifts, balloons, or bags will be allowed in the student seating area
  • Marshals and security staff will be looking for intoxicated persons.  Inebriated students are not permitted to participate

With everyone’s cooperation, this occasion will become a proud and happy memory of your academic achievement at the University of Iowa.