Phonetic spelling is a tool for pronunciation. It involves writing out words according to how letters and syllables sound – not how they look. It doesn’t represent an alternate way that names are spelled in written communication, but rather simply provides a guide for correct pronunciation.

All students who RSVP attending for a commencement ceremony are required to provide written name pronunciation information.

We recognize correct pronunciation of your name is extremely important. We also know it can be hard to figure out exactly what information to include. Please consider the following guidance when providing your name pronunciation information in the RSVP. If you have questions or would like help determining the best way to enter your information, please email the UI Commencement Team.

How to provide Name Pronunciation

• Do not include special characters
• Use dashes to separate syllables 
• Capitalize stressed syllables 

If your name is almost never mispronounced. 

Please type the entirety of your commencement name in the name pronunciation field. You do not need to parse out your name syllable by syllable if it is rarely or never mispronounced. 

If part of your name is commonly mispronounced.

Please type the parts of your name that are not misprounounced as they are spelled and use phonetic information to sound out the part of your name that is commonly mispronounced. 

If your whole name is commonly mispronounced. 

Please provide phonetic pronunciation of your entire name. 

Additional Name Pronunciation Examples