RSVP Overview

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. Once a student’s RSVP is submitted, a confirmation email will be sent to their university email account. 

If a student does not plan to attend, please select “I do not plan to participate.” If this option is selected, the student will no longer receive RSVP reminders or ceremony-related updates. 

• A degree application must be on file in MyUI before the RSVP form becomes available.
• Submitting a degree application does not automatically RSVP a student for commencement.
• RSVP opening and closing dates will be sent to the student's university email address.
• Attendance at commencement is optional.
• Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony, and non-attendance does not affect degree conferral.

Eligibility to RSVP for Commencement

Students may RSVP for commencement if any of the following apply:

• A degree application has been submitted in MyUI for the current session or an upcoming session, and the RSVP is available.
• The degree was conferred in a fall session and the student’s college does not hold a fall ceremony. These students may participate in the following spring ceremony.
• The degree was conferred in a previous session and approval for participation is granted by the collegiate commencement coordinator.
• The student plans to apply for a future session not yet available in MyUI and has coordinated with the collegiate commencement contact.

RSVP responses will not be accepted after the published deadline.

1. Apply for Your Degree in MyUI

   You must apply for your degree in MyUI before the RSVP becomes visible.

2. RSVP for Your Ceremony 

   To participate in your ceremony, log in to MyUI and select “I plan to participate” in the Commencement Attendance section.

   • You are not automatically added to the RSVP system. You must take action.
   • Selecting “I do not plan to participate” does not confirm prior enrollment.
   • Responding helps us plan the ceremonies—your response is important!

3. Confirm Your Name

   When you RSVP "I plan to participate”, choose your Commencement Ceremony Name. This is the name that will be read at your ceremony and shown in the official livestream posted to the University of Iowa’s YouTube channel. 

   Your chosen ceremony name does not affect your diploma or the printed program.

   Options Include:

   1. Official name
   2. First name + Last name
   3. Preferred name (if one is on file) 

4. Submit Your RSVP

   All required fields must be completed before submission. If something is missing, a prompt will tell you what to add.

5. Update Your RSVP

   • You can update your RSVP anytime before the published deadline.
   • Confirmation emails are sent when:
     • You submit your RSVP
     • Any changes are made, including updates by an advisor