Complimentary parking is available in the southside parking lot (Lot 55) for Hancher's commencement ceremonies on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to numerous facilities located in the area, traffic and parking congestion may occur, especially during commencement. Arrive early and allow ample time to be seated for a performance.

Parking restrictions are lifted for weekday ceremonies as follows:

• Thursday, May 14 - parking lifted all day
• Friday, May 15 - parking lifted at 11:30 a.m.
• Friday, June 5 - parking lifted at noon 

No parking restrictions for weekend ceremonies.

Accessible Parking

Guests with disabilities who have a state-issued ADA parking placard or license plate will be permitted to park in the lot on the west side of Hancher, additional accessible parking can be found to the southwest.

Road Conditions

Nearby construction and local road conditions can be found on the Iowa Department of Transportation website.

Doors to the auditorium will open one hour prior to the start of each ceremony.  Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony. No tickets are required for any ceremony at Hancher Auditorium.

Please Note: Traffic delays should be expected at all venues. Areas surrounding Hancher Auditorium will likely be congested with traffic from other campus events; please plan accordingly. 

It is recommended not to bring in a bag that cannot fit easily under your seat. There is no bag or coat check during commencement ceremonies.

Please do not bring in balloons, banners, signs, or vases with water and flowers.

• Wrapped flower bouquets are allowed.

Access to the graduate seating area and stage is limited at all times to graduates, platform party members, faculty hooders, security personnel, authorized volunteers, and official commencement photographers.

Guests, including children, may not enter the seating area or stage before, during, or after the ceremony. Guests may not accompany graduates across the stage.

Following the ceremony, guests are invited to meet their graduate in the lobby or outside the venue.

Accessible seating is located in several areas in the auditorium. Upon arrival, please speak to an usher who can direct your party to accessible seating.

Guests with disabilities who have a state-issued ADA parking placard or license plate will be permitted to park in the lot on the west side of Hancher, additional accessible parking can be found to the southwest.

An American Sign Language interpreter will be on stage to interpret the ceremony.