CLAS Commencement

Ceremony Info

This message is specific to students who are attending a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences ceremony.

Hello, graduate!

You are receiving this message because you have RSVP-ed “attending” to a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has two ceremonies in the spring, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The ceremonies are organized by primary major. View this list to determine which ceremony you should attend. Doors to Carver-Hawkeye Arena open one hour before the start. The ceremony will last about 90 minutes. No tickets are needed, and there is no limit on guests.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena Information right arrow

Day of reminders

You should arrive at the arena at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.
The east entrance is a Graduate Express entrance but feel free to use the south or west entrances if you would like to enter with your guests.
After entering the arena head down to the arena floor to pick up your name card and find your seat. Please try and be in your seat 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
- Seating Map
- It's easier to find your name card station once on the floor, so please use the nearest staircase from where you enter to descend.
You will wear a white tassel and it should be placed on the right side of your cap prior to the ceremony. Please take care of your apparel needs prior to the ceremony. There will be no apparel available to purchase at the arena.
You can bring in one sealed water bottle or empty refillable bottle into the arena and bring it down to the floor. There will be some concessions sold during the ceremony. Carver is cashless. Use credit, debit, or mobile pay.

Please continue reading for detailed ceremony information. Feel free to share this email to anyone who might be attending the ceremony or watching the livestream.

How to watch livestream and ceremony video

The ceremonies will premiere live at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. with captions. Find the livestreams on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences collegiate ceremony pages in the "Watch Live" section. Links are included below.

9 a.m. ceremony livestream

1 p.m. ceremony livestream

If someone cannot watch the ceremony during the livestream, the video will be uploaded to the University of Iowa YouTube channel after each ceremony.

May

11

9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Road construction and parking

Please Note: There is major construction at the Coralville First Avenue and I-80 Interchange that could impact travel to all ceremonies. Traffic delays are expected, please plan accordingly.

Complimentary parking will be available on a first-come first-served basis within walking distance at parking lots 40, 33 (Dental Visitor), 43 (Kinnick), 65 (Finkbine), and 75 (Arena Commuter).
Guests with disabilities who have a state-issued ADA parking placard or license plate will be permitted to use Lot 46, adjacent to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. From Lot 46 guests should enter through the west doors.
- Please Note: Accessible parking in Lot 46 is limited to a first-come first-served basis. Once full, drop-offs will be allowed and then drivers will be directed to overflow accessible parking in Lot 40.

Arena entry and security

Doors to the arena will open one hour prior to the start of each ceremony. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony.

Guests use south and west doors.
East doors are for Graduate Express entry only. You are not required to enter through the east doors but it is highly recommended.

Campus Safety officials will search any bags (see requirements below) brought into the building. Everyone will be asked to open their coats or commencement gown for visual inspection.

No purses, backpacks, large bags, packages, wrapped gifts, balloons, flowers, or outside food and beverage are allowed inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena during this event. No air horns or alcohol are permitted.

Allowed items

The following items are allowed inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. All permitted items and patrons are subject to search and will be tagged at entrance.

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed 12″x6″x12″
Clutch bags that do not exceed 4.5″x6.5″
Factory-sealed water bottles or empty, refillable bottles [Limit one (1), under one (1) gallon]
Medically necessary items (includes equipment for nursing mothers and diaper bags)

Prohibited items

The following items are NOT allowed inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Admission will be denied to anyone carrying the following items.

Alcoholic beverages or tobacco of any kind
Balloons, flowers, or wrapped gifts
Banners or signs
Car seats or strollers
Coolers, glass containers, backpack hydration systems, or refillable water bottles over one (1) gallon
Large lens cameras (6″ or more), video cameras, or tripods
Noisemakers, strobe lights, or any other disruptive devices
Non-service animals
Outside food (unless medically indicated)
Purses, handbags, cinch bags, or backpacks
Umbrellas
Weapons of any kind

Grab your name card when you arrive

Enter the arena and proceed down the stairs to the arena floor to pick up your name card. This seating map will help you.

Your card includes details that will be announced during the ceremony, like name pronunciation. If name pronunciation information is not printed on your card, write it below your name.

During the ceremony, your card will be scanned, and you will pass it to the name reader before you cross the stage. The card also contains your HawkID and other identifying information you submitted with your RSVP, such as your permanent address, non-UI email address, and phone number. If your information is not included, you will be asked to fill out the back of the name card so the photographer can send you a free photo proof from the ceremony.

Ceremony details

You need to be in your seat on the floor of the arena 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. The playing of Pomp and Circumstance will begin the ceremony.

Presentation of graduates

During the Presentation of Graduates, you will be recognized individually. A marshal will lead your group to the stage. Take your name card with you, have it scanned, and then hand it to the person reading names at the microphone. From there, proceed to center stage to shake hands with Dean Sara Sanders and President Barbara Wilson.

Please note: During the name recognition portion of the ceremony, you will be crossing the stage left to right. If you want to see your guests as you cross the stage, they should sit in the right side of the arena facing the stage.

You will return to the opposite end of your original row of seats, cross to your original seat and be seated.

Following the closing remarks and processional of platform party, candidates will be dismissed by the marshal.

Expectations

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

You will be expected to adhere to the following:

No alcoholic beverages of any kind
No inappropriate dress or costumes worn under your gown
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 individuals – those who are inebriated cannot participate

Thank you for your cooperation!

Congratulations on your accomplishments. We hope this is a proud and happy occasion for you and your loved ones. Go Hawks!