CLAS Commencement

Important Commencement Info

You are receiving this message because we have a spring 2023 commencement RSVP "attending" on file for you for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! 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 prior to the start. Both ceremonies last about two hours. No tickets are needed, and there is no limit on guests.

Please forward this email to anyone who might be attending the ceremony or watching the livestream.

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How to Watch Livestreams and Ceremony Videos

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 shortly after each ceremony.

Commencement Apparel

You will wear a white tassel and it should be placed on the right side of your cap prior to the ceremony. During the tassel turning portion, you will move the tassel from the right to left.

The Iowa Hawk Shop and University Bookstore still has apparel to purchase at the store. If you have not yet obtained apparel, you should do so as soon as possible. Purchase it in person to avoid shipping delays. There will be no apparel available the day of the ceremony at the arena.

Commemorative Slides

The deadline to add or edit a commencement slide photo in MyUI was Wednesday, April 26, 2023. New slides cannot be generated and existing slides cannot be edited. Slides are for personal use and are not used at the in-person ceremonies.

May

13

9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Road Construction and Parking

Carver-Hawkeye Arena is located at 1 Elliott Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242.

Due to construction, traffic congestion around Carver-Hawkeye Arena is expected during commencement, so please allow extra time for your travel 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.

Complementary parking for commencement at Carver-Hawkeye Arena is available in the locations listed here:

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. Graduates are not required to enter through the East doors but it is highly recommended.

Public Safety officials will search any purses or bags brought into the building. Everyone will be asked to open their coats or graduation gown for visual inspection.

No 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.

Wrapped gifts, balloons, flowers
Alcoholic beverages
Backpacks, purses, handbags, and/or cinch bags
Banners and signs
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
Outside food (unless medically indicated)
Non-service animals
Strollers and car seats
Tobacco of any kind (including e-cigarettes)
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, walk briskly to center stage to shake hands with Dean Sara Sanders and President Barbra Wilson.

Please note: During the name recognition portion of the ceremony, you will be crossing the stage from the side where you are seated on the floor. If you want to see your guests as you cross the stage, they should sit on the opposite side of the arena from where you are seated.

Students with last names A–L will cross the stage from left to right and students with last names of M–Z will cross the stage from right to left. You will exit the stage using the stairs at the front and return to your original seat.

Following the closing remarks and processional of platform party, candidates will begin to recess in an orderly fashion under the marshals’ direction.

Expectations During the Ceremony

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

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!