Commencement Week is Here!

You are receiving this message because our records indicate that you have RSVP'd "attending" for fall 2023 commencement.

Commencement Apparel Information 

All graduates are expected to wear regalia at their ceremonies. Learn more about how to obtain your regalia below. All regalia must be in hand prior to your commencement ceremony. Regalia will not be available to purchase or rent at the ceremonies.

Each college has a specific color tassel associated with their ceremony.

• Undergraduate students begin with their tassel on the right side; during the tassel turning portion of the ceremony, you will move the tassel from the right to the left.
• Graduate students begin with their tassel on the left.

In addition to earning a degree, many students qualify for other academic recognitions. Please see the graduation checklist for more information.

Undergraduate Graduates

Online ordering deadlines for undergraduate students have passed. Regalia will be available for purchase at the Iowa Hawk Shop and University Bookstore from Dec. 4–14, but sizes and tassel colors are not guaranteed to be available. More information can be found on the apparel page of the commencement website.

Graduate College Graduates

Late regalia orders for Graduate College students may be placed using the late link on the Herff Jones online ordering portal. It is your responsibility to return rented apparel to Herff Jones within one week of the ceremony. Apparel cannot be returned at the ceremony and must be shipped directly to Herff Jones using the prepaid shipping label included in your apparel box.

Please contact Herff Jones at gradmidwest@gmail.com with any regalia questions.

Commencement Program

All students will receive a commencement program the day of the ceremony. 

The Fall 2023 Commencement Program is available to download. Please see the program page for detailed information. 

Name Cards

The university uses printed cards to display your information for commencement. Once you arrive at the ceremony, there will be a designated area where you can pick up your card. Card pick-up information will be communicated by your college or there will be signage at the venue entrances to direct you.

The card will display details that will be announced during the ceremony. If name pronunciation information is not printed on your card, you may write it below your name at the ceremony. You will have your card scanned and then pass your card to the name reader before you cross the stage.

The card also contains your HawkID and other identifying information you submitted with your RSVP, like your permanent address, non-UI email address, and phone number. If your identifying 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 picture proof from the ceremony.

Commemorative Slides

Students can download a branded University of Iowa graduation slide from the RSVP portal in MyUI to share with family and friends. The commemorative slide is for the student's use only; the slide will not be displayed during the ceremony or broadcast in the livestream.

Venue Information

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

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) 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. Please see the Carver-Hawkeye Arena page for complete lists of allowed and prohibited items.

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.

Hancher Auditorium

Doors to the auditorium will open one hour prior to the ceremonies.

It is recommended that bags and coats be left in vehicle trunks. There is no bag or coat check at Hancher.

Driving directions and a full list of fall 2023 ceremonies can be found on the Hancher Auditorium page.

Livestreams

All ceremonies will premiere at their scheduled time and day and will be livestreamed with captions enabled. The livestream will be located on the collegiate ceremony page in the "Watch Live" section.

List of Fall 2023 Ceremonies

Every college will have their own commencement ceremony, tailored to their college and including messages from a variety of individuals chosen specifically to honor and address students of that college. Degrees will be conferred and students who have RSVP'd "attending" will be individually recognized during the commencements. 

Screenshot Example:

Ceremony Videos

If someone cannot tune in during the premiere, the ceremonies will be available for viewing on the University of Iowa YouTube channel after the premiere concludes.