Spring 2026 Commencement Information

Spring 2026 Commencement Information

You are receiving this message because our records show that you have submitted an RSVP for a spring 2026 commencement ceremony.

We are excited to celebrate with you and your guests at the upcoming ceremonies.

Tickets are not required, and seating is not limited for any spring 2026 collegiate commencement ceremony. 

Commencement Week Checklist

  • Get your regalia. Regalia must be in hand before your ceremony. It will not be sold or rented at the venue. Visit the academic regalia page on the commencement website for details. 
  • Confirm your ceremony details. Double-check the date, time, and location of your ceremony on the commencement website.
  • Visit your venue page, Carver-Hawkeye Arena or Hancher Auditorium, for more information on parking, prohibited items, venue entrances, and more.
    • Please note: Carver ceremonies adhere to a clear bag policy. Additionally, Carver is not air conditioned. Please plan and dress accordingly.
  • Expect traffic delays. There is major construction near UIHC and Newton Road, which may impact travel to and from all commencement venues. Traffic congestion is likely—build in extra time.
  • Arrive early. Venue doors open one hour before the scheduled ceremony start time. Additional instructions for what to do upon arrival will come from your college.
    • Please note: Saturday Carver ceremonies (CLAS 9 a.m., CLAS/UC 1:30 p.m., Tippie Undergrad 6 p.m.) open 1 hour 15 minutes early.

Program and Photos

  • A printed commencement program will be available for you at your ceremony. Programs for guests are available for download on the commencement website. 
  • Flash Photography photographs each graduate during the ceremonies. Proofs will be sent to the email and mailing addresses listed on your commencement name card. Expect receipt of these free, no obligation to buy proofs within 14 days of the ceremony’s conclusion.  

Guest Information and Livestreams

Guest Information

Guest tickets are not required for any spring ceremony. Please encourage guests to visit the guest information section on the commencement website.

Ceremony Livestreams

All spring 2026 ceremonies will be livestreamed with captions. You can access the livestream through the individual ceremony pages, under the “Watch Live” section. We recommend bookmarking the page or the YouTube link for easy access.

Degrees will be conferred, and graduates who RSVP’d "I plan to participate" will be individually recognized. If you’re unable to watch the livestream during the premiere, the ceremonies will be available for later viewing on the University of Iowa YouTube channel.

Pictures on the Pentacrest

Friday, May 15 | 2–5 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Graduates and their guests are invited to stop by the UI Center for Advancement tent on the Pentacrest for complimentary professional photos, alumni giveaways, and additional celebratory items.

Learn more about Pictures on the Pentacrest.

Please note: This is an outdoor, weather-dependent event. There is no indoor backup location.

Correction: The time for Pictures on the Pentacrest in last week's Parent and Family News memo was incorrect. This message provides the correct information.

Questions?

Email the UI Commencement Team from your university account. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
The University of Iowa

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the collegiate commencement coordinator of your ceremony in advance.