Welcome Back to In-Person Ceremonies!

We are excited to welcome you all back to campus with the return of in-person commencement ceremonies.

Fall 2021 commencement ceremonies will begin with the College of Education on December 16 and end with the College of Engineering on December 19. Ceremonies will be held in Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Hancher Auditorium.

Face masks are strongly encouraged at all University of Iowa events and venues. 

Tickets are not required and seating is not limited for any fall 2021 collegiate commencement ceremony. 

Venue Information

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Doors to the arena will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Guests should use the South or West doors; graduates can use either or those entrances or the Graduate Only East Doors for express entry. 

Carver-Hawkeye Arena now has a clear bag policy. Everyone will be asked to open their coats or graduation gown for visual inspection.

No backpacks, large bags, packages, wrapped gifts, balloons, or outside food and beverage (with the exception of one factory sealed or empty reusable water bottle) are allowed at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during this event.

Guests may choose to sit anywhere in the arena stands once inside the venue. Graduates can descend to the floor and find the appropriate section to retrieve their name card and find a seat.

See a full list of Carver-Hawkeye Arena commencement policies.

Hancher Auditorium

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

Seating is at 100% venue capacity for the audience.

It is recommended that bags and coats be left in vehicle trunks.

Hand sanitizer is available at all building and seating entrances.

Disposable masks and facial tissues are available at building entrances 1 and 2.