Commencement Info

UI Commencement

Commencement Week is Here!

Welcome to spring 2022 commencement. We are excited to see graduates and guests at the upcoming ceremonies!

Spring 2022 commencement ceremonies will begin with the College of Pharmacy on May 12 and end with the College of Dentistry on June 9. Ceremonies will be held in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Hancher Auditorium, and the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU).

Seating is not limited for any spring 2022 collegiate commencement ceremony.

The following message was sent to all students who have indicated they are planning on participating in a spring 2022 collegiate commencement ceremony:

Commencement is Here!

Things to keep in mind...

Look below at some items to remember before the day of the ceremony.

Traffic

Traffic around the venues during commencement is expected to be busy. Please allow extra time for travel.

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 graduate use only; the slide will not be displayed during the ceremony or broadcast during the livestream.

Commencement Program

Graduates attending commencement will receive an official University of Iowa commencement program. 

The is Spring 2022 Commencement Program is available to download. Please see the program page for detailed information. 

Summer 2022 degree applicants will be included in the fall 2022 program. 

 

Venues

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Doors to the arena will open one hour prior to the start of each ceremony; the doors will open 1.5 hours early for College of Engineering. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony. East doors are for Graduate express entry only. Graduates are not required to enter through the East doors but it is highly recommended. 

Guests use South and West doors.

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

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

Please Note: Carver-Hawkeye Arena is not air conditioned. It is anticipated to be warm and muggy this weekend; we encourage guests to wear comfortable clothing and stay hydrated. The Feller Club room (near section EE on the concourse) is air conditioned and will be broadcasting the ceremonies live if you need a break from the heat. Graduates can take a bottle of water with them to the floor.

Guests may choose to sit in any unreserved seats once inside the venue. Graduates should descend to the floor, find the appropriate section to retrieve their name card, and find a seat. Graduates should not take anything (except their phone) to the floor.

Full security policies along with driving directions, where to park, and information for guests with disabilities or limited mobility can be found on the Carver-Hawkeye Arena page.

Hancher Auditorium and IMU

Hancher Auditorium

Doors to the auditorium will open one hour prior to the ceremony. Once you arrive at the ceremony, there will be a designated area where you can pick up your name card. Card pick up information will be communicated by your college or there will be signage at the entrance to direct you.

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.

Driving directions and a full list of spring 2022 ceremonies can be found on the Hancher Auditorium page.

Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

The College of Public Health ceremony will be located in the Main Lounge. Graduates should arrive between 9:15 and 9:30 am and must check-in. Check-in will be located on the east side (Madison Street) of the IMU Main Lounge.

Parking options include the IMU parking ramp, the North Lot ramp, and the Hancher lot. There will be complimentary exiting (raised exit gates) from 11-2 pm.

For people requiring disability accommodations, parking spots are available at the IMU ramp and on the south side of the IMU, and an ADA entrance is directly across Madison Street from the IMU parking ramp at the Hubbard Commons entrance.

There is a drop-off area by the ADA entrance as well.

Livestreams and Ceremony Videos

Livestreams

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

Full List of Spring 2022 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 graduates. Degrees will be conferred and graduates who have RSVP'd "Attending" will be individually recognized during the commencement ceremonies. 

Ceremony Videos

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

The University of Iowa