Spring 2025 University of Iowa Commencement Information

Thank you for subscribing to the Spring 2025 Commencement Guest Newsletter.

We are excited to celebrate this milestone with you and your graduate! Please review the important information below to help you plan for a smooth and memorable experience during commencement week.

Regalia Reminder

Please make sure your student has their regalia before their ceremony. Regalia will not be available for purchase or rental at the venue.

Visit the apparel page on the commencement website for details. The Iowa Hawk Shop and University Bookstore have regalia in stock and are ready to help your student get what they need.

Ceremony Details and Venues

Confirm Date, Time, and Location

Check the commencement website to review your graduate’s ceremony information. Doors open one our prior to each ceremony.

Venue Information

Venue pages include details on parking and accessible entrances, prohibited items (e.g., purses, flowers, balloons, signs, noisemakers), entry procedures and guest seating, and ADA accommodations.

• Carver-Hawkeye Arena Information
  • There is no air conditioning. It may be hot inside—please dress accordingly.
  • A clear bag policy is enforced.
• Hancher Auditorium Information

Travel and Parking

Expect traffic delays due to major construction near UIHC and Newton Road. This may impact travel to and from all commencement venues—please build in extra time.

Check the Iowa Department of Transportation website for real-time updates.

Complimentary parking is available for graduates and guests at all venues. Learn more about Carver-Hawkeye Arena parking and Hancher parking, including accessible parking options.

Ceremony Livestreams

All spring 2025 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

Celebrate with your graduate and capture the moment!

Friday, May 16 | 2–5 p.m.

Saturday, May 17 | 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.

Commencement Program

The University of Iowa Commencement Program lists degree candidates by college and degree type. Inclusion in the program is not tied to ceremony participation.

Summer and fall degree candidates will appear in the fall program, even if they are participating in a spring ceremony. Learn more about the commencement program.

Graduates will receive a printed program at the ceremony. A digital version has been published on the commencement website.

Have a Question?

We recommend visiting the Commencement Website first. It is up to date and includes detailed information for all ceremonies—you will likely find what you need there.

You are still welcome to email the UI Commencement Team with questions. Please note that during commencement week, we will be working away from our desks to prepare for and support ceremonies, so response times may be delayed. Thank you for your understanding.

We look forward to celebrating the graduating class with you this spring!