Arriving at the Venue
Doors to the venue will open at 7:45 AM. Graduates should arrive no later than 8:15 AM. You should arrive for your ceremony with cap and gown in hand.
Graduates and families should anticipate the ceremony to last around an hour and a half.
Personal Items
If you arrive with a coat or purse, please make arrangements to leave these items with a family member or friend. You should not have anything in your hand other than your name card when the processional begins and throughout the ceremony.
Name Card Hand-Out
Find the Check-in table north (left down the hallway) of the main entrance in Strauss Hall. Here you will check-in and pick up your name card. Please hold on to this card, as you will hand it to the person announcing you on stage.
Seating
You will line up for the processional to the stage in Strauss Hall. A marshal will escort your group to your designated seating area on the stage where all graduates will sit together. You should sit down when you reach your chair. A University Program booklet listing the graduates’ names will be on your chair.
Ceremony
The ceremony begins with a welcome address and several brief speeches.
Presentation of Graduates
When it’s time for degree candidates to be recognized individually, you will take your name card with you, hand it to the person reading names at the microphone and walk to center stage to shake hands with the University of Iowa official. You will then be directed behind the stage for a photo and return to the opposite end of your original row of seats, cross to your original seat and sit down.
After the closing remarks, graduates will begin the Recessional under the marshals’ direction.
Expectation of Graduates
Commencement is the culminating event of University study for students who choose to attend. An appropriate and dignified academic atmosphere is absolutely expected so that you, your family, and other guests may enjoy this important gathering.
The following rules of behavior will be enforced at all ceremonies:
- No alcoholic beverages of any kind
- Inappropriate dress and costumes worn under gowns will not be allowed
- Cell phones must be turned off or silenced in the graduate seating area
- No flowers, purses, gifts, balloons, or bags will be allowed in the student seating area
- Marshals and security staff will be looking for intoxicated persons. Inebriated students are not permitted to participate
With everyone’s cooperation, this occasion will become a proud and happy memory of your academic achievement at the University of Iowa.