Information for Students Participating in

The College of Nursing

Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 17th at 5:00 p.m.

Hancher Auditorium

(Degree candidates should plan to arrive no later than 4:30 p.m. )

 

What should I wear?

All graduates are required to wear a black gown and black cap with an apricot tassel. Apparel can be purchased at University Book Store, 63 IMU:

Monday - Thursday, April 28 – May 1 from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Friday, May 2 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 4 from noon until 4 p.m.

Monday ­- Thursday, May 5 – May 8 from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Friday, May 9 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Undergraduate apparel (cap, gown, tassel) is $16.25. The Book Store accepts cash, check, Visa and Master Card.

Graduates unable to visit the Book Store in person should send a check payable to “University Book Store” to University Book Store, 63 IMU, Iowa City IA 52242-1317.  If you are an Iowa resident, please add 6% sales tax.  Include a note stating your height and degree to be received. Orders will be available for pickup at the west coat check in the Hancher lobby prior to the start of the ceremony.

Candidates planning to wear academic apparel obtained from any other source should contact Commencements at 335–0296 no later than May 2nd since seating is initially planned on the basis of apparel sales.

At the ceremony: Men are expected to wear ties although jackets are not required. Flowers are not worn on gowns. Caps or gowns decorated with inappropriate messages will not be permitted.

Caps are to be worn with the mortar board horizontal and the tassel on the right. They should be worn during the Processional, while degrees are being conferred and during the Recessional. They may be removed at other times.

Can I get professional photos from my ceremony?

Professional photographers from Jolesch Photography will be taking two photos of each degree candidate at the ceremonies: a more formal, “posed” photo and a “candid” photo taken while shaking hands with a University official.

To receive a complimentary proof, be sure to complete the address information on the back of the Name Card you will fill out when you purchase your cap and gown. Book Store personnel will complete this information for mail-in orders.

Students should check for accuracy. Approximately 7-10 days after graduation, you can select and purchase photos online at: http://www.joleschorders.com/

What information will my guests need? Do they need tickets?

The ceremony is open to the public. Doors open an hour before the starting time. Seats are not reserved and tickets are not required for admission.

No backpacks or large bags are allowed. Hancher reserves the right to inspect any bag or package brought into the building.

If you expect a guest with physical disabilities and would like to arrange for special seating, please call Commencements at 335-0296 or Graduation Analysis at 335–0228 by May 2nd.

How can I order graduation announcements?

Traditional announcements are now on sale at the Levitt Center from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays. New and graduating senior members of the Alumni Association receive ten free announcements. Call 335-3294 to join.

Personalized announcements can be specifically designed with The University of Iowa's school's crest and personalized with your name, degree, major, time, date, and place of your ceremony. For personalized announcements go to: http://www.iowalum.com/merchandise/graduation.html

How can I order a class ring or a diploma frame?

Class rings and diploma frames can be ordered through the University Book Store at:  http://www.book.uiowa.edu/

Is there a rehearsal?

No, so please read this information thoroughly to get a sense of what will happen and what is expected.

What time should I be at the College of Nursing ceremony?

Nursing students should plan to arrive no later than 4:30 pm. Arriving earlier will give you a few minutes for photos with family and friends. Also, there will be less congestion.

What do I do when I arrive at the ceremony?

You should arrive at your ceremony with cap and gown in hand.  Join your group. A marshal will be there to direct you. The Processional will begin.

What happens at the ceremony?

Your marshal will escort your group to a designated seating area. You should sit down as soon as you reach your chair. A diploma cover and a program booklet listing the graduates will be there already.

The beginning of the program will include a Welcome, several brief speeches, the Charge to the Graduates, The Conferring of Degrees and the Recognition & Acknowledgement of Graduates.

For the Presentation of Graduates, the candidates will be invited to come to the stage to be recognized individually. After your name has been called, walk to center stage to shake hands with the dean and university official. Following a posed photo taken backstage, you will return to the opposite end of your original row of seats, cross to your original seat and be seated.

Following the closing remarks, candi da tes remain standing and immediately begin the Recessional under the marshals' direction and in an orderly fashion.

What is expected of graduates who attend?

Commencement is the culminating event of University study for students who choose to attend. So that you, your family and other guests may enjoy this important gathering, an appropriate and dignified academic atmosphere is absolutely expected.

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 in the graduate seating area must be turned off.

•  No purses, gifts, balloons, flowers 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.

What if I choose not to attend my ceremony? How do I get a cover for my diploma?

You do not need to let us know that you will not attend your ceremony. If you are moving, you should change your address on ISIS before leaving campus.

Students electing not to attend are invited to stop by Graduation Analysis, 1 Jessup Hall, week da ys between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to receive a complimentary diploma cover. If you wish to have a diploma cover mailed to you, send a check for $4 and your name/address to UI Graduation Analysis, 1 Jessup Hall , Iowa City IA 52242-1316.

When will I receive my diploma? How do I make an address change?

Diplomas will be mailed to successful candidates in late June. Your diploma will be mailed to the most recent residing address you reported to the University. Be sure to update your address on ISIS before leaving campus, if your address will change! Diplomas will not be forwarded by the US Postal Service.

If you would like your diploma to be mailed to an address other than where you will be residing (for example, to your parents' home), go to Graduation Analysis, 1 Jessup Hall, to fill out a Diploma Only Address Change form prior to May 17th.

The final academic or credentialing document will not be released if you have financial indebtedness to the University.

 

Prepared by the University of Iowa

Office of the Registrar

1 Jessup Hall

Iowa City IA 52242

The University of Iowa does not discriminate in its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age or handicap. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities without reference to affectional or associational preference. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Coordinator for Title IX and Section 504 in the Office of Affirmative Action, telephone (319) 335 - 0705, 202 Jessup Hall, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242.