Office of the Registrar

Iowa State University Commencement

Graduate Ceremony

8:00 p.m., Dec 18, 2009
C.Y. Stephens Auditorium

Undergraduate Ceremony

1:30 p.m., Dec 19, 2009
Hilton Coliseum

Welcome to Fall 2009 Commencement!

To all families and friends:

You are cordially invited to the Fall 2009 Iowa State University commencement ceremony. The graduate ceremony will be held December 18th at 8:00 p.m., in C.Y. Stephens Auditorium. The undergraduate ceremony will be held December 19th at 1:30 p.m., in Hilton Coliseum.

Enjoy your stay at Iowa State University and in Ames. The information below should help provide details about commencement. If you have additional questions, contact the graduation office at graduation@iastate.edu

Graduation day is both exciting and hectic so it's good to plan ahead. The following tips might help your day go more smoothly:

  • Doors to Hilton and C.Y. Stephens open approximately 1 hour prior to the ceremonies.
  • Plan to arrive early to find your seats and meet your family.
  • A handicapped entrance is located on the west side of Hilton Coliseum. All public parking on commencement day is south of Hilton.
  • Parking: space is available on the south side of Hilton Coliseum. Parking attendants will direct you to the proper location.
  • Photography: you can take photos from your seat during the ceremony. In addition, Jolesch Photography staff will be on the floor and will take at least two closeup pictures of your graduate: one before he/she walks onstage and another as he/she receives a diploma cover from either the provost or the president. These photos can be purchased online soon after commencement.
  • Everyone is dismissed immediately at the end of the ceremony. Since it can be difficult to locate your graduate in all the confusion, it's a good idea to decide on a meeting place after the ceremony.
  • The Alumni Association will host a complimentary post-commencement reception for you, your fellow graduates, your family, and your friends at the ISU Alumni Center. Festivities start immediately following the undergraduate ceremony on December 19th, and continue until 6 p.m. Complete details.

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