Join us in Hilton Coliseum as we celebrate our spring and summer 2025 Ivy graduates!

The Ivy College of Business convocation ceremony will include greetings from Raisbeck Endowed Dean David Spalding, remarks from a student speaker, and individual recognition of degree candidates who are in attendance. Candidates will cross the stage as their name and personal statement are read, and more than 50 Ivy professors and staff will be there to congratulate the graduates. The ceremony will be live-streamed on YouTube.

Seating is unlimited and tickets are not required for admission. However, degree candidates must RSVP to participate in the ceremony.

Many students choose to attend the university commencement ceremony as well. What is the difference between the Ivy Convocation Ceremony and Commencement?

Student RSVP Required

The RSVP deadline is Tuesday, May 13. Please note:

• Students who submit their graduation application less than three weeks before graduation will not be listed in the Ivy College of Business convocation program.
• Students who have previously earned a degree and have returned for a second major in business should contact Undergraduate Student Services in 1200 Gerdin to have their name appear in the program.

Caps and Gowns

Caps and gowns are required to participate in the Ivy College of Business convocation ceremony and may be purchased from the ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union. Graduates who are a member of the United States Armed Forces are welcome to wear uniforms. Graduates who wear specific attire for religious or cultural purposes are welcome to do so.

Distinction Cords

Undergraduate students who will graduate with distinction will receive a distinction cord to wear with their graduation gown. Click here for eligibility details and see the text under “Graduation with Distinction.” The Registrar’s Office will send an email with more information about the date, time, and location for cord pick-up.

Arriving at Hilton Coliseum

The doors to Hilton Coliseum will open at 3:00 p.m. Students should arrive no later than 3:15 p.m. and proceed to check-in (in the northwest concourse) to pick up their reader cards. You will be instructed where to line up (signs will be posted by major). If you have a double major or two degrees, you may choose which major you would like to sit and cross the stage with. Please leave coats, purses, and other valuables with family or friends.

Accessibility

Accessible parking is located in Lot C2, on the south side of Hilton Coliseum. The accessible entrance is on the lower west side of Hilton Coliseum and offers elevator access to all levels of the arena. Upon reaching the concourse level, look for an usher to be directed to an accessible seating area.

Seating for guests with limited mobility is available on a first come, first served basis. Wheelchair seating areas, which also allow for motorized scooters, are available on the concourse level. The top row of arena seating (one step down from the concourse) is reserved for those with limited mobility.

The ceremony will be closed captioned and American Sign Language interpreters will provide live interpretation.

Students who need accommodations to participate in the ceremony should contact Suzanne Lyndon at slyndon@iastate.edu or 515-294-1504 to make arrangements prior to the ceremony. If assistance is needed the day of the ceremony, please speak with an usher.

Crossing the Stage

Degree candidates will be recognized by major. If you are graduating with a double major or multiple degrees, you will be recognized only once. Student marshals will lead the candidates to the foot of the stage. Candidates will present their reader card to the reader, and each candidate will cross the stage to be recognized by college leadership as their name is read.

Diplomas

Diplomas and diploma covers will not be handed out at the Ivy College of Business convocation ceremony, but rather can be picked up by the graduate in 214 Enrollment Services or mailed to the graduate 2-3 weeks after graduation. If you have questions about your diploma options, please contact the Graduation Office at graduation@iastate.edu or (515) 294-1840.

American Sign Language interpretation services will be provided during the ceremony, and the video board will be closed captioned. The ceremony will be live streamed on YouTube.

Photography

When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording will occur. By attending this event, you consent to the possibility of your image and likeness being used in Ivy College of Business publications. That may include any of the college’s marketing materials, such as the website, social media, or other platforms.

Photos may be taken from your seat during the ceremony. In addition, Empire Photography staff will be on the floor to take two close-up pictures: one as graduates shake hands with the dean and another after they exit the stage. Graduates will receive an email from Empire Photography shortly after convocation and photos may be purchased online.

Social Media

Share your photos, memories, future plans, and selfies using #IvyGrad and #cyclONEgrad!

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Questions?

Please contact Suzanne Lyndon, convocation coordinator, at slyndon@iastate.edu or 515-294-1504.