FAQs

I missed the RSVP deadline! What do I do?

We are still accepting RSVPs. Please fill out the RSVP form today!

Where do I get my cap and gown?

You can still purchase all regalia items, including cap and gown, at the ISU Bookstore in the Pond Student Union Building anytime during business hours until the day of commencement. The bookstore will be open from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm on the day of commencement.  

Where can I find out what color tassel or hood I need?

Call the ISU Bookstore at (208) 282-3237 or stop by the PSUB in person!

How do I buy my cap and gown online?

You can order online through the Jostens website. It takes about 5 weeks to receive online orders. Deadline to buy commencement regalia: March 28

How many ceremonies are there? 

We have one Winter Ceremony at ICCU Dome on Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 am.

In Spring of 2025, there will be 2 ceremonies:

10 AM: College of Arts & Letters, College of Business, College of Science and Engineering
2 PM: College of Health, College of Pharmacy, College of Education, College of Technology

Doesn’t Meridian have a ceremony?

Meridian has one ceremony in May. More information will be available about their ceremony during the spring semester.

I’m graduating this winter, but I would rather walk in May. Can I attend Spring 2025 Commencement instead?

Yes you may! Please fill out the Defer to Spring 2025 form so we know that you will need to be forwarded the information.

Will there be a commencement rehearsal?

We will rehearse on Friday, December 13 at 3:00 pm in the ICCU Dome. Rehearsal should last approximately one hour. 

What do I do if I can’t be at rehearsal?

It is not mandatory. If you are unable to attend, please email commencement@isu.edu for an overview of instructions the week of commencement.

How long will commencement last?

The ceremony will last approximately two hours or less.

When should I arrive to commencement?

Please arrive at the ICCU Dome one hour before your ceremony begins.

Do we need tickets?

Your family and friends are invited to attend commencement, no tickets necessary. Seating is general admission so we encourage them to arrive early. Doors open one hour prior to the ceremony start time.

Do we need to pay for parking?

No, parking is free at the ICCU Dome the day of commencement.

Can my family watch the ceremony online?

Our ceremony will be live-streamed and recorded on ISU’s YouTube Channel for friends and family members who are unable to attend. 

Will photos be taken during the ceremony?

Yes, professional pictures will be taken by The Grad Team and will be available for viewing and purchase after commencement. 

Will Master’s graduates be hooded?

Master’s grads will be hooded by the Dean of their College and the Dean of the Graduate School. For more information about how hoodings work, check out the ISU Hooding Instructional Video created by the Graduate School.

Will Doctoral graduates be hooded?

Doctoral grads will be hooded by their advisor and the Dean of the Graduate School. As you prepare for your commencement ceremony, please let us know who will be hooding you. You may choose to be hooded by an advisor or another faculty member. Ensure that the person you select will be present at the ceremony. Once you have made your selection, you will need to submit our hooding survey to provide us with this information. If this is your first hooding, check out the ISU Hooding Instructional Video created by the Graduate School.

How do I make sure my name is pronounced correctly at commencement?

The best way to ensure correct pronunciation is to speak with our institutional reader before commencement so that he can make notes on your reader card using his own system. You will have two opportunities to meet with him:

• During Commencement Rehearsal on Friday, December 13 at 3:00 pm in the ICCU Dome
• Before the Commencement Ceremony

I need captions or live ASL Interpreters. How can I access those? 

We have both! We will have an ASL interpreter for graduates on the floor and audience members in the stands. Please contact Disability Services to make seating arrangements. If you would prefer text, you will be able to view a real-time transcript via a link on the commencement homepage.

One of my guests needs special seating accommodations. Who do I contact?

Please contact the ICCU Dome at the following phone number: (208) 282-4931.

I haven’t gotten any emails from you! What should I do?

Please be sure you have applied to graduate and then fill out the RSVP form. 

How do I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to the address you indicated on your graduation application and should arrive 2-3 weeks after your degree has been posted to your academic record and official transcript.

Can I get a diploma cover if I don’t attend Commencement?

Diploma covers are available at the Registrar’s Office. 

I am graduating in the summer. What ceremony can I attend?

We have a ceremony in the Spring and Winter. Summer grads can choose the ceremony that works best with their schedule.

Where do I find photos and programs from the Spring 2024 commencement ceremony?

Photos can be found on The Grad Team website.