FAQs

• General
• Ceremonies
• Location/Accomodations
• Tickets

General

I missed the RSVP deadline! What do I do?

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

Will grad-students be hooded?

Master’s grads will be hooded by the Dean of their College and the Dean of the Graduate School. Doctoral grads will be hooded by their advisor 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.

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. If you have done both of these things and are still not receiving emails, please reach out to us at commencement@isu.edu.

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.

Ceremonies

How many ceremonies will there be? 

Three. These ceremonies will be divided by college into the following times:

Ceremony 1 | 10:00 am

College of Health

College of Pharmacy

Ceremony 2 | 2:00 pm

College of Arts and Letters

College of Education

Ceremony 3 | 6:00 pm

College of Business

College of Science and Engineering

College of Technology

I don’t know which college I’m in! Which ceremony should I attend?

1. Click on Undergraduate Programs or Graduate Programs.
2. Hit CTRL+F and search for your major/program.
3. Undergrads: scroll up to check which college houses your degree.
4. Grads: your college is listed in the center column.

What if I want to attend a different ceremony than the one I’m assigned?

You may fill out the Request to Switch Ceremonies form. Note: You may not change ceremonies if you have already requested guest tickets.

How long will commencement last?

Each ceremony should last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Will there be a rehearsal?

Yes. More information about rehearsal will be shared at a later date.

When should I arrive at Reed on Saturday, May 6?

Please arrive one hour before your ceremony is scheduled to begin to check in.

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.

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

Please plan on attending the Commencement Rehearsal. Our institutional reader will be available to speak with graduates to ensure correct pronunciation. If you are unable to attend the rehearsal, please contact commencement@isu.edu and we will get back to you.

Location/Accommodations

Why are we having commencement in Reed Gym instead of Holt Arena this spring?

Holt Arena is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to upgrade the facility. At the time of commencement, an intricate scaffolding system will be in place to repair the ceiling. To keep us on schedule for Holt to be completed by August of 2023, we need to let the work continue uninterrupted. Please join us in Reed Gym to celebrate your achievements!

Do we need to pay for parking?

No, parking is free the day of commencement.

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

We have both! To view a live ASL interpreter, you will need to access Zoom on a device at a link that will be made available on our YouTube livestream and website. If you would prefer text, you will be able to view a real-time transcript via StageGlasses. 

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

Within your 6 ticket order limit, we offer special accommodations tickets, but they are extremely limited. You will indicate on your ticket order form if any of your guests need special accommodation tickets.

Tickets

Do graduates need tickets? 

No, only audience members need tickets.

How many guest tickets can I have?

Each graduate is allowed up to 6 tickets for their guests. To receive them, you must fill out the

ticket request form

Can I get more than 6 tickets?

Additional tickets may become available. You should indicate on the ticket request form that you would like to be notified if extras are available. The availability of additional tickets is based on the number of people attending and the number of tickets that are left unclaimed. 

Graduates who request to be notified of additional tickets will be emailed the week of April 24 in the order in which ticket request forms were received.

Do the tickets have assigned seating?

Tickets are for general admission seating. Seats are not assigned. 

One of my guests is in a wheelchair. Do you have special needs seating?

Within your 6 ticket order limit, we offer special accommodations tickets, but they are extremely limited and must be requested in advance. You will indicate on your order form if any of your guests need special accommodation tickets.

How much do guest tickets cost?

There is no cost for guest tickets. 

Do children need tickets?

Children 3 and under who can sit on an adult's lap for the ceremony are not required to have a ticket.

How do I get my tickets?

Tickets can be picked up from the Holt Arena ticket office May 1 - May 5, 8 AM - 4:30 PM. Graduates who are not currently in Pocatello can arrange to have their tickets mailed to them by contacting the Ticket Office at 208-282-3267. Tickets can also be picked up on the day of commencement at the Will Call window in the Reed Gym lobby.

Can friends and family watch my ceremony online?

Yes! A live stream of each ceremony will be accessible on ISU’s YouTube channel to accommodate those family members and friends who exceed the number of guest tickets available.