FAQs

How many ceremonies? 

Two!

Where can I see my commencement photographs?

Ceremony pictures were taken by The Grad Team and will be available for viewing and purchase

When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed via first-class mail to the address indicated on your graduation application. Diplomas are mailed two to three weeks after your degree has been posted to your transcript, which can take up to five weeks. You will receive an email from gradisu@isu.edu letting you know when your degree has been posted and a second email from the diploma vendor (Michael Sutter Company) when your diploma has been mailed.

How can I make sure my diploma will be sent to the correct address?

Notify a graduation specialist in the Office of the Registrar of any changes in your mailing address as soon as possible. Once the information for your diploma is sent to our diploma printing vendor, the mailing address cannot be changed.

When should I arrive at Holt on May 7?

For the 10:00 a.m. ceremony, please arrive at Holt Arena by 9:00 a.m. to check in.

For the 2:00 p.m. ceremony, please arrive at Holt Arena by 1:00 p.m. to check in.

Is Holt Arena under construction?

Holt Arena is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to upgrade the facility and improve the fan experience. The project is being fully funded by an investment from Idaho Central Credit Union. The first phase focuses on the north side, allowing us to use the south side for commencement. Audience members will need to enter from the south side of the facility. For more information, check out Pardon Our Dust.  

What if I want to switch ceremonies?

Please fill out the Switch Ceremonies form.

Tickets?

Your family and friends are invited to attend commencement, no tickets necessary. 

Rehearsal?

We will have a commencement rehearsal via Zoom on Thursday, May 5 at 3 p.m. Everyone who has RSVPed will receive the Zoom link at a later date. The rehearsal will be recorded and made available if you are unable to attend. 

Live-streamed?

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

Grad-student hoodings?

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.

Do we need to pay for parking?

No, parking is free at Holt Arena the day of commencement.

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

Please plan on attending the Commencement Rehearsal on Thursday, May 5 at 3:00 to speak to our institutional reader. She will also be available for drop in at the same link beginning at 4:00 following the rehearsal 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.

How long will commencement last?

The ceremony should last approximately one hour and forty-five minutes.

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. You will also be able to view a general commencement album at SmugMug. 

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 and go to one of the following links:

10:00 am Commencement Ceremony

2:00 pm Commencement Ceremony

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?

Please contact Holt Arena 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. If you have, please fill out the RSVP and take a look at the following links to email communications you may have missed.

Commencement Announcement

Grad Finale Email

RSVP Reminder

Student Speaker Reminder

Ceremony Division Announcement

Join Us for Commencement Rehearsal

Welcome to Commencement Week!

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.

Want to stock up on Bengal Gear?

The ISU Bookstore will be open from 8-3 on May 7. Stop by before or after you walk. Bring the whole crew!