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Drone photograph of Upper Iowa's StadiumCommencement Location

UIU’s commencement is held outdoors at Harms-Eischeid Stadium. In the event of inclement weather,  the ceremony will be held in Dorman Memorial Gymnasium.

Schedule Overview

2025 In-Person Commencement Ceremonies:

  • 10:00 AM: Department of Accounting, Agricultural Business and Finance, Department of Business, Management and Marketing, Department of Science and Mathematics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Sport Administration, and Department of Nursing.
  • 1:30 PM: Andres Department of Education, Department of Humanities and Social Science, Department of Psychology and Human Services, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Education, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Counseling,  and Second Chance graduates and undergraduates.

For Questions, Contact Us: [email protected] 

10:00 AM Ceremony Schedule

Pick up caps and gowns in the Student Center (second floor lobby) between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. Regalia will also be available for pick up on Thursday, May 1 between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and on Friday, May 2 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m Ceremony Majors

MBA, MHA, MSA. Undergraduate majors in Accounting, Agricultural Business, Biology, Business Administration, Conservation Management, Exercise Science, Financial Management, Health Services Administration, Human Resources Management, Information Systems, Information Technology, Life Science, Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Nursing, and Supply Chain Management. Also includes Associate Degrees with an Emphasis in General Business.

1:30 PM Ceremony Schedule

Pick up caps and gowns in the Student Center (second floor lobby) between 8 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. Regalia will also be available for pick up on Thursday, May 1 between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and on Friday, May 2 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

  • Second Chance Commencement degree receipients (undergraduate and graduate) will participate in this 1:30 p.m. ceremony.

1:30 p.m. Ceremony Majors

MAP, MED, MPA, MSC. Undergraduate majors: All Business, All Language Arts, All Science, All Social Science, American Sign Language, Art, Art Education, Birth-Grade 3: Inclusive Settings, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Emergency and Disaster Management, English, Graphic Design, Human Services, Industrial Technology, Instructional Strategist BD/LD/ID, Liberal Arts, Physical Education, Psychology, Public Administration, Reading, Social Science, Social Science Basic, and Sociology. Also includes Associate Degrees with an Emphasis in Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts or Psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit a photo for the commencement video?

Each year, we create a special video for Commencement featuring videos and photos of our graduating students from across the University—at Fayette, at centers, overseas, at home, online, and self-paced. To make this project truly memorable, we’re asking for your contributions!

To be considered, all material must be received by Friday, April 11. Please note: We cannot use content that is copyright-protected or inappropriate for a general audience.

  • PHOTOS: Email in jpeg format to Beth Petsche at [email protected]. Questions? Call Beth at 563-425-5371.
  • VIDEOS: Send in wmv, avi mov, or mp4 format to Jackson Hayek at [email protected] using www.wetransfer.com.  If you have agreed to shoot special footage for the video, Jackson will contact you with uploading instructions. Questions? Call Jackson at 563-425-5244.

Instructions for uploading your video to wetransfer.com:

  1. Record video on your phone or computer (no more than 30 seconds).
  2. Save video as a file.
  3. Go to https://uiupeacocks.wetransfer.com/
  4. Add your file.
  5. Click “Send”.
  6.  NOTE: You may be requested to verify your email by entering a verification code.

What dining services are available?

Dining services option information coming soon! 

Fayette Area Dining Services

View Fayette Area Lodging and Dining Services

Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

Yes! The live streams for each ceremony will be viewable on this page on the day of the ceremony. The stream will start shortly before each ceremony begins. For audio, adjust the volume on your computer as well as the volume on the player.

There will also be overflow remote viewing locations in the Liberal Arts building in room 100 (LA100), as well as Student Center Ballrooms A&B.

What time should I arrive? How will I know what to do when I get there?

Plan to arrive early. Leave yourself enough time to find parking, pick up your cap and gown, get dressed, and walk or take a shuttle to the ceremony location. Visit the Student Center first to pick up your regalia.

At least 30 minutes before the start of your ceremony, make your way to the ceremony location. Staff members will be there to assist you in finding your seat.

How much walking is required? Are shuttles available?

You may need to park a few blocks from ceremony location when you arrive. Shuttle service is available on campus on the day of commencement to take participants and guests from one area of campus to another.

Preregister with GradImages for photo packages

More information regarding preregistration coming soon!

What is the Second Chance Commencement? How do I register?

Missed Your Commencement? Here’s Your “Second Chance!” If you didn’t get to walk across the stage the year you graduated (no matter the reason) now’s your moment! Dress in the traditional cap and gown, proudly accept a diploma cover, and commemorate the occasion with a formal photo alongside UIU President Kathy Franken.

Participants will be included in the 1:30 p.m. ceremony. Additional Second Chance information, including required registration details is available at uiu.edu/Alumni-Events. Questions should be directed to the Office of Advancement & Alumni Engagement at 563-425-5238 or [email protected].

Flowers for the Graduate Available for Purchase

Flowers are sold at the ceremony location.  Cash and credit cards will both be accepted at the sale.  See below for selection of items.

Half dozen roses with filler flower and greens– $29.00

A bouquet of dark red roses

Dozen roses with filler flower and greens–$39.00

A bouquet of bright pink roses

Stuffed grad bears with cap and diploma — $29.00

Stuffed bears with graduation caps and diplomas

Where can I purchase commemorative items?

Harms-Eischeid  Stadium

  • Open 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Campus Store (in Student Center)

  • Open 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Different merchandise in both locations! Shop for apparel, hats, blankets, accessories, gift items, diploma frames and much more!

If you can’t make it in person, or want to shop ahead and pick up that day, visit our online store @ SHOP.UIU.EDU

If you are unable to attend commencement or would like to purchase additional items to commemorate your graduation, UIU offers commencement packages at our online storefront under the graduate section for more information about the options (diploma covers, tassels, and UIU stoles).

Is the ceremony held outside? What happens in case of inclement weather?

UIU’s commencement ceremony is held outdoors at Harms-Eischeid Stadium. In the case of inclement weather, ceremonies will be moved inside to Dorman Gymnasium.

Seating will be on a first-come basis. Overflow viewing areas in LA100 and Student Center Ballrooms A & B will allow extra guests to watch the ceremony remotely on video.

Are there tickets? How many guests can I bring?

There are no tickets required for the ceremony. Seating is on a first-come basis. There is not a limit to the number of guests you can bring.

What is included with my cap and gown? Am I able to keep my regalia after the ceremony?

Regalia is provided only to students who participate in a ceremony. Your academic regalia includes cap, gown, stole, and tassel. Veteran’s cords are included for all eligible participants. Participants completing Bachelor’s degree will receive honor cords if eligible (please note, session 4 grades are due after the ceremony and generally will not be part of the cumulative GPA used to determine honor cord eligibility). Participants completing graduate degrees will receive a Master’s hood.

Participants who are eligible for a philanthropy cord may pick it up at Harms-Eischeid Stadium.

All regalia is yours to keep.

What is the philanthropy cord and how do I donate?

The Class Gift campaign at UIU provides students with an opportunity to leave their legacy. UIU Philanthropy Cords are worn at the commencement ceremony by those who have made a contribution to the this year’s Class Gift.

Click here to learn more + make a gift online today!

Will I receive my Diploma at the ceremony?

All diplomas are mailed to graduates regardless of whether you attend a ceremony. Ceremony participants will receive a diploma cover at the time of the ceremony.

May I wear my formal military uniform in lieu of the academic regalia?

Yes, military students are welcome to wear their formal military uniform in lieu of the academic regalia should they so wish. Academic regalia will still be provided.

What accommodations are available for me or my guests?

Participants who need accommodations or assistance during the processional or while crossing the stage should notify the Registrar by sending an email to [email protected] and checking in with a member of event staff upon arrival. Guests who need special seating will be seated on a first come basis. If the ceremony is moved indoors due to inclement weather, special seating is very limited and guests may be directed to the livestream locations in the Liberal Arts building or Student Center Ballroom.

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