Graduation and Convocation

March 24, 2014

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fall 2017 Undergraduate Convocation

Graduating students: we are proud of you, and we look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you and your guests!

convocation

Who: Undergraduate students approved for graduation or early walks
Date: Friday, December 15, 2017 (see student arrival instructions below)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Stephens Auditorium
Dress for students: Business professional or business casual attire
Purpose: To recognize all undergraduate students graduating from the college

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Convocation is a separate event from the official Iowa State University commencement ceremony. Convocation only includes students from the LAS college and offers students and their guests a more personalized celebration of their achievement. Seating is unlimited, and no tickets are required. Attendance is optional.

The LAS Convocation will include greetings from the Dean of the college, a student speaker, and individual recognition of graduating students in attendance. Students will cross the stage as their names and a personal quote are read and will be recognized by the Dean and a faculty representative from their department. A professional photographer will take photos of each student and send proofs to each student for optional purchase. We estimate the event will last no longer than 90 minutes.

How to Register

Students are required to register in advance to attend the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Convocation. No tickets are required for your guests.

An invitation to the LAS Convocation will be emailed to each student’s ISU email address approximately six weeks before graduation. LAS graduating seniors planning to participate should fill out the graduation form in AccessPlus.

Click on the “student” tab and select “graduation” and then “diploma/ceremony.” Complete all your required fields.

Students will also be able to see what honors they may be graduating with in AccessPlus.

Students who do not register for LAS Convocation two weeks prior to the event are not guaranteed to be listed in the program.

Student Dress

Graduation caps and gowns will not be worn by students at the LAS college convocation, but are required at the official all-University commencement ceremony.

Students participating in the LAS convocation are asked to dress for the occasion in business professional or business casual attire. (No jeans, please).

Graduates of an ROTC program are encouraged to wear their commissioning uniform.

Arrival instructions for LAS convocation

Please arrive backstage at Stephens by 6:15 p.m. Use the backstage door at the southeast corner of Stephens, off Center Drive. The door will be marked with a sandwich board sign.

Plan to leave any purses or valuables with a family member or friend. LAS staff will help you check in backstage. During the event, you will walk across the stage as your name and a personal quote are read and you will be recognized by the Dean and a faculty representative from your department. A professional photographer will take your photo and send you proofs for optional purchase.

Diploma Covers

Your diploma covers are presented at the University ceremony. If you do not plan to attend the University ceremony, you can see the options for obtaining a diploma cover at the Graduation Office website.

Please contact the Graduation Office at 515-294-1840 if you have questions about diplomas.

Questions about LAS convocation?

Please contact Stacey Maifeld at smaifeld@iastate.edu or 515-294-7742.

University commencement ceremonies

All ISU graduating students are encouraged to attend the university’s official Fall 2017 graduation ceremonies. Graduation caps and gowns are the required attire for the university ceremonies.

Approximately one month before graduation, specifics regarding the University ceremony will be emailed to students to the email address they have on file with the Office of the Registrar. Ceremony instructions and a graduation checklist will also be posted at the graduation website.

Questions about all-university commencement events should be directed to the Graduation Office, 515-294-1840, graduation@iastate.edu.