Graduation and Convocation
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Spring 2018 Undergraduate Convocation
Graduating students: we are proud of you, and we look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you and your guests!
Who: Undergraduate students approved for graduation or early walks
Date: Friday, May 4, 2018 (see student arrival instructions below)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Hilton Coliseum
Dress for students: Black cap and gown and graduation tassel. See more details below.
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 ceremonies. 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.
Ceremony Live Stream
A YouTube live stream will be set up closer to the day of the event for students to share with family and friends.
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 have not completed their diploma/ceremony form two weeks prior to the event are not guaranteed to be listed in the LAS program.
Student Dress
Students participating in the LAS convocation are required to wear academic attire (black cap and gown and LAS graduation tassel) which can be obtained through the ISU Bookstore. LAS graduation tassel colors are as follows: LAS Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree (White), LAS Bachelor of Arts degree (White), LAS Bachelor of Science degree (Gold), and LAS Bachelor of Music degree (pink).
Students are also encouraged to wear any honor cords or stoles they may have received for academic honors or other distinctions. Spring and summer graduating seniors who have successfully completed the Honors Program and/or are graduating with distinction (3.5+ GPA at the end of the fall 2017 semester) are encouraged to wear honor cords which can be picked up at 210 Enrollment Services.
Graduates of ROTC programs have the option to wear their commissioning uniforms and are encouraged to do so if they would like.
Arrival instructions for LAS convocation
Please arrive by 6:15 p.m. and head to student check-in, which will be located on the Hilton concourse near section 109 in the northwest corner. Keep in mind it can take a few minutes to trek to Hilton from the parking lot or to walk around the concourse. Give yourself time so you can be at check-in promptly at 6:15. The College of Business convocation takes place at 4:00 p.m., and will likely be concluded before you arrive. Plan to leave any valuables or bags with a family member or friend. We cannot hold them for you, and you may not return to the same seat after you walk across the stage during the ceremony.
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 Spring 2018 commencement ceremonies. Graduation caps and gowns are also 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.