Graduation and Convocation
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fall 2019 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, December 20, 2019 (see student arrival instructions below)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Stephens Auditorium
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 they 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 livestream will be set up for students to share with family and friends for Fall 2019. The video from Fall 2018 ceremony appears below.
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 may 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. Graduating seniors who have successfully completed the Honors Program and/or are graduating with distinction (3.5+ GPA at the end of the Spring 2019 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 at Stephens Auditorium by 6:15 p.m. for student check-in. Use the backstage door at the southeast corner of Stephens Auditorium, located off of Center Drive. 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. There will be coat racks backstage.
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 Erin Halverson at erinh1@iastate.edu or 515-294-1030.
University commencement ceremonies
All ISU graduating students are encouraged to attend the university’s Fall 2019 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 on the graduation website.
Download the free “Iowa State Alumni” app
NEW as of Spring 2019: Check out the Iowa State Alumni app’s new “Graduation” tile; it’s your gateway to Commencement — including the ONLY place family and guests will be able to view the university commencement ceremony program. All seniors: Make sure you, your family, and your friends download the free “Iowa State Alumni” app from the iTunes Store or Google Play Store BEFORE commencement.
Questions regarding the university commencement events should be directed to the Graduation Office, 515-294-1840, graduation@iastate.edu.