Due to a record number of undergraduate students opting to attend university commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 14, Iowa State leaders have added a third undergraduate ceremony to the two originally planned. The decision ensures there is enough capacity at Hilton Coliseum for graduating students to invite as many guests as they would like.
Each of the three ceremonies will celebrate two academic colleges. The new undergraduate schedule for May 14 is:
- Ceremony 1: 9 a.m., Ivy College of Business, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Ceremony 2: 2:30 p.m., College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering
- Ceremony 3: 6:30 p.m., College of Design, College of Human Sciences
Graduating students were informed of the change in an email earlier today.
Student-centric decision
The decision to add a third ceremony maintains the university's long-standing practice of allowing graduates to invite as many guests as they wish to cheer them on as they cross the stage, said university registrar Jennifer Suchan. With the original plan of two ceremonies, and with a record number of students participating, it would have been necessary to limit the number of guests joining each graduating student in Hilton Coliseum. And, once capacity inside Hilton Coliseum was reached, guests would have been guided to overflow locations where they could view a live stream of the ceremony.
"We understand these changes may affect the plans of our graduates, as well as their families and friends, and we appreciate their understanding, flexibility and patience," Suchan said. "Making room for everyone is just one more way can show our Cyclone spirit. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our undergraduates on May 14."
More information about the day and the ceremonies will be shared with graduates, volunteers and faculty marshals in the coming days.
