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About the Ceremonies

About the Ceremonies

Your academic achievement, celebrated by thousands

Commencement is a public celebration and recognition of your accomplishments at Indiana University. Whether you are earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree, Commencement means you are joining a group of more than 700,000 IU alumni around the world.

Indiana University is hopeful that within the context of public health guidance at that time, we will be able to host our graduates and their guests in person on campus and recognize you at the May 2021 Graduate or Undergraduate Commencement. If you earned your degree in 2020, you’re cordially invited to return to campus and participate in this occasion.

Traditionally, IU Bloomington holds three Commencement ceremonies each year—two in May and one in December. There is no summer ceremony.

Which Commencement ceremony should you attend?

2021 graduate ceremony

Candidates for all master’s, doctorate, and specialist degrees; Ph.D.’s; artist diplomas; and performer diplomas who complete requirements between January 1 and August 31, 2021. All 2020 graduates are welcome to return to campus and participate too.

2021 undergraduate ceremony

Candidates for all bachelor’s and associate degrees who complete requirements between January 1 and August 31, 2021. All 2020 graduates are welcome to return to campus and participate too.

Recognition events

Held by individual schools, departments, and programs before or after the main Commencement exercises

2021 December Ceremony

Candidates for all degrees who complete requirements during fall term 2021.

Determine your eligibility

You are encouraged to participate in the 2021 Spring Commencements if you are

A graduate student or undergraduate who plans to complete the requirements for graduation by the end of the 2021 spring term
A graduate student or undergraduate who plans to complete degree work by the end of the 2021 summer term
A graduate student or undergraduate who completed the requirements for graduation on any date in 2020

Candidates completing degree requirements in the 2021 fall term will participate in the December ceremony. There is no summer ceremony.

Invitations

Printed invitations for Commencement are mailed to permanent home addresses on file with the registrar about six weeks before the ceremonies (November in the fall, and March in the spring).

At the same time, emails are sent to all students informing them that the invitations have been sent to their homes. One of the best ways to make sure you receive all mailings is to apply for graduation.

Commencement venues

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

Spring graduate ceremony

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall is home to the Indiana Hoosiers men’s and women’s basketball teams. The 17,222-seat arena includes a new glass atrium, allowing guests to see the court from the lobby, and HD video screens that greatly improve the view for guests in balcony seating.

Memorial Stadium

Spring undergraduate ceremony

Memorial Stadium, also known as “The Rock,” is the home field of the Indiana Hoosiers football team. It has a capacity of 52,929 with aluminum bleachers and a state-of-the-art sound system. Outdoor ceremonies held at Memorial Stadium are moved indoors only under severe weather conditions.

Getting to the ceremony

Parking and directions

ADA accommodations

Weather policy

Graduation checklist

Apply to graduate

Apply early in your final year—if not before—to avoid missing your school’s deadline.

Rent your cap and gown

Rent your cap and gown on the Herff Jones website.

Attend Virtual GradFair

Reserve your cap and gown and purchase announcements, notes, seals, class rings, diploma frames, and keepsakes.

Get your honor cords

Honor cords (fourragères) are distributed by the schools prior to Commencement. Check with your school’s recorder to learn where and when to get your honor cords.

Book hotel and travel arrangements

Don’t forget to make hotel, travel, and restaurant reservations for you and your guests.

Submit visa applications

The Office of International Services is pleased to assist students whose friends and family members are traveling internationally to attend Commencement.

Plan for guests with special needs

Make parking and seating arrangements for guests with wheelchairs and find out how we accommodate those with other mobility limitations.

Update your name and address

Confirm that your name is spelled and formatted correctly, and update your student home address, where your diploma will be mailed.

Pay the bursar

Pay your bursar bill to receive your diploma in the mail after graduation.

Extend your stay at IU

If you live in on-campus housing, submit the RPS form to extend your stay. Otherwise, you will have to move out prior to Commencement.

Check for record holds

Make sure you have completed your student loan exit interview(s) and any other tasks that you need to release holds on your diploma and transcript.

Join IU Proud

The IU Alumni Association is now offering IU Proud—a no-cost member program—to all alumni. IU Proud gives members access to our global network of alumni and a number of digital services.