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 approximately 700,000 IU alumni around the world.
IU Bloomington holds three Commencement ceremonies each year—two in May and one in December. There is no summer ceremony.
Candidates completing degree requirements between January 1 and August 31 are invited to participate in Spring Commencement. Candidates for all master’s, doctorate, and specialist degrees; Ph.D.’s; artist diplomas; and performer diplomas should attend the graduate ceremony. Candidates for all associate and bachelor’s degrees should attend the undergraduate ceremony.
Candidates who have completed degree requirements between September 1 and December 31 are invited to participate in the Winter Commencement ceremony. There is no summer ceremony.
Description of the following video:
An animation of the different elements of the Indiana University seal coming together.
Spring graduate ceremony and winter 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.
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.
Indiana University operates these venues in accordance with best practices for guest safety as recommended by Indiana University Public Safety and Institutional Assurance. These practices include the use of magnetometer screening for events such as games, major concerts, and Commencement. Upon arrival at the venue, guests walk through metal detectors, and bags are inspected by trained security staff. To expedite entry, please limit bags to small purses, clutches, or diaper bags. Items including large bags, backpacks, and wrapped gifts will not be permitted in the venue. Similarly, graduating students are screened upon arrival at the graduate robing and lineup location. This policy is in place not as a response to any incident nor to any threat, and it reflects similar policies at university and professional venues around the country.
