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How to Prepare

How to Prepare

Your graduation checklist

Congratulations on your academic achievement.

As you wrap up your time at Indiana University, the days leading up to Commencement are busy and full of details big and small. Use the checklist below to stay on track.

Plan the day

Take a moment to read about ADA accommodations, parking and directions, and the university’s weather policy, so you can best plan the day for yourself and your guests.

Learn about the ceremonies

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

If you miss the deadline, you can rent a cap and gown at the IU Bookstore the week before Commencement, but late fees apply.

Attend GradFair

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

Pick up 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 pick up 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.

Graduates and their guests taking pictures at the Sample Gates

Which ceremony should you attend?

Winter ceremony

All degree candidates who complete requirements between September 1 and December 31

Spring 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

Spring undergraduate ceremony

Candidates for all bachelor’s and associate degrees who complete requirements between January 1 and August 31

Recognition events

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

Determine your eligibility

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.