Once you have confirmed that you are ready to graduate:

• Visit the Graduation Application
• Click on Apply next to your program of study, complete the form, and click Submit.

Then sit back and give yourself a pat on the back!

Please read all information very carefully.  There is no rehearsal.  This is the only information you will receive.  If the ceremony is to be one which you can be proud of, you must know and do the following.

General Information

1. Report to the Alliant Energy PowerHouse no later than 9:15 a.m. ready to go in your cap and gown. If, for any reason, you might have trouble going up or down stairs, please email commencement@kirkwood.eduas soon as possible. We will make arrangements to accommodate you. 
2. Valuables (purses, keys, etc.) may be checked-in before the ceremony. However, it may be more convenient to leave such items at home unless they are essential as check-in facilities are limited. 
3. A professional photographer will be taking pictures of graduates as each receives their award.  Your photo will be available to view at teamphotonetwork.com.  Click on the “To Find Your Pics…” button and use GRAD2024 as the password. There is no charge unless you decide to purchase pictures.  Your guests may bring cameras if they wish and photo opportunities will be available following the ceremony. Please respect others and ask guests to refrain from blocking the flow of students to and from the stage.

What to expect Day of Commencement

1. When you check in, you will be given a card with your name on it. This card is VITAL to the ceremony and will be handed to a reader when you go on stage to receive your award. If you have a name that may be difficult to pronounce, please write the phonetic spelling on the card as you check in. Do not lose this card!
2. After receiving your card, staff members will assist you in lining up for the processional. Tip: tassels on caps are on the right side throughout the ceremony.
3. The "Order of Events" will be handed to you by a marshal as you are seated.
4. Staff members will serve as marshals to lead the processional and recessional. When you are ushered to a row, go to the end of the row or the next available seat in the row. All seats in each row must be filled. When in front of your seat, do not sit. Remain standing for the National Anthem. You will be asked to take a seat after the anthem. 
5. Before the awarding of degrees, the graduates will be asked to rise as they are recommended for graduation. One of the marshals will lead the first row to the stage to receive their degrees. The other rows should then be seated until their row is asked to rise by one of the marshals.
6. To accept your diploma cover, exit your row to the RIGHT and go to the stage. Hand your card to the staff member presenting the graduates. As the reader states your name, go to the center of the stage and accept your diploma cover. You may briefly pause for the photographer to get a photo. Proceed across the stage and return to your row and seat to sit down.
7. After all graduates have received their diploma covers and returned to their seats, the band will perform a final song. The recessional will then begin. Stage dignitaries will recess first, followed by faculty, and then graduates. 
8. Staff marshals will lead you out in the recessional. You will return to the area where you were staged for the processional. When all graduates have returned there, the ceremony is over.
9. Be sure to collect your valuables from the Valuables Table if you used this service.
10. Congrats! You did it!