Graduation Information

Graduation Information

Congratulations on Your Accomplishments!

Follow the steps below to prepare for and celebrate your graduation from Kirkwood. 

 

Graduation Checklist

✔ 1. Apply for graduation.

You must apply for graduation in order to have your diploma awarded when you complete your studies. Be sure to apply by April 1 to have your name included in the commencement material.

It's quick and easy to check if you are ready to apply for graduation:

  • In MyHub, click Program Progress to view your degree audit.
  • Within the Degree Audit screen, select your program and click submit.
  • On the first page of your audit, locate the Program Summary. It should say Pending (Anticipated Complete).

If your audit doesn’t show the pending status, but you’re sure you should be ready to graduate, contact your advisor immediately.

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!

✔ 2. Attend the Grad Fair.

 

2025 Grad Fair

April 24, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Kirkwood Bookstore | Cedar Rapids Main Campus

 

View & download photos from the 2024 Grad Fair

 

The Grad Fair is your opportunity to:

  • Purchase your cap and gown
  • Verify that you have met all graduation requirements
  • Speak with representatives from Financial Aid and Career Services

 


 ✔ 3. Participate in Kirkwood's annual commencement ceremony.

 

2025 Commencement Ceremony

May 17, 2025 | 10 a.m.
Alliant Energy PowerHouse | 370 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids

 

Kirkwood commencement exercises are held once each year in May. Graduates who complete their final program in the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025 term are invited to attend the May 2025 ceremony. Participation is voluntary.

 


 ✔ 4. Join Kirkwood's alumni community.

You're an alum now! Like us on Facebook! 

Commencement FAQs

Yes!  All students must apply for graduation in order to have their diploma processed.  You must apply by Monday, April 1 in order to have your name included in commencement materials.  If you apply after that date, you are still welcome to participate in the ceremony but your name will not appear in commencement materials.
Yes, Kirkwood will livestream the commencement ceremony. The link to access the livestream will be on homepage as well as www.kirkwood.edu/commencement.
You can purchase your cap & gown from the Cedar Rapids Bookstore, located in Benton Hall, starting at the Grad Fair on Thursday, April 24th. The Grad Fair will be from 9 am - 1 pm.

If you are unable to attend the Grad Fair, graduation regalia will be available in the Bookstore from April 24th until Friday, May 16th. 

Until April 20th at 10:59 pm, you can order your cap & gown online directly from Herff Jones to be delivered to your door (additional $14.90 shipping fee).
Your diploma will be sent to you in the mail 4 – 6 weeks after you complete your final coursework. It will be mailed to the address you provided on your graduation application. If you need to update this address, please edit your graduation application.
Print out your Kirkwood degree audit so your university advisor can help you find courses there that will also complete your Kirkwood degree. If you are planning to attend one of Iowa's three public universities, choose the "Reverse Credit Transfer" option on your university application. Doing this will authorize the university to send us your transcript free of charge.
Yes! Kirkwood's Career Services and Alumni offices have partnered to provide Handshake, a career engagement platform that connects students and alumni to employers who are interested in hiring Kirkwood graduates. You can also contact Career Services for assistance with your job search, resume review, and interview prep.


Questions?

If you have any questions, contact the Registrar's Office:

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 319-398-7600 or 1-877-386-9101
Fax: 319-398-4928
Email: Registrar - registrar@kirkwood.edu

FAFSA School Code: 004076

 

Location: 3rd Floor Iowa Hall

Mailing Address:

Kirkwood Community College
Registrar's Office
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404