General Commencement Information
How do I apply for graduation?
Apply for graduation by clicking on the
Academics tab via MyIUP, then going to “Academic Record” and choosing Apply
for Undergraduate Graduation.
Deadlines to Apply
Undergraduate
- May graduation: Must
apply by November 15
- August
graduation: Must apply by April 1
- December
graduation: Must apply by April 1
- January
graduation: Must apply by December 1
Graduate
- May graduation: Must
apply by April 30
- August
graduation: Must apply by July 31
- December
graduation: Must apply by November 30
- January
graduation: Must apply by December 31
Who is eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony?
- May: Students who will graduate at the end
of spring, or the summer term directly following the spring term.
- December: Students who will graduate at
the end of fall, or the winter term directly following the fall term.
How can I be sure I am eligible to graduate?
- Ensure your eligibility by reviewing Degree
Works.
- Confirm your eligibility with your advisor
in your college.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed two to six weeks after the last
term of attendance.
Am I required to attend the university commencement ceremony?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
How long is the Commencement Ceremony?
Typically, ceremonies last approximately two
hours, depending on the size of the graduating class.
Is the Commencement Ceremony ticketed?
As the December 12 commencement ceremonies are now virtual, tickets are not required.
Are there separate December Commencement Ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students?
The virtual Winter ceremony will be posted on the IUP website on December 12 at 10:00 a.m.
Normally, the Winter Commencement ceremonies are as follows:
Are there separate May Commencement Ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students?
Normally, there are separate ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students at May Commencement.
Do I need to confirm my attendance prior to attending?
Normally, yes. However, as the December 12 commencement ceremonies are now virtual, confirmation of attendance is not required.
How many family members and friends may attend?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual
ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
May children attend the ceremony?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
Is there a commencement rehearsal?
No, there is no rehearsal.
Will there be an opportunity to mingle with family, friends, and professors?
Normally, there are departmental recognition events held in May in addition to the university commencement ceremony.
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual
ceremony on December 12.
Where do I report for my Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
Where do I report for my Graduate Commencement Ceremony?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
Do graduating seniors need to check-in upon arrival at the KCAC?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
How will I know what to do when I arrive at the KCAC?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
Is there parking available at the KCAC?
Yes, parking
is free at the KCAC on the day of the commencement ceremony!
Is the venue for the Commencement Ceremony accessible to the disabled?
Yes, the KCAC is accessible. Please visit the KCAC website
for more details.
What time will my family be able to enter the KCAC?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
Where may I find more information about Commencement Honors?
Traditional Latin honors are awarded at graduation to first bachelor’s degree candidates with appropriate academic records. Calculation is based on all undergraduate credits and quality points earned at IUP. Graduation honors are not granted for second
(subsequent) degrees. The distinctions are:
Cum
laude: 3.25 to 3.49 cumulative GPA
Magna
cum laude: 3.50 to 3.74 cumulative GPA
Summa
cum laude: 3.75 to 4.00 cumulative GPA
Honors
medallions are awarded based on the GPA of the last term completed.
Will there be vendors at the ceremony?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
Where can I purchase my cap and gown?
Must I wear my cap and gown?
Normally, yes. Winter commencement ceremonies will be offered in a virtual format on December 12.
On which side of my cap do I wear my tassel?
Before candidates receive their degrees,
the tassel is worn on the right side of the cap. After the conferral of the
degree, the tassel is moved to the left side.
Will I have my photograph taken by a professional photographer at the Commencement Ceremony?
Winter commencement ceremonies will be offered in a virtual format on December 12.
How can I get my diploma if I am not attending the ceremony?
Diplomas will be mailed within two to six weeks
after the ceremony. Diploma covers are
given at the ceremony. If you do not
attend the ceremony, a diploma cover may be purchased at the Co-op Store.
What should I do if I have not received any information regarding graduation/the undergraduate university commencement ceremony, but I have applied for graduation?
- Check your Junk Mail. The
anti-spam in the current IUP email environment will aid in identifying and
handling messages that may be spam. With any anti-spam utility, there is a risk
that some legitimate email messages will be flagged as spam.
- Is your IUP email box
full? It is the responsibility of email users to monitor, read, and use their
IUP email account. If your account is full, you will not receive intended
messages.
Can I attend the Commencement Ceremony if I still have holds?
Yes, but you will not receive your diploma,
so it is pertinent to take care of these holds ASAP.
Can my friends and relatives who are unable to attend watch the ceremony?
December 2020 and January 2021 graduates will be honored in a virtual
ceremony on December 12. The ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website at 10:00 a.m. for graduates and families to view.
I’m a faculty member; when do I need to order my regalia?
Faculty planning to
participate in the academic processions at Commencement are reminded that the
deadline for ordering rental regalia at the Co-Op Store is April 24. Faculty
can stop in or call the Co-Op Store. Cost sheets, info packets, and rental
information are available and should be taken care of on or before April 24 to
receive regalia for graduation.