Iowa State’s Fall 2024 Commencement ceremony is approaching and is set to take place Dec. 21.
Abbie Suntken, assistant registrar for certifications and eligibility, gave instructions for students to prepare for graduation.
“First thing is apply, obviously,” Suntken said. “So we know that you plan to graduate once you’ve applied. There’s a couple different steps that we ask students to do regarding where they want their diploma mailed, what they want their hometown to be in the commencement program, and then also RSVPing for the different events that are out there. So the university commencement ceremony or the convocation or reception related to their program of study.”
According to Suntken, students shouldn’t apply unless they know for sure they plan to graduate, but they allow students to walk even if they aren’t graduating that semester.
“Making sure that you’re working with your advisor ahead of time, you’re registering in the right coursework, if you don’t plan to complete when you think you are letting us know,” Suntken said. “So if a student needs to walk earlier or later, they certainly can if that makes more sense for them and their situation. We just ask them to reach out.”
Suntken said students should be proactive in making sure they have everything met for graduation.
“Also making sure that you’re RSVPing for the different events,” Suntken said. “That way you get the communication surrounding the commencement ceremony or any convocations that are out there.”
Furthermore, Suntken said there are over 1,000 December graduates right now.
Suntken said the Office of the Registrar ensures students are meeting all the requirements once they apply.
“If you aren’t, we’re letting you know ahead of time,” Suntken said. “‘Hey, something is off. You need to work with your advisor, you need to maybe register for more coursework, or you need to delay.’ We’re kind of that stop gap between actually getting to go yet and finally being done. And then once grades are completed, we then review them again to make sure everything is good, and if so, we actually confer the degrees and issue diplomas.”
Students can find cap and gown information through the university bookstore by visiting their website, contacting them or visiting the store.
“They usually have regalia in the bookstore itself, so if students want to pick it up that way they can,” Suntken said.
Suntken said they do not do any rehearsals before the university ceremony but they require students to check in to get their reader card.
Students can contact graduation evaluators listed on this website about individual ceremonies.
Suntken said students should pay attention to communication that’s coming out to their emails.
She also mentioned that a lot of information is posted on their website, and that it is a great resource for students leading up to commencement.
