Spring 2026 Schedule At-a-Glance

  • Thursday, May 14: CHHS Master’s and Doctoral Graduation Reception, 3 p.m., ISU Alumni Center (Reiman Ballroom)
  • Thursday, May 14: University Graduate Commencement Ceremony, 7 p.m., Hilton Coliseum
  • Friday, May 15: CHHS Undergraduate Convocation, 1 p.m., Hilton Coliseum; reception to follow.
  • Saturday, May 16: University Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, 7 p.m., Hilton Coliseum

Graduate Students

College of Health and Human Sciences Master’s and Doctoral Graduation Reception

The College of Health and Human Sciences is hosting a reception for Spring 2026 graduating graduate students and their guests. College faculty and staff will also attend to help celebrate. RSVPs are requested (graduates and guests; CHHS faculty and staff). 

Event Details

  • Time: Thursday, May 14, 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Place: Reiman Ballroom, ISU Alumni Center (429 Alumni Lane)
  • Parking: Parking is available in the Iowa State Center parking lot east of the ISU Alumni Center

Please contact Mara Fleming (mfleming@iastate.edu) if you have any questions or need to change your RSVP.

Undergraduate Students

College of Health and Human Sciences Convocation

The College of Health and Human Sciences Undergraduate Convocation is for students in the college and provides a more individualized celebration of CHHS student achievements.

Who: Undergraduate students approved for graduation or early walks
Time: Friday, May 15, 1 p.m. (convocation lasts approximately an hour – doors open at noon to the public; students should plan to arrive at 11:45 a.m.).
Place: Hilton Coliseum
Parking: Lots around Hilton Coliseum

The convocation will include greetings from the Dean of the College, comments by a student speaker, and individual recognition of each graduating student who is in attendance. At the conclusion of the recognition of student award recipients, students will cross the stage as their names are read and be recognized by the Dean and the chair or director of their respective academic department or school.

Seating is unlimited and tickets are not required for admission. Attendance is optional.

Reception – to follow Convocation

Graduates, families, and friends are invited to a reception following the convocation ceremony. The reception is a good time to visit with family, friends, and faculty and to take small group photographs. Reception will be in the Scheman Building.

Student Directions to Attend Convocation

Students should RSVP for the CHHS Convocation by following the instructions on the ISU Graduation and Commencement webpage.

  • Arrive by 11:45 a.m.
  • Enter the west doors, ground level, to pick up your reader card (Plan enough time to complete your reader card with your mailing address and email address)
  • You will line up by major. Those with a double major or degree can choose which major you would like to sit/cross the stage with.
  • Leave belongings (purses, coats, other valuables) in the car or with family/friends.

Cap and Gown Required

Black gown and cap with maroon tassel are required. These may be purchased from the ISU Book Store, Memorial Union. Students who have successfully completed the Honors Program and/or are graduating with distinction (3.5+ GPA) are encouraged to wear Honor cords.

Distinction cords are distributed by the Office of Registrar. If you have qualified for distinction cords, you will receive an email from the Office of the Registrar about a month before graduation with the date, time, and location to pick up your cords.

View full academic attire standards

Early Walks

Those students who wish to participate in the College of Health and Human Sciences Convocation but do not graduate during the current term should submit an early walk form.

Special Arrangements

Any graduate or guest who plans to attend the College of Health and Human Sciences Convocation and who will need special assistance during the ceremony, should email Robert Reason (rreason@iastate.edu).

Crossing the Stage

The most important part of the convocation is the individual recognition of graduates. Only the names of students who are present will be read. Recognition will be grouped by major. If you have multiple majors or will earn multiple degrees, you will be recognized only once. Marshals will lead the graduates to the foot of the stage to be recognized by the Dean and the graduate’s respective department chair or school director as the graduate’s name is read.

Diploma

Diplomas will not be handed out at the CHHS Convocation. View full details about how to receive your diploma.

Photographs

Empire Photography will take a photo of each graduate as they cross the stage and is greeted by the Dean. Graduating students may order photos using an online ordering system. However, you are under no obligation to order any photos.

Questions regarding photographs should be directed to:

Empire Photography
608-257-2941

Live Stream – 2026 Convocation

The College of Health and Human Sciences Convocation live stream will begin on the date and time that the in-person event begins. Hover over the image below and click on it. This will bring up the livestream. From there, you can choose to watch the stream on this web page or directly on YouTube.

Livestream Direct Link: There is also a direct link to YouTube for the livestream. This will go live when the ceremony begins.

Clear Bag Policy

All events taking place at Hilton Coliseum will follow the venue’s clear bag policy as outlined on cyclones.com.

University Undergraduate Commencement

Students can also attend the Iowa State University Undergraduate Commencement.