Spring 2012 Graduation Convocation

The College of Design's spring graduation convocation will take place on Saturday, May 5. The event begins with a reception for graduating students and their families at 9:30 a.m. in the King Pavilion, followed by a recognition ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Lightfoot Forum (atrium). No cap/gown required! Formal invitations will be mailed to candidates for graduation and their families in early April.

RSVP
Candidates for graduation are asked to RSVP online by 5 p.m. Friday, April 20, so we will know how many plan to attend. Go to the student portal and click on the Graduation Ceremony Signup link. Please see note about limited seating availability below.

Arrival
Students should check in at the tables set up in the foyer (area outside the Dean's Office) when they arrive on May 5. You will then be directed to a designated area to line up for the procession at the start of the ceremony. Families and guests may find their seats at that time. (Again, please see note about limited seating availability below.) If you have questions or need assistance throughout the morning, look for our ambassadors wearing red carnations—they will be able to help you.

Procession and Ceremony
Candidates will process together down the central staircase and into the north forum and will be seated as a group in Gallery 181. The gallery will have a video- and audio-projection system installed so you can see and hear the remarks of the speakers and view the ceremony. When each graduating student's name is called, he/she will walk across the stage (located in the forum) and be congratulated by college faculty and administrators, then return to his/her seat in the gallery until the ceremony ends.

Photography
Families may take pictures as their graduate walks across the stage, and there will be an opportunity for additional photos after the ceremony. Jolesch Photography will take professional photos. Students will receive proofs, both in the mail and electronically, at the addresses they provide when they RSVP for graduation. If you are interested in ordering photos, instructions to do so will be included with the proofs.

Seating Limitations
Please keep in mind that we have limited seating for this event. The main recognition ceremony is held in the north forum, which seats 300 people. It is also simulcast to Kocimski Auditorium (which seats 240), room 130 (which seats 70) and the south forum (by the Reading Room), which holds an additional 80. Seating is first come, first served—there is no reserved or guaranteed seating. The remaining guests in attendance will need to stand on the upper levels of the building to overlook the ceremony. Please remember this when issuing invitations to family and friends and wisely limit the number of people you invite.

We also ask that all guests keep the main stairway clear until after the ceremony has begun, as graduates will be processing down the stairs and into the gallery prior to the start of the ceremony.

Questions?
If you have any questions regarding graduation, please contact Bobbi Jo Kruckenberg, (515) 294-7428.

We look forward to recognizing the accomplishments of all of our graduates and to wishing you a personal farewell!

Alumni Association Post-Commencement Reception
The ISU Alumni Association will host a post-commencement reception for spring 2012 graduates at the Alumni Center, 420 Beach Ave., on May 5. The reception will begin immediately after commencement exercises in Hilton Coliseum and run for two hours. It is a free event open to everyone, regardless of alumni or ISUAA member status. Refreshments will be served. More information