Get ready for Commencement 2025!

All degrees are formally conferred during Commencement—also known as graduation. During the ceremony, the provost formally presents the candidates who have been approved by the Registrar's Office. (See Apply for Graduation tab.) Degrees are then conferred and new graduates are admitted to their degree’s "rights and responsibilities." Each student is then presented with a symbolic diploma.

All degree candidates (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral) are encouraged to participate in Commencement, including those who earned their degree at the end of the fall and winter terms.

Students on track to graduate during the summer semester are invited to participate, however, their diplomas will not be available until they have successfully completed all classes.

All students planning to participate in Commencement must:

• Apply for graduation through the Office of the Registrar
• Meet financial obligations by noon the Thursday before Commencement to receive your diploma and get your official transcripts

Academic attire is required for the university Commencement ceremony. All graduates must wear the caps, gowns, and hoods appropriate for their degree that Mount Mercy makes available for purchase each year. Due to frequent changes in gown design, it is not appropriate to wear a gown from a previous ceremony.

Students are permitted to celebrate their achievements by decorating the graduation cap or gown. The following guidelines should be observed. Students who do not adhere to these guidelines may be asked to remove their decorated cap or gown and will be given a replacement cap or gown to wear during the ceremony.

• No items will be allowed to dangle or protrude from the cap; only flat decorations will be permitted.
• No lights or devices may be attached.
• No inappropriate or profane language will be permitted.
• No negative portrayal of the university or student experience.

Diplomas will be mailed following graduation. Questions? Contact registrar@mtmercy.edu or 319-363-1323 x1584.

All graduates should arrive at 9:00 AM, an hour before the ceremony starts. There are no tickets required for guests.

You'll be able to access the PowerHouse arena either through the main entrance on 1st Avenue or via skywalk from the parking ramp/garage across the PowerHouse.

All students and guests are encouraged to park in the Convention Center parking ramp/garage on 1st Avenue (361 1st Avenue) across from the Alliant Energy PowerHouse/DoubleTree Hotel (free street parking also is available).

From the ramp, please use the skywalk located on the 3rd floor. If you're coming in on the ground floor by the box office and continue straight to check-in in the grand ballroom.

Contact events@mtmercy.edu for possible accommodations.

During the ceremony, you’ll receive a handout with information on how to order the large program with all graduate names listed. Programs will be mailed after Commencement—please allow several weeks for printing and mailing.

Photography

Commencement photos will be available on our Flickr page and posted on Mount Mercy's social media channels. Additional photos can be purchased from teamphotonetwork.com within 48 hours of the ceremony. Click on "Find my Pics" and enter the password GRAD2025. Any questions about purchased photos can be directed to Joe Photo at 319-362-6187.

Videography

All Commencement ceremonies were livestreamed and are available for replay on Mount Mercy's YouTube channel. Full video coverage of the ceremonies was provided by Pro Video Productions of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. To order your own copy after the ceremony, visit provideoweb.com/shop to receive a downloadable file via email or digital file via USB drive once the video has been edited.

Programs

During the ceremony, you’ll receive a handout with information on how to order the large program with all graduate names listed. Programs will be mailed after Commencement—please allow several weeks for printing and mailing.