Frequently Asked Questions about IUP Commencement

Celebration Toast

Graduates, family, and friends are invited to attend a Commencement Celebration Toast for graduating students. Champagne and non-alcoholic sparkling cider will be available. IUP graduates will receive a keepsake IUP Alumni champagne flute while supplies last. Hosted by the Office of Alumni and Friends.

Registration is required

Saturday, May 9

- 1:00–5:00 p.m.
- Breezedale Alumni Center

Get Text Updates

A community communication event has been set up for commencement to provide students, families, and guests with general reminders, inclement weather advisories, parking updates, or emergency information. To opt in to this system, please text IUPMAYGRAD26 to 888-777.

General Commencement Information

How do I apply for graduation?

Who is eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony?

How can I be sure I am eligible to graduate?

When will I receive my diploma?

Am I required to attend the university Commencement Ceremony?

How long is the Commencement Ceremony?

Is the Commencement Ceremony ticketed?

Are there separate Commencement ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students?

Do I need to register to participate in the University Commencement Ceremony?

How many family members and friends may attend?

May children attend the ceremony?

Is there a commencement rehearsal?

Will there be an opportunity to mingle with family, friends, and professors?

How will I know what to do when I arrive at the KCAC?

Is parking available at the KCAC?

Is the venue for the Commencement Ceremony accessible to the disabled?

What time will my family be able to enter the KCAC?

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?

Where can I purchase my cap and gown?

Caps and gowns can be pre-ordered at the Co-op Store website or by stopping into the Co-op Store Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The website contains information about caps, gowns, announcements, and more.

Custom regalia for doctoral students should be ordered by Friday, March 13, to guarantee delivery before May 9. All graduation items will be on sale at the Co-op Store through Commencement on Saturday, May 9. You may call the store at 724-357-3552 with any additional questions.

Must I wear my cap and gown?

On which side of my cap do I wear my tassel?

Will I have my photograph taken by a professional photographer at the Commencement Ceremony?

How do I receive my diploma?

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?

Can my friends and relatives who are unable to attend watch the ceremony?

I'm a faculty member; when do I need to order my regalia?

Commencement Committee
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 15705
iup-commencement@iup.edu

Office Hours

Monday through Friday

8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.