Graduation Information

Graduation Information

Congratulations on Your Accomplishments!

Follow the steps below to prepare for and celebrate your graduation from Kirkwood. 

 

Graduation Checklist

✔ 1. Apply for graduation.

You must apply for graduation in order to have your diploma awarded when you complete your studies. Be sure to apply by April 1 to have your name included in the commencement book.

It's quick and easy to check if you are ready to apply for graduation:

  • In MyHub, click Program Progress to view your degree audit.
  • Within the Degree Audit screen, select your program and click submit.
  • On the first page of your audit, locate the Program Summary. It should say Pending (Anticipated Complete).

If your audit doesn’t show the pending status, but you’re sure you should be ready to graduate, contact your advisor immediately.

Once you have confirmed that you are ready to graduate:

  • Visit the Graduation Application
  • Click on Apply next to your program of study, complete the form, and click Submit.

Then sit back and give yourself a pat on the back!

✔ 2. Attend the Grad Fair.

 

2024 Grad Fair

April 25, 2024 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Kirkwood Bookstore | Cedar Rapids Main Campus

 

View & download photos from the 2023 Grad Fair

 

The Grad Fair is your opportunity to:

  • Purchase your cap and gown ($37)
  • Verify that you have met all graduation requirements
  • Speak with representatives from Financial Aid and Career Services

 

 The Bookstore will offer standard sizes for purchase at the Grad Fair. The first day to purchase at the Bookstore will be the Grad Fair, but regalia will be available for purchase until Commencement Day. For custom sizes or to have your cap and gown shipped to your home, place your order online at Herff Jones (additional $14.90 shipping fee). The deadline for online orders is April 11, 2024. 


 ✔ 3. Participate in Kirkwood's annual commencement ceremony.

 

2024 Commencement Ceremony

May 11, 2024 | 10 a.m.
Alliant Energy PowerHouse | 370 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids

 

Kirkwood commencement exercises are held once each year in May. Graduates who complete their final program in the Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024 term are invited to attend the May 2024 ceremony. Participation is voluntary.

 

 


 ✔ 4. Join Kirkwood's alumni community.

You're an alum now! Like us on Facebook! 

Commencement FAQs

Yes!  All students must apply for graduation in order to have their diploma processed.  You must apply by Monday, April 1 in order to have your name included in the commencement keepsake book.  If you apply after that date, you are still welcome to participate in the ceremony but your name will not be included in the book.
If you have applied to graduate for Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024, you will receive your commencement invitation in the mail in mid-April. You will also receive an invitation in your Kirkwood email account. All event information is also available on this webpage.
Yes, Kirkwood will livestream the commencement ceremony. The link to access the livestream will be on homepage as well as www.kirkwood.edu/commencement.
You can purchase your cap & gown from the Cedar Rapids Bookstore, located in Benton Hall, starting at the Grad Fair on Thursday, April 25th. The Grad Fair will be from 9 am - 1 pm.
If you are unable to attend the Grad Fair, graduation regalia will be available in the Bookstore from April 25th until Friday, May 10th. 
Until April 11th, you can order your cap & gown online directly from Herff Jones (additional $14.90 shipping fee). 
No.  The ceremony is open to the public and attendees do not need to purchase tickets or RSVP.
The doors open at 9 a.m., and you must arrive by 9:15 a.m. at the latest. Please be dressed in your cap and gown when you arrive. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and lasts approximately two hours, depending on the number of graduates.
On the graduation application form, you can indicate whether you or your guests need any special accommodations at the ceremony. You can also email commencement@kirkwood.edu to request accommodations.
Your diploma will be sent to you in the mail 4 – 6 weeks after you complete your final coursework. It will be mailed to the address you provided on your graduation application. If you need to update this address, please edit your graduation application.
Print out your Kirkwood degree audit so your university advisor can help you find courses there that will also complete your Kirkwood degree. If you are planning to attend one of Iowa's three public universities, choose the "Reverse Credit Transfer" option on your university application. Doing this will authorize the university to send us your transcript free of charge.
Yes! Kirkwood's Career Services and Alumni offices have partnered to provide Handshake, a career engagement platform that connects students and alumni to employers who are interested in hiring Kirkwood graduates. You can also contact Career Services for assistance with your job search, resume review, and interview prep.


Questions?

If you have any questions, contact the Enrollment Services:

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 319-398-7600 or 1-877-386-9101
Fax: 319-398-4928
Email: Enrollment - enrollment@kirkwood.edu

FAFSA School Code: 004076

 

Location: 3rd Floor Iowa Hall

Mailing Address:

Kirkwood Community College
Enrollment Services
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404