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 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027, 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 which will take place in mid-April. If you are unable to attend the Grad Fair, graduation regalia will be available in the Bookstore afterwards until the day before commencement. 

Commencement attire is required for the college graduation ceremony. All graduates must wear the caps, gowns, and tassels that Kirkwood makes available for purchase each year in the Cedar Rapids Bookstore. Only cords/stoles/hoods from recognized and pre-approved academic associations are allowed.

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

Cap Decorating Guidelines

• 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 college or student experience.

No, attendees do not need to purchase tickets or RSVP. However, we do allow a maximum of 5 guests per graduate.

We allow for a maximum of 5 guests per graduate at the ceremony. If you have additional family or friends interested in watching, you can share the LiveStream link with them to view the ceremony.

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.

No, childcare is not available at the commencement ceremony, and children are not allowed on the floor or stage with 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. We will work with graduates regarding special accommodations. The PowerHouse will work with guests in attendance the morning of regarding accommodations; please encourage your guests to ask for assistance from an usher if needed. We are not able to reserve seating in the arena.

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.

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.

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.