Follow the steps below to prepare for and celebrate your graduation from Kirkwood.
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:
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:
Then sit back and give yourself a pat on the back!
Please read all information very carefully. There is no rehearsal. This is the only information you will receive. If the ceremony is to be one which you can be proud of, you must know and do the following.
General Information
The Grad Fair is your opportunity to:
The Bookstore will offer standard sizes for purchase at the Grad Fair and 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 $13.95 shipping fee). The deadline for online orders is April 13, 2023.
Kirkwood commencement exercises are held once each year in May. Graduates who complete their final program in the Fall 2022, Spring 2023, or Summer 2023 term are invited to attend the May 2023 ceremony. Participation is voluntary.
No, the ceremony is open to the public and attendees do not need to purchase tickets or RSVP. This is subject to change if COVID restrictions are in place at the time of the event.
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.
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