
Indiana University has a number of traditions for its graduation ceremonies, from the procession of faculty and students to the speakers at the ceremony. Students wear custom IU apparel, including a robe, cap, tassel, and hood, with gowns and hoods required to be returned after the ceremony. Undergraduate students receive a stole of gratitude, while bachelor's candidates are eligible for honour cords. At Indiana University Bloomington, individual names are not announced, and all graduates are expected to remain for the entire ceremony. At Indiana University Indianapolis, students do not walk across the stage unless they are PhD students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Caps and gowns | Students are required to wear caps and gowns at Indiana University Bloomington. However, at Indiana University Indianapolis, a new university policy prohibits graduates from wearing caps and gowns. |
| Walking across the stage | At Indiana University Bloomington, graduates walk across the stage during the ceremony. At Indiana University Indianapolis, only PhD students walk across the stage at the IU Indianapolis Commencement, while all students have the opportunity to walk across the stage at the School of Education Recognition Celebration. |
| Diploma cover | Students at Indiana University Bloomington and Indiana University Indianapolis receive a diploma cover at the ceremony. |
| Guest policy | Each graduate at Indiana University Indianapolis is allowed to bring up to five guests. |
| Attire | Graduates at Indiana University Bloomington are advised to wear business or business casual attire with comfortable, formal footwear. |
| Live stream | Indiana University provides a live stream link on its website for those who cannot attend the ceremony in person. |
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What You'll Learn

Indiana University graduation ceremony dates and times
Indiana University holds graduation ceremonies for its students to mark the conclusion of their academic journey. The graduation ceremonies are known as Commencement ceremonies, and they are grand celebrations that the entire campus community comes together to witness.
The Indiana University Bloomington campus has a tentative Commencement ceremony date of Friday, December 19, 2025, with the time yet to be announced. This ceremony is open to all degree candidates for the Winter Commencement.
The Indiana University Indianapolis campus also holds its Commencement ceremony in May 2025. The processional is scheduled for 7:30 pm on Thursday, May 15, 2025, with the ceremony commencing at 8:00 pm at the Michael A. Carroll Stadium. This ceremony is campus-wide, including all schools at IU Indianapolis. Additionally, the School of Education at IU Indianapolis holds a separate Recognition Celebration on May 13, 2025, at 6:00 pm at The Scottish Rite Cathedral. This event specifically recognizes students from the School of Education, allowing them to walk across the stage and shake hands with the Dean.
It is important to note that while graduation ceremonies are typically momentous occasions, Indiana University has implemented a new policy prohibiting graduates from wearing caps and gowns at the recognition celebrations. This policy is in effect for the upcoming ceremonies.
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Indiana University graduation dress code
At Indiana University, the graduation dress code depends on the campus and type of degree being conferred.
Indiana University Bloomington
At Indiana University Bloomington, all graduates must wear custom IU apparel. The apparel consists of a lightweight black gabardine robe with braided crimson piping, a cap adorned with a tassel representing their graduating school or discipline of study, and a hood for those obtaining a graduate degree. Candidates for bachelor's and associate degrees also receive a crimson stole of gratitude, while master's and doctoral candidates have distinct gowns for their degree level. Doctoral gowns, for example, feature velvet panels down the front and voluminous, bell-shaped sleeves with three velvet bars on each sleeve.
Indiana University Indianapolis
At Indiana University Indianapolis, there are two separate ceremonies: the School of Education Recognition Celebration and the IU Indianapolis Commencement. For the School of Education Recognition Celebration, students are instructed to wear business casual attire. For the IU Indianapolis Commencement, which is a campus-wide ceremony, graduates are required to wear custom IU apparel. This includes a robe, cap, tassel, cords (if applicable), and a stole for undergraduates. The gowns for bachelor's and associate degrees have a closed front and open sleeves, while master's and doctoral gowns are distinct, similar to the Bloomington campus.
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Indiana University graduation guest policy
Indiana University has a varied guest policy for graduation, with some ceremonies allowing guests and others being more restricted.
The School of Education Recognition Celebration is only for School of Education students. Each graduate is allowed to bring up to five guests. This allocation ensures adequate seating for all attendees and that graduates can invite their loved ones. Children count in the guest count unless they do not require their own seat.
The IU Indianapolis Commencement is campus-wide, with every school at IU Indianapolis represented. This ceremony is more restricted, with only Ph.D. students walking across the stage and being named. It is not clear whether guests are allowed at this ceremony.
The Indiana University Bloomington commencement ceremonies also seem to allow guests, with the website mentioning that guests can request accessibility accommodations.
It is important to note that Indiana University has many graduation traditions, with a regal procession of faculty and students and distinguished speakers. The university also offers a live stream link for those who cannot attend in person.
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Indiana University graduation ceremony procession
Indiana University's graduation ceremony is a grand occasion, marking the end of a student's academic journey at IU. The ceremony is a celebration of academic achievements and the personal growth of the graduates. The entire Indiana University Bloomington campus comes together for this event.
The graduation ceremony includes a procession, which begins at around 7:15 pm. Graduates line up in three single files, each led by head faculty marshals and event staff, and proceed to Memorial Stadium, where the ceremony is held. The graduates are seated by school, with faculty marshals guiding them to their designated seats.
Graduates are required to wear comfortable dress shoes as there will be periods of standing and walking long distances. They should also be dressed in business casual attire, as caps and gowns are not permitted due to university policy. Each graduate may bring up to five guests, and children are included in the guest count unless they do not require a separate seat.
The ceremony itself includes a commencement speaker, remarks from the university president and provost, a student speaker, induction into the Indiana University Alumni Association, and the conferral of degrees. There is also a singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the beginning, during which all graduates and faculty stand.
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Indiana University graduation application process
Indiana University holds a single Commencement ceremony each year in May. Undergraduate students should submit a graduation application to each school where a degree is being earned. Students graduating during the fall, spring, or summer semesters should plan to attend. Students should watch out for emails from their schools or departments and from the Office of University Events with information about Commencement activities.
If you have a valid IU network ID, you can apply for graduation online or change/cancel your graduation date. If you do not have a valid IU network ID, contact [email protected].
Enter your IU network ID username and passphrase. If you are applying to graduate with a second degree, choose “Y” next to “Second Degree.”. Complete all sections of the degree application form. Before submitting the form, review it to ensure everything is correct and then print a copy of your application. Print the message that indicates that your application was received. You will receive an email from [email protected] confirming your degree application. Print or keep this email confirmation. If you did not receive an email confirmation, you will need to resubmit your application.
In the event of electronic failure, you must have a copy of your application form and the email confirmation verifying that your application was submitted. Failure to file an application by the deadline may delay graduation.
The School of Education Recognition Celebration is only for School of Education students. Your name will be called, and you will have the chance to walk across the stage and shake hands with the Dean, Dr. Tambra Jackson. The IU Indianapolis Commencement is campus-wide, meaning every school at IU Indianapolis is represented at the ceremony. However, names are not called, and students do not walk across the stage unless they are Ph.D. students. Students are encouraged to attend the ceremony and the celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, students do walk at graduation in Indiana University. There will be periods of standing and walking extended distances, so graduates are advised to wear comfortable dress shoes.
Students attending the Commencement ceremony must wear custom IU apparel, including a robe, cap, tassel, and hood. Graduates will also wear a cap adorned with a colored tassel representing their graduating school or discipline of study.
Yes, each graduate is allowed to bring up to five guests. Children count in the guest count unless they do not require their own seat.
The ceremony includes a Commencement speaker, remarks from the president and the provost, a student speaker, induction into the Indiana University Alumni Association, and the conferral of degrees.
Yes, students can watch the ceremony online via a live stream link on the Indiana University website.











































