Navigating Your Iowa State Diploma and Graduation Journey

The culmination of your academic endeavors at Iowa State University is marked by the attainment of your diploma, a tangible symbol of your hard work and dedication. This process, while exciting, involves several key steps and considerations, from applying for program completion to understanding commencement ceremonies and preserving your academic achievements. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Iowa State diploma information and the graduation process.

Applying for Program Completion: The Gateway to Graduation

The official process of signifying your intent to graduate begins with submitting an Application for Program Completion. This crucial step is managed through your Workday account.

Initiating the Application in Workday

To begin, log into your Workday account. In the Workday search bar, locate and select the "Apply for Program Completion" task. If you have only one academic record associated with your student profile, the "Academic Record" field will automatically populate. However, if you possess multiple academic records, such as both undergraduate and graduate records, you will need to manually select the specific academic record for which you wish to apply for completion.

Next, in the "Name" field, you will select the name that you wish to appear on your diploma and in the commencement program. This selection is important for ensuring accuracy in official documentation. Once you have reviewed and confirmed all details, proceed by clicking the "Submit" button located at the bottom of the page.

Addressing To-Do Items in Your Workday Inbox

Following the submission of your application, you will likely encounter a series of "To-Do" items within your Workday inbox. These are essential for the progression of your graduation process.

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One significant "To-Do" involves updating your home contact information, specifically your "Home Town for Commencement Program" address. This address is what will be displayed in the commencement program distributed at your ceremony. To update this, click the "Change My Home Contact Information" button. Within the address column, select the 'Add' button. The "Effective Date" can typically be left as is, and "Primary" can remain unchecked. You will then enter your country and address. Crucially, within the 'Usage' box, you must select "Home Town for Commencement Program." After reviewing this address information, click the "Submit" button on this "To-Do" within your inbox. Completing this step is vital as it triggers other necessary graduation processes.

Another important "To-Do" that will appear in your inbox will provide instructions for reporting your post-graduation plans. This step is part of a comprehensive data collection effort by Career Services, which is crucial for accreditation and continuous improvement of university programs.

Understanding Application Requirements and Deadlines

It is imperative to understand that an application for program completion should only be submitted if all academic requirements are anticipated to be completed within the term specified on the application. This includes all coursework, internships, transfer credits, and ensures there are no outstanding non-report or incomplete grades.

Incomplete and non-report grades must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the final day of the term in which you plan to graduate. Any delay in this submission can lead to a hold on degree posting and diploma issuance. Similarly, minor forms must be submitted to your college office before the end of the term. Transcripts from other educational institutions should be submitted as soon as possible after the course is completed.

Undergraduate and Graduate Graduation Timelines

The opening of the graduation application period varies depending on your academic level.

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For undergraduate students, your graduation application will become available two academic periods before the term in which you plan to graduate. For instance, if your intended graduation term is Summer 2026, your application will open during the Fall 2025 term.

Graduate and professional students have a slightly different timeline, with their graduation application opening one academic period before their intended graduation term.

If you have already submitted an application for program completion in Workday and need to adjust your expected completion date, you can access the "Edit My Program Completion Application" task. Here, you can update your Expected Completion Date (ECD) to the correct semester.

It is important to note that any change to your Program of Study (POS) that occurs after you have submitted your graduation application will result in your status being temporarily set to "Denied" by the graduation team. Once the POS change is officially updated in your academic record, you will need to reapply for graduation.

Graduation with Distinction

Iowa State University recognizes outstanding academic achievement through its "with distinction" honors. Undergraduate and professional students who maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) are eligible for this recognition, provided they meet specific criteria for their degree. The final distinction is determined by your cumulative GPA after all degree requirements have been successfully fulfilled.

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The levels of distinction are as follows:

Summa Cum Laude: A cumulative GPA of 3.90 or higher.
Magna Cum Laude: A cumulative GPA of 3.70 to 3.89.
Cum Laude: A cumulative GPA of 3.50 to 3.69.

This academic recognition will be officially noted on your academic transcript and your diploma.

Distinction Criteria for Bachelor's Degrees

Candidates for a bachelor's degree must have completed a minimum of 60 semester credits of coursework at Iowa State University by the time of graduation. This includes a minimum of 50 graded credits or Satisfactory-Fail (S-F) course credits.

Distinction Criteria for Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degrees

For candidates pursuing a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) degree, the criteria for graduating with distinction include having completed 45 semester credits of coursework at the three Iowa Regent universities by the time of graduation, along with earning at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA at Iowa State University.

Commencement Ceremonies: Celebrating Your Achievement

Commencement ceremonies are a significant part of the graduation experience, offering a formal occasion to celebrate your academic accomplishments with family and friends.

Understanding Ceremony Attendance and Logistics

Walking in the graduation ceremony is a way to share your achievement with loved ones and is a celebration. However, it is crucial to understand that walking across the stage does not officially mean you have graduated. Graduation is conferred only after all degree requirements have been met and approved by your graduation evaluator.

To participate in the commencement ceremony, you must have an active application on file. The RSVP form for commencement is only available to those who have completed the "Apply for Program Completion" task in Workday. If you have already completed this task, please allow up to 24 hours for the RSVP form to become accessible, as the form operates on a delayed refresh system. The RSVP form is valid only for the current semester's commencement ceremony.

For those requiring assistance on the day of the ceremony, please speak with an usher. It is important to note that Hilton Coliseum does not offer wheelchairs or scooters for rent or loan; guests needing such mobility assistance must supply their own or arrange for them through outside vendors. Handicap parking is available and does not require special passes or reservations, but your vehicle must display a valid handicapped tag or plate to access the designated entrance.

Commencement Program Information

The names included in the commencement ceremony programs reflect the information received by the Office of the Registrar as of a specific date indicated within each program.

The Fall Commencement Ceremony Program typically includes the names of Summer Graduates, Fall Graduates, Summer early degree conferrals, and Fall early degree conferrals.
The Spring Commencement Ceremony Program typically includes the names of Spring Graduates, Winter early degree conferrals, and Spring early degree conferrals.

Commencement Ceremony Durations and Policies

The duration of commencement ceremonies can vary:

The fall undergraduate ceremony (Bachelorâs degrees) generally lasts approximately 2 hours.
The fall graduate ceremony (Master's and Doctoral degrees) typically lasts around 1.5 hours.
The spring undergraduate ceremonies (Bachelorâs degrees) usually extend to approximately 2.5 hours.
The spring graduate ceremonies (Master's and Doctoral degrees) generally last about 2 hours.

To ensure the safety of all attendees, a Clear Bag Policy is enforced during the Spring Commencement Ceremonies. The following bag types are permitted:

Plastic, vinyl, or PVC clear totes not exceeding 12x6x12 inches and with no logo larger than 4.5x3.5 inches.
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (e.g., Ziploc or similar).
Small clutch bags no larger than 6x9 inches.

Exceptions to this policy will be made for bags containing essential items for medical, family, or child care needs. All bags are subject to search at the discretion of event staff, and prohibited bags will not be stored by staff during the event.

Professional photographers will be present to capture photos of degree candidates at the commencement ceremonies. Please be aware that flash photography will be utilized.

Diploma Delivery and Post-Graduation Plans

After successfully submitting your application for program completion, you will receive a "To-Do" item in your Workday inbox prompting you to complete the Diploma Delivery Selection Questionnaire. This allows you to specify your preferred delivery address for your diploma.

Please allow approximately 10-18 business days for diploma delivery to domestic addresses. For international addresses, the delivery timeframe may extend to 4-6 weeks. If your address has changed since you entered it into Workday, you can click "I Need to Edit This Address" to be directed to a screen where you can input your new address. If you have requested your diploma be sent to an international address, it could take longer than the standard 10-18 business days.

Upon graduation, you will also be prompted to fill out a post-graduation survey. This data, collected by Career Services, is invaluable for accreditation purposes and for the continuous improvement of Iowa State University's academic programs and student support services.

Understanding Academic Designations: Majors, Minors, and Certificates

Iowa State University offers a wide array of academic programs, and understanding the terminology related to your degree is important.

Major: This is the primary subject area of study that leads to a named baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral degree upon completion of a defined set of requirements.
Secondary Major: A major that can only be earned concurrently with a primary major.
Option: Within an undergraduate major, an option allows students to choose specific coursework focused on a particular subset of the subject area. The remaining degree requirements are common to all students within that major. Options have also been referred to as specializations, tracks, emphasis areas, or focus areas.
Minor: An academic area of emphasis pursued in addition to a major. Minors appear on the Iowa State University transcript.
Certificate: An academic credential focused on a specific area of study. Certificates can be earned concurrently with an ISU baccalaureate degree or after completing a baccalaureate degree from any accredited institution.

Iowa State University offers a diverse range of undergraduate majors housed within its six colleges. Examples include:

Biochemistry, B.S.
Biology, B.S.
Culinary Food Science, B.S.
Diet and Exercise, B.S./M.S.
Dietetics, B.S.
Environmental Science, B.S.
Food Science, B.S.
Genetics, B.S.
Nursing, B.S.N.
Nutritional Science, B.S.
Professional Studies, B.L.S.
Software Engineering, B.S.

Pre-Professional Programs

Iowa State University also supports pre-professional programs, such as pre-law or pre-med. These are not degree-granting majors but rather tracks designed for students intending to pursue professional schools (e.g., dental, medical, optometry, physical therapy, law, or veterinary medicine) after completing their undergraduate studies. Requirements for admission into many professional academic programs can be met through study at Iowa State University.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Convocation

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Convocation is a distinct event separate from the official Iowa State University commencement ceremonies. Convocation is specifically for students graduating from the LAS college and provides a more personalized celebration for students and their guests.

Convocation Details

Convocation features greetings from the Dean of the college, a student speaker, and the individual recognition of graduating students in attendance. Students will cross the stage as their names and a personal quote are read, and they will be acknowledged by the Dean and a faculty representative from their department. Unlimited seating is available, and no tickets are required for guests.

Students participating in the LAS Convocation are required to wear academic attire, including a black cap and gown and an LAS graduation tassel. These items can be purchased through the ISU Bookstore. The tassel colors for LAS degrees are as follows:

LAS Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree: White
LAS Bachelor of Arts degree: White
LAS Bachelor of Science degree: Gold
LAS Bachelor of Music degree: Pink

Students are also encouraged to wear any honor cords or stoles they may have earned for academic honors or other distinctions. Graduating seniors who have successfully completed the Honors Program and/or are graduating with distinction (3.5+ GPA at the end of the Spring 2026 semester) are encouraged to wear honor cords, which can be obtained at 210 Enrollment Services.

Students will receive a link from the Registrar to RSVP for both the ISU Commencement Ceremony and the LAS Convocation Ceremony. When prompted, students will need to enter their student ID and birthdate to verify information and complete required fields.

Diploma Frames and Memorabilia

To commemorate your Iowa State University experience, officially licensed ISU graduation frames are available. These frames are handcrafted to museum-quality framing standards and offer a way to proudly display your diploma.

Customizing Your Diploma Frame

A variety of frame styles are available, including black diploma frames, double diploma frames, diploma and picture frames featuring the Campanile, and frames with tassel holders. Special frames for Iowa State University vet school degrees are also an option. You can personalize your frame using online custom framing tools to create a unique and meaningful gift.

Iowa State Gift Shop FAQs

The Iowa State University Book Store and Church Hill Classics have partnered to offer graduation gifts and frames. You can browse and purchase these items in person at the Iowa State University Book Store or design and customize them online.

Master's Degree Frames: Frames are designed to highlight your master's degree accomplishment, keeping it safe and well-displayed.
College of Business Frames: Custom frames featuring your specific school of study are available and can be personalized.
Preserving Graduation Regalia: Shadow boxes are offered to protect and display valuable Iowa State graduation regalia, such as decorated graduation caps, from dust and discoloration.
Double Diploma Frames: For graduates who have earned more than one degree or certification, Iowa State Double Diploma Frames allow for the display of multiple accomplishments in one place.
Expedited Shipping: Select "Fast-Ship" diploma frames are available for Iowa State University graduates, ready to ship within 2â3 business days of your order. These popular frame styles are ideal for last-minute gift needs.

High School Equivalency Diplomas (HSED) / General Educational Development (GED)

It is important to note that the Iowa Department of Education does not process duplicate High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) or General Educational Development (GED) and/or transcript requests. All such requests are handled exclusively through DiplomaSender.com. No state agency or community college program can assist with these specific requests.

To obtain official copies of HSED/GED diplomas and transcripts, individuals must use the following directions to order through DiplomaSender.com. If internet access is unavailable for online ordering, or if further assistance is needed with an order, individuals can contact Diploma Sender toll-free at 1-855-313-5799. For inquiries related to HSED/GED programs in a specific area, contact the Area Education Agency (AEA) in the region where the other school program was located.

Program Completion Status and Application Decisions

Once you have applied for program completion, your status on your academics overview page will indicate "Pending Completion." It is advisable to regularly review your Academic Progress Report (APR) with your academic advisor to ensure all requirements are on track. Any issues identified with your APR should be discussed and addressed with your advisor promptly.

After your application has been reviewed by the graduation evaluator, your program completion status will be updated to one of the following: Approved, Denied, or Evaluation Deferred. You will receive a notification in Workday detailing the decision and any necessary next steps. The application review process typically commences at the beginning of the term in which you have applied to graduate.

Application Decision Outcomes:

Approved: If your application status is approved, it signifies that you have met all degree requirements, including any in-progress courses. No further action is required from you at this stage. Your Academics Overview screen will display "Pending Completion."
Evaluation Deferred: If your application status is "Evaluation Deferred," it indicates that you have unmet degree requirements. This could include outstanding honors program requirements, minor(s), endorsement(s), certificate(s), or degree requirements that will not be resolved until after grades are posted. It may also mean that transfer work requires evaluation or that approval of transferred courses is needed. In such cases, you should reach out to your academic advisor for assistance in resolving these issues. You do not need to reapply for program completion. Your Academics Overview page will continue to display "Pending Completion."
Denied: If your application status is denied, it means that you have unmet degree requirements that will prevent you from graduating in the specified term. This decision could also stem from attempting to make a program of study change, such as adding or dropping an additional major or minor. In this scenario, you must reapply for program completion. Your Academic Overview page will then display "In Progress."

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