As the school year wraps up, seniors at Iowa State University have a big decision to make – attend the commencement or convocation ceremonies. Past alumni have reflected on their own choices when celebrating the completion of their degrees.
Abbie Suntken, an assistant registrar for certifications and eligibility, explained the key differences between commencement and convocation. Commencement, a university-led event held in the spring, is a grand affair that includes both graduate and undergraduate students in ceremonies that last around 2 to 2.5 hours. Students get to hear their names called, walk across the stage, and receive their diploma cover or tube. It’s a time for speeches and all the pomp and circumstance.
On the other hand, each college hosts its own convocation (or reception for the College of Engineering). These are smaller, more intimate events put on by individual colleges. With fewer students in attendance, there’s a chance for a more personalized experience tailored by the colleges.
Bryn Miller, a kinesiology and health graduate from the spring of 2024, shared her experience of choosing convocation over commencement. Her decision was heavily influenced by wanting to be with her friends who were also in the same program. It was essential for her to celebrate this milestone with her close-knit group.
Additionally, knowing that her grandparents would be present played a significant role in her decision. The shorter timeframe of the convocation made it easier for her elderly grandparents to attend without getting too fatigued. The Health and Human Sciences convocation, held in Hilton Coliseum, provided a similar seating arrangement to commencement, making it a comfortable and familiar setting.
Conner Trznadel, a senior in finance and mechanical engineering graduate of spring 2024, decided to attend both commencement and the mechanical engineering reception. He found that commencement was more about showcasing his achievements to his family, especially his parents. It was a way to receive recognition for his hard work over the years.
Trznadel highlighted the difference in attire between commencement and the College of Engineering reception. While commencement called for full graduation regalia, the convocation had a more business professional dress code. This added a unique touch to the personalized experience of the convocation.
Trznadel appreciated the personal touch of the convocation, where his family could give him a personalized message as he walked across the stage. It was an opportunity to thank his support network for being there throughout his academic journey.
While Trznadel enjoyed participating in convocation, he decided to attend only commencement this year, citing it as a more personal and memorable event. He felt that convocation was something he would only do once, making this year’s commencement even more special.
Seniors looking to attend either ceremony can register through the office of the registrar’s RSVP system. For more information on commencement and convocations, students can visit the graduation and commencement website.
In the upcoming Spring 2025 ceremonies, graduates can look forward to various ceremonies for different colleges and programs. From the Graduate Ceremony to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Convocation, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate this significant milestone.
As seniors make their decisions on whether to attend commencement, convocation, or both, it’s clear that each event offers a unique experience to celebrate the completion of their degrees. Whether surrounded by friends, family, or classmates, these ceremonies mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new journey for graduates.
