Graduate with your online degree from the University of Iowa!
Over 1600 BAS and BLS students have graduated with their distance and online degree since 1977!
Congratulations to our graduating class!
It’s a good idea to include your projected graduation date as you plan for each registration so it’s part of your discussion with your advisor. As you get close to completing your Degree Requirements, here are some things you’ll need to know about graduating!
- You need to apply to graduate. The University of Iowa does not confer a degree without an application.
- You submit a Degree Application via MyUI > Student Information > Degree Application (under subheading Student Life Management).
- You apply for the academic session in which all requirements will be met.
- BAS and BLS degrees are awarded by University College.
- Commencement ceremonies are in May and December - both Virtual and In-Person options.
- There is no fee to apply by the deadline.
- There is a late fee to apply after the deadline and your name may not be included in the commencement listings.
Congratulations on nearing the completion of your degree!
Submit a Degree Application: MyUI > Student Information > Degree Application (under subheading Student Life Management).
Degree Application Deadlines: Visit the UI Academic Calendar
- Spring semester - February
- Summer session - June
- Fall semester - September
You apply for the academic session in which all requirements will be met. You can graduate at the end of a Fall, Summer or Spring academic session. If you complete your degree requirements in the Winter interim session, you’ll graduate the following Spring semester.
As you plan to submit your degree application, you should request and review an updated Degree Audit to ensure that you have a plan to complete all your remaining degree requirements needed for graduation. We highly encourage you to consult with your advisor to ensure your program requirements are being met.
The Registrar’s Degree Application webpage has all the details!
Spring 2023 University College Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023
LIVESTREAM LINK: https://youtu.be/9EacfDu0sdo
The livestream link is also located at https://commencement.uiowa.edu/ceremony/spring-2023/university-college-virtual-commencement-ceremony/.
University College offers both a Virtual Ceremony or an In-Person Ceremony for BAS and BLS graduates. Visit the IOWA Commencement website at https://commencement.uiowa.edu/ for detailed information.
Graduation and Commencement are two related, but separate processes at the University of Iowa.
- Graduation is applying for degree, satisfying all degree audit requirements, having your degree conferred, and receiving your diploma.
- Commencement is the optional celebration and ritual conferring of degree through a ceremony with other graduates and guests.
University College Virtual Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 13 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time
- Livestream debut, with later on-demand viewing option
- The livestream link is located at https://commencement.uiowa.edu/ceremony/spring-2023/university-college-virtual-commencement-ceremony
- You can also access the livestream directly at: https://youtu.be/9EacfDu0sdo
- To be included in the ceremony you must:
- Submit a Degree Application
- by February 24, 2023 to avoid late fee and ensure your name is included in the commencement program.
- RSVP “I plan to participate” by April 9, 2023.
- The RSVP portal is located in MyUI within the Degrees/Graduation tile, then selecting Commencement Attendance.
- You will have the option to upload a photo to appear with your slide during the virtual ceremony.
- Submit a Degree Application
- Commencement Speakers! University College graduates have an opportunity to be selected as the student commencement speaker for the Virtual Commencement Ceremony. If you are interested in receiving this honor, please email uc-asc@uiowa.edu to indicate your interest and additional details will be provided.
In-Person Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 13 at 1 p.m. Central Time
- In Person at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, IA
- University College graduates are invited to attend the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) ceremony for In-Person Commencement
- To participate you must:
- Submit a Degree Application
- by February 24, 2023 to avoid late fee and ensure your name is included in the commencement program
- RSVP Yes or No to indicate if you also plan to attend the University College Virtual Commencement by April 9, 2023.
- The RSVP portal is located in MyUI within the Degrees/Graduation tile, then selecting Commencement Attendance.
- You will have the option to upload a photo for a commemorative name slide. This will not be part of the commencement ceremony.
- Email uc-asc@uiowa.edu with the following information:
- Subject Line: Request UC Graduate participation in CLAS Ceremony
- In the body of the email: your full name and UI Student ID Number
- Watch your UI email for a link to the "Spring 2023 Commencement Participation Form"
- Submit the Spring 2023 Commencement Participation Form
- by April 13, 2023 to confirm your in-person ceremony attendance
- Submit a Degree Application
Commencement Apparel: Graduates attending in-person commencement must wear a black gown and black mortar board cap with a white tassel. If you wish to obtain official regalia you can order from the Iowa Hawk Shop at https://www.bkstr.com/iowastore/shop/graduation/.
University College recognizes high scholastic achievement by awarding degrees with highest distinction, with high distinction and with distinction, based on the following UI Cumulative and Overall Cumulative grade point averages for BAS and BLS graduates. Students must complete a total of 45 semester hours in residence. Thirty semester hours must be completed prior to the final registration.
3.90 – 4.00 With Highest Distinction
3.80 – 3.89 With High Distinction
3.75 – 3.79 With Distinction
Graduating with distinction is designated by gold stars worn on the left gown sleeve, halfway between the shoulder and the elbow. Three stars indicate graduation with highest distinction; two, with high distinction; and one, with distinction.
The Office of the Registrar mails the gold stars to qualified students prior to commencement ceremonies (Fall-November and Spring-April).