Commencement at Alverno

Get ready to celebrate

Commencement is a time to celebrate you — not only the degree you have earned and all you have learned, but also the ways in which you are ready to use your talents to strengthen your community.

This step-by-step guide will help you get ready for graduation and ensure your success.

For August and December 2023 graduates

We celebrate our August and December 2023 graduates during commencement in Pitman Theatre on Saturday, December 16. The commencement ceremony for undergraduate candidates is at 11 AM and the ceremony for doctorate and masters candidates is at 2 PM.  Check out the live streams of both commencement ceremonies below!

STEPS TO GRADUATION

                                                               

Step 1

Stay on track

Your Academic Evaluation Report and Validation Matrix Report compare your completed coursework with your degree requirements. Be sure to review your reports with your academic advisor.

Update your graduation date in IOL.

Step 2

Submit a Participation & Accommodations Form

You will receive a Participation & Accommodations Form via email from the Dean of Student's Office at the beginning of your last semester. If you have questions or changes, please email graduation@alverno.edu.

Step 3

Get involved

Want to make the day extra special? There are typically several student speaker roles for both undergraduate and graduate students, awarded based on an audition process.

We offer opportunities for students to celebrate their heritage as well as thank and honor those who have supported them along their college journeys. The Bestowing of the Kente and LatinX Con Fuerza cultural ceremonies are typically celebrated the week before commencement. 

Step 4

Order your cap and gown

Graduation regalia — cap/tam, gown, and tassel — must be ordered online from Herff Jones. The link will be provided via email and the graduation Moodle course (GRF-400 for undergraduate students and GRF-600 for graduate and doctoral students). Students will receive communication in early October about the regalia ordering process.  For those finishing in August, your Alverno email will stay active for 6-months past graduation.

The cost of your regalia (cap, gown, hood and tassel) is covered by your $175 graduation fee (assessed to your student account). Extra items (stoles, souvenir tassels, announcements, etc.) can be purchased separately; cords representing membership in specific groups are coordinated through the program director or faculty advisor. 

Step 5

Wrap up financial aid and billing

You will need to pay all of your financial obligations to Alverno before the college will issue a diploma or transcript. You may check your balance in IOL. For assistance, please contact our Student Accounts office.

If you have student loans, you need to complete an online exit interview. Please contact our Financial Aid office for more information.

Step 6

Time to celebrate!

Keep an eye on your Alverno email and the graduation Moodle course for ceremony details, including time, location and the number of guests allowed.

Upcoming ceremony:

  • December commencement: Saturday, December 16, 2023

All commencement festivities are coordinated through the Dean of Students office (FO 119). If you have any questions, please email or visit us.

Step 7

Stay connected

Welcome to a wonderful community of more than 17,000 Alverno Strong alums! There are many ways for you to remain connected to your alma mater, from attending alum events, to joining our mentoring network and seizing opportunities for lifelong learning and professional growth. Make sure we have your updated contact info so we can keep you in the loop on all things Alverno!

We also encourage you to complete the First Destination Survey, which helps us carry out our mission of preparing graduates for lives of personal and professional distinction. You will receive a link to this in your email.

Commencement FAQs