Plans for virtual spring commencement ceremonies are underway. In an email to graduating students last week, President Wendy Wintersteen said ceremonies for undergraduate, graduate and professional veterinary medicine students will be available on demand Saturday, May 9 (beginning at 10 a.m. CST on graduation.iastate.edu).
Approximately 5,100 Iowa State students are on schedule to complete degrees this semester.
"We are excited to bring the pomp, circumstance and Iowa State commencement traditions to you wherever you may be in Iowa, the country or around the world," Wintersteen wrote.
Before May 9, students will receive by mail their diploma cover, souvenir tassel and celebratory streamer tube. They still have the option of purchasing academic attire from the ISU Book Store.
Wintersteen said the colleges are developing plans to move their graduation celebrations online, too.
"We know that commencement is one of the most important and special events that our university holds. Your years of hard work, dedication and focused study deserve to be recognized and celebrated," she wrote. "While we can't be together in person, we are developing creative ways to honor you and your momentous achievement."
For those craving the opportunity to walk across the commencement stage, Wintersteen also invited all spring graduating students to return to campus in December or next May to participate in graduation events.
