Terre Haute Campus

2024 Ceremony Essential Info

• Who can participate in Commencement?

  Ivy Tech welcomes its spring and summer 2024 and December 2023 graduates to attend our Commencement ceremony and participate in the celebration. However, you must apply to graduate in order to participate. To Apply to Graduate, students need to visit MyIvy and click "Apply to Graduate" listed under "Tools & Resources." The deadline to apply is Friday, April 5.

• Is there a cost to participate in the in-person Commencement?

  There is no cost to attend Ivy Tech’s Commencement, and no tickets are required for your guests. However, students must wear a black cap and gown to participate. The deadline to order a cap and gown is March 15 for pickup or April 5 for delivery.

• What is the dress code?

  All graduates are required to wear a black graduation cap and gown and are encouraged to wear appropriate attire under their gowns. Comfortable shoes are recommended as graduates will be standing for long periods and navigating stairs. Jeans and athletic wear are not recommended.

• Where do I get a cap and gown?

  Students must order their cap and gown by March 15 for pickup or April 5 for delivery. If you do not order your cap and gown online by the deadline, a limited number of caps, gowns, and tassels will be available for purchase in the bookstore. The cap, gown, tassels, honor cords, and stoles are yours to keep after purchase. If you would like to donate your cap and gown for a future graduate to use, please drop it off at one of the donation boxes located around campus.

• How do I care for my cap and gown?

  It is suggested that prior to the ceremony students remove the gown from the packaging and hang it up to lessen the wrinkles. It is not recommended that you iron the gown. Instead, hang it in a steamy room (like a bathroom) for several days to lessen the wrinkles.

• Can I decorate my cap?

  Yes. Students are allowed to decorate their caps. However, they must be appropriate and not display obscene images or writing. Only the flat, top of the mortar board may be decorated. There may be nothing hanging down from any of the sides. Decorations must be flat on the surface of the cap. 3D creations may be no higher than 1”. The tassel must be able to be moved from one side to the other, as dictated during the ceremony. The ceremony staff has the right to require you to remove decorations.

• Will the event be live-streamed?

  The live stream will be available at 6:50 p.m. on May 9. 

• How long will the ceremony last?

  The ceremony usually lasts around 2 hours.

• What accommodations are available to those with mobility or disability concerns?

  Graduates: The day of Commencement will involve climbing stairs; if this will present an obstacle for you, please notify us so we can provide alternative arrangements designed to maximize your ability to participate in Commencement exercises fully and safely.

  Guests: The Hulman Center is ADA accessible with a ramp, elevator, and designated handicapped seating. For our deaf and hard-of-hearing guests, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be at the ceremony to translate.

  If you require additional accommodations, please contact Jaime Sullivan prior to the event at jsullivan200@ivytech.edu | 812-298-2282.

• How many guests can I bring?

  We know your graduation is a significant milestone, and we want you to share your success with those who have helped you achieve it. There's no limit on how many guests you can bring to the ceremony.

• What entrance should I or my guests use?

  Graduates must enter through the north doors, located on Eagle Street. Following the ceremony, graduates will also leave via these same doors. Guests will not be permitted to enter or exit Hulman Center through these doors with graduates.

  Guests may enter Hulman Center through the south doors, facing Cherry Street. Please plan a location where you can meet your guests after the ceremony. Guests will not be permitted to enter or exit Hulman Center through the north doors with their graduates.

• What time should I or my guest(s) arrive?

  Doors will open at 6 p.m. Graduates must report to the Hulman Center no later than 6:30 p.m.

• Where should I check-in?

  Graduates must enter through the north doors, located on Eagle Street. All personal items should be left with family members or friends. Please find a secure place for your items before you check in. Students will stop at the check-in tables to receive their name cards. Please do not bend the card or alter it. You may phonetically spell your name if you are concerned with pronunciation. You will then be directed to the assembly area.

• When will I receive my diploma?

  Please note that diplomas will be mailed out after degree completion. Diplomas will not be distributed at Commencement. Prior to graduation, log in to MyIvy and verify that your address is current to avoid your diploma being returned as undeliverable.

• Will there be a professional photographer?

  Yes, a professional photographer will be present, and photos from the event will be available for free download on this webpage no later than June 1.

• Where can I take photos with friends and family after the event?

  Following the ceremony, graduates may meet their guests in the Hulman Center Pavilion at the south entrance to take photos with family and friends. The south entrance atrium will be open for 30 minutes following the conclusion of the ceremony.

  Looking to avoid the crowd? Bring your family and friends to the beautiful grounds at Ivy Tech's campus before or after Commencement.

• Will there be gifts or flowers available for purchase?

  The Hulman Center does not allow unauthorized vendors, but small gifts and flowers will be available for sale at the south entrance before the event. However, if you're looking to preorder a bouquet for a graduate, a list of local florists can be found bit.ly/thflorists.

• Where should I or my guest(s) park?

  Parking is available at two nearby parking garages located at 701 Cherry St. and 800 Wabash Ave. There is also on-street parking in the surrounding area.

• Are service animals allowed?

  No pets or other animals are allowed in the Hulman Center except service animals defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.

• Are there nearby lodging or amenities?

  Both the Candlewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn are within walking distance from the venue. For a complete list of nearby amenities, please visit bit.ly/thlodging.

• Are outside food and drink allowed?

  The Hulman Center does not allow outside food or drinks to be brought into the facility. This includes the use of alcohol. Alcohol is strictly prohibited at Ivy Tech's Commencement Ceremony.