Fall Commencement 2024

We are pleased that you plan to participate in the 157th December Commencement Ceremony. 

When: Saturday, December 14^th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Drake Knapp Center (Forest Ave, between 25th and 27th Streets)‌

*There is unlimited seating for guests and no tickets are required for this event.

This 157th commencement ceremony will include students earning any degree from Drake University. More information about who is eligible to participate, may be found here.

If you have guests that are unable to attend - Drake University will stream the Commencement ceremonies live at the following website: https://live.drake.edu

In case of inclement weather Drake’s University Closing Policy may be invoked.

Important Information for Graduates

The December Commencement Ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14th, 2024. Below are the details to help you prepare. If you need additional information, your attendance plans change, or you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@drake.edu.

Event Details:

• Doors Open: 8:30 a.m. (Bell Center)
• Ceremony Start Time: 10:00 a.m. (Knapp Center)
• Location: Students will assemble in the Bell Center and process to the Knapp Center for the ceremony.

Instructions for Graduates:

1. Arrival Time: The Bell Center doors open at 8:30 a.m. All students must be seated in the Bell Center gym by 9:15 a.m. to receive instructions for the ceremony.
2. Personal Items: Please avoid bringing personal items such as purses, phones, or valuables into the Bell Center gym. We recommend leaving personal items with guests in the Knapp Center. Jackets and personal items can be left with staff in the Bell Center, but must be picked up prompt following the ceremony.
3. Bell Center Seating: Graduates must be seated in the Bell Center gym by 9:15 a.m. Name cards will be placed on chairs, organized alphabetically by college/school. Once you find your name card, follow the instructions on the back.
4. Name Pronunciation: If you wish to confirm the pronunciation of your name, the name reader will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
5. Dress Code: Graduates are required to wear the appropriate regalia for their degree. Graduates must be dressed in their cap and gown and seated in their designated spot by 9:15 a.m. for final instructions.
6. Final Instructions: The Assistant University Marshal will provide final instructions and announcements at 9:30 a.m.
7. Processional: The processional will leave the Bell Center gym at 9:45 a.m. for the walk to the Knapp Center. Late arrivals will be placed at the end of their college/school line.
8. Recessional: After the ceremony, the Marshals will direct the recessional to the lobby of the Knapp Center. Remember to return to the Bell Center to retrieve any personal items you may have left with staff.

Ceremony Duration:

• The December ceremony typically lasts 75-90 minutes. If you’re planning for lunch reservations, please also take into account the time that it will take to get out of the Drake area parking lots.

Important Guidelines:

With nearly 600 participants, it is important for everyone to follow instructions carefully to ensure an orderly and formal procession.

• Attire Restrictions: No decorations, such as flowers, jewelry, or signs, are allowed on academic caps or gowns.
• Personal Items: Graduates may not carry any personal items into the Knapp Center other than their name card.
• Alcohol Prohibited: The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Marshals and staff are authorized to confiscate any alcoholic beverages.
• Prohibited Items: Helium balloons, silly string, and similar items are not allowed in the Knapp Center.