Graduation day is fast approaching. The following list of FAQs and answers will help you prepare for your day.
When and where will the commencement ceremony be held?
Graduation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Ivy Tech’s main Kokomo campus location (1815 E. Morgan St.).
Parking Map
What if it rains or storms on graduation day?
In the event of inclement weather, please check the Ivy Tech Kokomo Region website, www.ivytech.edu/kokomo, for details about a contingency plan. A decision will be made and posted to the website no later than 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 9.
As a graduate, what else do I need to know?
To make your special day as enjoyable and stress-free as possible:
- Purchase your grad gear as early as April 1 at the Campus Connection Bookstore.
- Press or steam your gown prior to graduation day.
- Don’t wear light-colored shoes or slacks. Also, no flip-flops.
- Don’t wear flowers, pins, extra hoods, etc., with your gown. The only acceptable accessories include honor cords and Phi Theta Kappa stoles.
- Arrive on time. Doors will open no later than 8 a.m. Graduates should arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. and go directly to their school’s assigned dressing room.
- Leave all personal belongings with a friend or relative during the graduation ceremony.
- Don’t forget to bring your tassel along with your cap and gown.
On the day of the ceremony, graduates will be lined up in the order in which your name will be read. To do so, all graduates should go to their school’s assigned dressing room in the main building. Your school dean will provide further instructions once all graduates are gathered.
School deans may be contacted prior to the graduation ceremony for more information:
- School of Business
Rhonda Groves | 765-459-0561, ext. 318, or rgroves@ivytech.edu
- School of Technology | School of Applied Science and Engineering Technology
Rodni Lytle | 765-459-0561, ext. 545, or rlytle5@ivytech.edu
- School of Liberal Arts and Sciences | School of Fine Arts and Design
Ethan Heicher | 765-459-0561, ext. 322, or eheicher@ivytech.edu
- School of Health Sciences
Connie Morgan | 765-457-0858, ext. 101, or cmorgan@ivytech.edu
- School of Nursing
Marian Henry | 765-457-0858, ext. 103, or mhenry15@ivytech.edu
- School of Public and Social Services | School of Education
Sally Vyain | 765-459-0561, ext. 316, or svyain@ivytech.edu
When should guests plan to arrive?
Guests should arrive no later than 9 a.m. All seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if I, myself, or one of my guests will need special accommodations?
Members of the audience in wheel chairs will have a section reserved for them. If you or your guest need special accommodations, please call ahead to reserve a spot. Contact Karen Davis at 574-753-5101, ext. 2229, by May 8.
I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Where should I get my Phi Theta Kappa stole?
Phi Theta Kappa stoles must be purchased and picked up prior to the graduation ceremony from the campus bookstore.
I think I will graduate with honors. How will I know for sure and will I be recognized during the ceremony for this achievement with honor cords?
For students graduating with honors, you will be notified by the registrar’s office and will be eligible to wear honor cords during the ceremony. Honor cords must be picked up prior to the graduation ceremony from the campus bookstore.
I would like a photo to remember my special day. May my family members take photos during the ceremony or will there be professional photos taken?
To avoid disrupting the ceremony and distracting other guests and graduates, family members are welcome to take photos but must remain seated during the ceremony. Professional photographs will be taken during the ceremony and personal pictures of the graduates with family and friends can be taken on the stage immediately following the ceremony.
As you receive your diploma cover from the chancellor during the ceremony, your photo will be taken by Harmon Photography. Proofs will be available on their Web site. This is where you may view and purchase your commencement photo. Pricing is below but is subject to change.
- 8x10 = $18
- 5x7 = $10
- 4x6 = $9
- 4x5 = $8
Will there be a reception following the ceremony?
A reception for all graduates and their guests will be held following the ceremony. You will have the opportunity to take pictures at this time.
Will there be a nursing and surgical technology graduate pinning ceremony?
December 2012, May 2013 and July 2013 graduates can participate in the pinning ceremony held 30 minutes after graduation in the Kokomo Event Center, 1500 North Reed Road (U.S. 31). Families are invited. Professional dress is required. Pins are available for purchase in the bookstore and must be brought to the ceremony. Those who do not attend graduation will not be allowed to participate in pinning.
For more information about the pinning ceremony, contact Lisa Price at lprice12@ivytech.edu or Marian Henry at mhenry15@ivytech.edu.
As a graduate, will I automatically become a member of the Ivy Tech Alumni Association?
Yes, but please update your information online to ensure that you'll receive full benefits. Simply visit www.ivytech.edu/alumni, click on the Kokomo Region dropdown menu, and then click on the Stay in Touch link to fill out a short survey and stay connected.
The Ivy Tech Alumni Association offers members networking opportunities, invitations to college-sponsored events, community service projects, career placement assistance, and much more. There’s no charge or fee for joining the association. You can join by simply filling out the brief, online information form, telling us about your Ivy Tech experience, what you are doing now and how we can send you information.
Keeping in touch with Ivy Tech through the Alumni Association is quick and easy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by logging on today!
As a graduate, will I still have access to JobZone?
Yes! Visit www.ivytech.edu/jobzone to post your résumé, search for jobs, apply for jobs, use job matching, learn about upcoming career events, and more! Questions? Call the Office of Career Services today! Call 800-459-0561, ext. 222.
Service Animal Etiquette
Individuals should not:
- Pet a service animal while it is working; service animals are trained to be protective of their partner, and petting distracts them from their responsibilities
- Feed a working service animal
- Deliberately startle, tease, or taunt a service animal
- Separate or attempt to separate a partner from his/her service animal
- Hesitate to ask a student if he/she would like assistance if the student and service animal seems confused about a direction to turn, an accessible entrance, the location of an elevator, etc.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Cheryl Locke at 765-459-0561, ext. 527 or clocke@ivytech.edu.
Ivy Tech Community College Buy-A Brick Campaign
Have your name, that of your family, or your company logo lead students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends into the new Logansport building. Proceeds from the Buy-A-Brick campaign will benefit Ivy Tech Logansport, its programs, and its students. All dedications are tax deductible.
To be part of this campaign, contact Barb McKinney, at bmckinne@ivytech.edu, or 866-753-5102, ext. 2187.
