Questions about your graduation status?
211 Warde Hall
registrar@mtmercy.edu | 319-363-1323 x1584Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM-4 PM
Commencement marks an important passage in every student’s academic journey—from student to graduate and now a lifelong Mount Mercy alum. Please join in celebrating our graduates’ hard work and success!
Commencement will be held at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, 370 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. No tickets required.
3:00 PM | Honors Convocation
Chapel of Mercy, Busse Center
Honors Convocation is held yearly and recognizes graduating seniors for their achievements through individual awards, Honors Program completion, and the President's Award.
6:00 PM | Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Hennessey Recreation Center
Join us as the Martin-Herold College of Nursing & Health recognizes our BSN and RN-BSN graduates’ accomplishments during the Nursing Pinning Ceremony.
A reception will be held in the Donnelly Center lobby following this event.
5:00 PM | Commencement Mass & Blessing of Graduates
Chapel of Mercy, Busse Center
Join as the graduating students of 2024 are recognized and blessed during this special Commencement Mass. Those of all faiths are welcome to participate.
10:00 AM | Commencement Ceremony
Alliant Energy PowerHouse, 370 1st Ave. NE
All graduating undergraduate and graduate students will be honored and officially be conferred their degrees during the Commencement ceremony.
Students should arrive one hour ahead of the ceremony.
Following the ceremony | Picnic on the Hill
Rohde Family Plaza, Main Campus
Join us on the Hill after your ceremony for lunch, entertainment, and to celebrate with your peers and professors.
Sponsored by the Student Government Association.
Amy Guardado ’24 MSL is graduating with a Master of Strategic Leadership degree. She appreciates Mount Mercy giving her the opportunity to strengthen and refine her leadership skills at a pace that would not disrupt her life. Amy has experience in leading nonprofit mental health, immigration, and public health organizations in Iowa.
Through the MSL program, Amy has made connections and broadened her perspective of leadership. She hopes to take what she’s learned to help others understand their potential, reach their goals, and continue to grow.
Diego Sequeda Marcano ’24 came to the United States six years ago from Venezuela and relocated to Mount Mercy University from Denver, Colorado. He is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Art.
During his time on campus, Diego was the President of the Psychology, SOMOS, and Table Tennis clubs, Vice President of Gen 1, League Coordinator of STANG, and a member of the Chess and Art clubs. Beyond his club involvement, Diego was on the golf team, served as a peer mentor for first-year students, and tutored students in Spanish and Psychology at the Academic Center for Excellence.
After graduation, Diego intends to take a gap year to gain hands-on experience in the psychology field before returning to school to pursue his master's degree.
All degrees are formally conferred during Commencement—also known as graduation. During the ceremony, the provost formally presents the candidates who have been approved by the Registrar's Office. (See Apply for Graduation tab.) Degrees are then conferred and new graduates are admitted to their degree’s "rights and responsibilities." Each student is then presented with a symbolic diploma.
All degree candidates (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral) are encouraged to participate in Commencement, including those who earned their degree at the end of the fall and winter terms.
Students on track to graduate during the summer semester are invited to participate, however, their diplomas will not be available until they have successfully completed all classes.
All students planning to participate in Commencement must:
Academic attire is required for the university Commencement ceremony. All graduates must wear the caps, gowns, and hoods appropriate for their degree that Mount Mercy makes available for purchase each year. Due to frequent changes in gown design, it is not appropriate to wear a gown from a previous ceremony.
Students are permitted to celebrate their achievements by decorating the graduation cap or gown. The following guidelines should be observed. Students who do not adhere to these guidelines may be asked to remove their decorated cap or gown and will be given a replacement cap or gown to wear during the ceremony.
Diplomas will be mailed following graduation. Questions? Contact registrar@mtmercy.edu or 319-363-1323 x1584.
All graduates should arrive at 9:00 AM, an hour before the ceremony starts. There are no tickets required for guests.
You'll be able to access the PowerHouse arena either through the main entrance on 1st Avenue or via skywalk from the parking ramp/garage across the PowerHouse.
All students and guests are encouraged to park in the Convention Center parking ramp/garage on 1st Avenue (361 1st Avenue) across from the Alliant Energy PowerHouse/DoubleTree Hotel (free street parking also is available).
From the ramp, please use the skywalk located on the 3rd floor. If you're coming in on the ground floor by the box office and continue straight to check-in in the grand ballroom.
Contact events@mtmercy.edu for possible accommodations.
Commencement photos will be available on our Flickr page and posted on Mount Mercy's social media channels. Additional photos can be purchased from teamphotonetwork.com within 48 hours of the ceremony. Click on "Find my Pics" and enter the password GRAD2024. Any questions about purchased photos can be directed to Joe Photo at 319-362-6187.
All Commencement ceremonies were livestreamed and are available for replay on Mount Mercy's YouTube channel. Full video coverage of the ceremonies was provided by Pro Video Productions of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. To order your own copy after the ceremony, visit provideoweb.com/shop to receive a downloadable file via email or digital file via USB drive once the video has been edited.
During the ceremony, you’ll receive a handout with information on how to order the large program with all graduate names listed. Programs will be mailed after Commencement—please allow several weeks for printing and mailing.
During the ceremony, you’ll receive a handout with information on how to order the large program with all graduate names listed. Programs will be mailed after Commencement—please allow several weeks for printing and mailing.