Academics

Graduation Activity Schedule

Friday, May 13, 2011

Click here for campus map

Evening, Weekend, and Graduate Celebration
Great Hall, Pfeiffer Dining Hall (map #29), Indianola Campus
5:30 p.m. - social period; 6:30 p.m. - dinner
For Evening, Weekend, and Graduate Programs graduating seniors and their guests. Please watch the mail for your invitation.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Baccalaureate – Smith Chapel (map #35), 7 p.m.
This is an open service for graduates, their families, and friends.  There will be no academic procession, and caps and gowns will not be worn.

Senior Reception
Matthew Simpson Room - 2nd floor, College Hall (map #13)
Following Baccalaureate there will be a reception for graduates, their families, and guests.
(To avoid stairs, use the ramp on the north side of the building, proceed down the hall to the elevator.)

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Complimentary Breakfast – Pfeiffer Dining Hall (map #29), 7-10 a.m.
A complimentary continental breakfast will be served to graduating seniors, their families, and guests.

Graduation Procession, 8:45 a.m.
Students should arrive at Smith Chapel attired in their caps and gowns. In front of Smith Chapel you will be given a card numbered to indicate your position in the procession. Go directly into the chapel and find the seat that matches the number on your card. Faculty will be in the chapel to help you find your place and to give final instructions. Valuables may be locked in the Small Chapel and must be picked up by 12:30 p.m.
RAIN SITE: Hopper Gymnasium

Commencement Ceremony – Cowles Gymnasium (map #15), 10 a.m.
Doors open at 8 a.m. for ticket holders. 
Those without tickets will be admitted at 9:30 a.m.
Ushers on duty will be pleased to provide assistance.
(Handicapped parking spaces are located on C and D Streets.)

Order roses for your grad

Handicapped access:

  1. Access ramp from D Street on the west side of Cowles down to the gymnasium.
  2. Watch the ceremony through the windows above the gym from the "upper hallway" of Carse Fitness Center. To access this hallway, enter Cowles from the east, C Street side, then turn right into the hallway. This area will be equipped with a public address system and air conditioning. (The gym is not air conditioned.)
  3. Enter Cowles from the east, C Street side, and take the elevator from the main level of Cowles down to the lower level. The elevator is located to your left after you enter the building. When you reach the lower level, proceed down the hall to the gymnasium.

Post-Commencement Reception
Reception immediately following the ceremony for graduates, parents, friends, faculty, and administration will be held outdoors between Cowles Gymnasium and Brenton Student Center. Rain site will be Hopper Gymnasium.

Besides designated spaces in each Simpson parking lot, a limited number of handicap parking spaces are available on C, D, and North Buxton Streets.

LODGING OPTIONS

Indianola

Apple Tree Inn
1215 North Jefferson
515-961-0551

Super 8
1701 North Jefferson
515-961-0058 

Garden & Galley Bed and Breakfast
1321 South Jefferson Way
515-961-7749

Near Des Moines Airport

Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport
6800 Fleur Drive
515-285-7777

Holiday Inn Airport
6111 Fleur Drive
515-287-2400

Hampton Inn
5001 Fleur Drive
515-287-7300

West Des Moines

Sheraton West
1800 50th Street
West Des Moines
515-223-1800 

Drury Inn & Suites
5505 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines
515-457-9500

Chase Suite Hotel
11428 Forest Avenue
Clive
515-223-7700
Ask for the graduation rate.

Last Updated: 11/18/11