Graduate Recognition Ceremony

Due to space restrictions, each graduate can have three guests attend the in-person ceremony in Campus Center 450. There is no limit to the number of guests that attend the watch party in the Campus Center Theater (CE 002).

O'Neill is hosting a watch party for graduates that have more than their allotted three guests attending the in-person ceremony. The watch party will have a live stream of the ceremony in the Campus Center Theater (CE 002).

This allows graduates a chance to have additional guests in the Campus Center for photos following the event.

Yes, there will be tickets for guests that are attending the in-person event in Campus Center 450. Guests attending the watch party in CE 002 will not need tickets.

Tickets can be picked up in the O'Neill Indianapolis Deans Suite (BS 3025) during normal business hours the week prior to the event. Please watch your email for additional information on pickup times. If you cannot pick up tickets prior to the ceremony, there will be a will call table in the Campus Center on the day of the ceremony.

Our goal is to have all graduates checked in and lined up—and guests seated—by 1:45 p.m The procession will begin at 2 p.m. Our event should last approximately one hour.

No. The market will be open in the lower level of the Campus Center to purchase snacks and drinks.

In higher education, regalia includes your cap (with tassel) and gown. Additional features can include a crimson IU stole, a graduate hood, and any honor cords that have been earned by the student.

Undergraduates should wear their cap/gown only to the IU Indianapolis Commencement event on May 16. They are not allowed to wear the cap/gown to school-level events, including the O'Neill ceremony.

Graduate students should wear their cap and gown to both the IU Indianapolis Commencement event on May 16 AND the O’Neill Graduation Recognition Celebration on May 9. They also should bring their graduate hoods to the O’Neill event for the hooding ceremony. During the ceremony, graduate students will carry their hoods onto the stage and will have their hoods placed over their heads. 

Doctoral students may wear their cap and gown to both the IU Indianapolis Commencement event on May 16 and their school-level events.

This decision was made at the university level and was not made by the O’Neill School.

No. The university's decision about undergraduate regalia affects all schools on all campuses, regardless of when or where their school-level event occurs.

In academia, wearing the cap and gown signifies the wearer has already earned a bachelor’s degree and is now eligible for another, higher academic rank.

At the O’Neill ceremony, graduate students will receive a formal hood, which will become part of their future regalia should they pursue a doctoral degree.

Undergraduates should wear their favorite professional business attire, their crimson IU stole and/or any stoles provided by campus organizations, and any honor cords they have earned.

The crimson stole is included with a cap and gown rental. O’Neill is purchasing stoles for students who choose not to rent caps and gowns. All students will keep their stoles as a gift from O'Neill.

Honor cords have been ordered for students who qualify. Students who have earned these cords will be notified via email. Potential cord options include Distinction, Pi Alpha Alpha, Alpha Phi Sigma, and Honors College.

Graduate students should wear their caps and gowns and should bring their graduate hoods to the O'Neill event. They will carry their hoods across the stage where the hoods will be placed over their heads.

Herff Jones’ website indicates you can return an unused rental gown for credit if the package is postmarked prior to May 16 and is in new condition. Read their full policy online.