Commencement 

Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate our graduates and candidates for graduation from the current academic year who choose to attend. For the past several years, more than 400 students have participated in each commencement ceremony.

Commencement ceremonies are held once a year in April. Grand View does not host a commencement ceremony in December. Mid-year graduates are welcome to participate in the April event.

Guests whose visit to Des Moines will include hotel and air accommodations are encouraged to book early. Other large events are frequently scheduled in Des Moines the last weekend in April, so options can fill quickly.

Additional details for graduates, including a timeline and frequently asked questions, can be found on myGVU. Students will need to log in to view the information.  

The ceremony will include remarks from a student speaker as well as an honored guest speaker. The ceremony usually lasts approximately two hours.

Iowa Events Center prohibits outside food and beverages, but water will be available in the ceremony hall.  Students will not have a secure place to store their belongings (purses, wallets, phones) during line-up and the processional, so we strongly encourage graduates to give their valuables to guests or family members until after the ceremony. 

Maps & Parking
Please direct your guests to enter through main, north door. Please see the attached map for parking and entrance directions. Concession stands will also be open for guests to purchase food and beverages. Both during and after the ceremony, there will not be access to the main floor for photos. A professional photographer will be taking photos of all graduates as they cross the stage and after they receive their diploma. We ask that all guests exit through the north doors for photos and to please avoid congregating in groups.

• Update your address via myGVU; future communications from Grand View University will be sent to this address.
• Remit payment for any outstanding balance on your bill via myGVU. Transcripts and diplomas may not be released until your balance is paid in full.
• Update email routing address via myGVU.
• Financial Aid impacts each student differently; student borrowers should contact the financial aid office to determine if exit counseling is required.
• Cancel student health insurance if enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan.

A diploma is awarded by Grand View University upon successful completion of a program of study. This document is suitable for framing. It is not considered an official document.

Commencement is a ceremony to celebrate our graduates and candidates for graduation. Graduation is the process of reviewing a student’s record to ensure all requirements are completed and adding the degree to the student’s transcript. Students petition to graduate one year prior to their anticipated graduation date after mapping out their course plans with their academic advisors (students can find the required forms on myGVU). Degrees are added to students’ records when all requirements are met, and emails and letters are sent if any requirements are unmet. We also email whether any requirements that will prohibit the release of the diploma are unmet.

Diplomas are ordered through a vendor several times each year. Students do not receive their actual diploma on the day of commencement; rather, they will receive a diploma cover that is empty inside. Once all requirements have been met, Grand View mails a diploma and an unofficial transcript to an address supplied by the student.

Duplicate / Replacement Diplomas
Duplicate/Replacement diplomas can be requested and returned to the Office of the Registrar.