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South Bend Main Campus Elkhart

Graduation Information

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Commencement 2025 Live Stream - Tune In on May 9 at 6 p.m.

2025 commencement

May 9, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Purcell Pavilion, Joyce Center
Notre Dame University
South Bend, IN

Tickets are not required for this year's ceremony. There is not a limit to the number of guests a graduate can bring.

Graduates should arrive no later than 5:00 p.m. (gates open at 4:00 p.m.) entering through gate 3, with drop off at gate 10.

Captioning provided.  

CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!

We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments at Ivy Tech’s 2025 commencement ceremony.

What you need to do to graduate:

  • Successfully complete all of the required courses for your degree program
  • Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Complete any other graduation requirements your program might include

Preparing for Commencement

Commonly Asked Questions

    • Parking is free (Parking Map)
    • Gate 9 is designated as the public entrance, Gate 3 is the student entrance
    • There is no admission fee
    • There’s no limit to the number of guests a student can invite
    • Please turn all phones off or on silent mode
    • Do not obstruct the view or sound of your fellow attendee

  • Requirements:

    • Complete a certificate, technical certificate, or an associate degree program in fall 2024, spring 2025, and/or summer 2025.
    • Submit an application for graduation by March 21, 2025.
    • If completion for summer is anticipated, you must be registered for the remaining required courses.

    A minimum cumulative (overall) GPA 2.0 at the end of the spring 2025 term.

  • Distinguished Graduate Application 2024-2025

    At the conclusion of each academic year, the South Bend-Elkhart Chancellor selects one deserving graduating student as the recipient of the annual Distinguished Graduate Award. This honor is based upon academic achievement, cooperativeness, integrity, leadership, and goals.

    Requirements:
    *  Complete a certificate, technical certificate or an associate degree program in the fall of 2024, or be on track to complete in spring or summer 2025.
    *  Submit an application for graduation
    *  A minimum cumulative (overall) GPA 3.00 at the end of the fall 2024 term.

    All applications are due by the close of business at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28. Supplemental information listed below, coupled with this application, must be submitted to the Office of the Chancellor prior to the established deadline.

    The Office of the Chancellor will notify the student who has been selected no later than Tuesday, April 15.

    The Distinguished Graduate Award will be presented during commencement Friday, May 9, 2025. The award winner may be asked to give a brief speech during the ceremony, although a speaking role is not guaranteed at commencement. 

    Application and all supplemental materials are due by Friday, March 28.

    Apply Here

  • Participants are required to wear a black* graduation cap and gown.

    Students may wear honor stoles, honor cords, and medallions provided as a campus related honors.  Students are welcome to decorate the top of their caps. The decorations should not dangle off the cap interfering with the tassel and should be appropriate for all ages of audience members.

    Wear lightweight, comfortable business casual clothing under your cap and gown. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be standing for long periods and walking considerable distances.

    *Dual Credit graduates may wear their high school cap and gown.

  • Where to Order:

    herff.ly/ivytech

    You must have a cap and gown as well as a tassel in order to participate in the ceremony. Students who do not have a cap and gown will not be permitted to participate, so pay close attention to the ordering deadlines. If you require assistance in acquiring your cap and gown, please fill out this form.

    CAP & GOWN DEADLINES:

    1st Deadline: April 7
    2nd/Final Deadline: April 17
    *Your cap and gown will be shipped to your home address within 2 weeks.

    View Instructions on How to Order Regalia Online

    View Additional Graduation Packages

    Local Ivy Tech Community College Herff Jones Representative:
    Patrick Cavazos
    317.578.8130
    11216 Fall Creek Rd. Suite 120
    Indianapolis, Indiana 46256

  • Photographer's contact information will be provided inside the student's diploma cover. Personal photography and videography are encouraged. There are no restrictions on flash photography before, during or after completion of the ceremony.

  • If you require special accommodations during the ceremony, contact Sandra Senatore-Roberts at
    (574) 289-7001 ext. 1002 or via email at ssenatorerobert@ivytech.edu for assistance.

  • The following items/actions are prohibited in the Purcell Pavilion:

    • Alcohol
    • Artificial noise makers
    • Backpacks, duffel bags, or tote bags
    • Cans or glass bottles
    • Coolers
    • Helium balloons
    • Drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS):
    • Explosives or fireworks
    • Food or beverage  (Food is allowed as a medical necessity with proof.)
    • Large containers or coolers
    • Opened bottles of any kind or other drinking containers
    • Selfie Sticks or GoPros
    • Signs or banners
    • Smoking, tobacco, or e-Cigarettes (St. Joseph County ordinance)
    • Tailgating
    • The throwing of any object at any time
    • Weapons of any kind
    • Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate