The Dean of Students (DOS) Graduation Support Program provides financial assistance for commencement apparel and materials to students experiencing a financial hardship and unable to afford to participate in commencement ceremonies at the University of Iowa. 

How it works

• Eligible items include the cap/tam, gown, tassel, and hood (when applicable).
• Undergraduate students are reimbursed for the cost to purchase their regalia.
• Graduate and professional students are reimbursed for renting their regalia.
• Regalia items must be rented or purchased through Herff Jones or the Iowa Hawk Shop. Additional information about regalia is available on the commencement website.

Student eligibility

• Must be currently enrolled at Iowa and approved for graduation in the current semester
• Have a financial hardship preventing them from purchasing and participating in commencement ceremonies
• Must be able to demonstrate their current financial need
• Must fully complete the application and all questions

Apply for the program

Students can apply for the DOS Graduation Support Program by submitting an application form. For May commencements, applications open in early February. For December commencements, applications open in early September. 

The application period is currently closed and will resume in September.

Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 319-335-1162 or dos@uiowa.edu regarding any questions or to find out more about the application process.