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/gown/tassel, souvenir tassel, and zipper pull. 
  • Undergraduate students are reimbursed for the cost to purchase their regalia.
  • Graduate and professional students are reimbursed for renting their regalia. 
  • Items are rented or purchased through the Iowa Hawk Shop. 

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 via this form. For May commencements, applications open in early February. For December commencements, applications open in early September. 

Apply now

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.

* Please note that Graduate College students are expected to use Herff Jones for rentals or purchasing of graduation apparel. The Graduation Support Program will still apply either reimbursing the rental fees or up to the total amount of the purchase had it been made through the Iowa Hawk Shop.