Graduation Weekend

Graduation Weekend 2025

Graduation from Coe College is truly a milestone. This webpage is designed to provide information concerning Commencement and related events at Coe. Below you will find the schedule for Graduation Weekend 2025. Please check this website for future updates and additional information!

May 1

Senior Celebration | 6:00 PM | Eastbank Venue | Social event hosted by David and Heather Hayes kicks off the weekend and welcomes the senior class as new alumni.

May 2

Commencement Rehearsal | 2:30 PM | Stewart Memorial Library Quad | In case of rain, rehearsal will be in Kohawk Arena. Rehearsal lasts 45 minutes. Attendance is required.

MAY 3

Baccalaureate^ | 11:00 AM | Sinclair Auditorium | Baccalaureate service of word and song will take place. Family and friends are invited. This is not a mandatory event but a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony | 1:00 PM | Dows Theatre
Phi Beta Kappa Initiation | 1:30 PM | Perrine Gallery in Stewart Memorial Library | By invitation only
Honors Convocation*^ | 2:30 PM | Sinclair Auditorium | Academic awards and prizes will be announced, showcasing student accomplishments for parents and friends.
Presidential Reception | 4:00 PM | Sinclair Lobby | All graduating seniors and their families are invited.

MAY 4

Kohawk Family Graduation Celebration | 7:00 AM | Phifer Commons in Upper Gage | Graduates have the chance to get ready, eat breakfast and recognize their families' support.
Ringing of the Victory Bell^ | 9:00 AM | Eby Fieldhouse Quad | All graduates should line up at 9:00 AM. (The Victory Bell Tradition)
Pre-Commencement Concert | 9:30 AM | Stewart Memorial Library Quad | Features the Coe Concert Band.
Commencement*^ | 10:00 AM | Stewart Memorial Library Quad | About 2,500 seats will be available on chairs and bleachers. Family members may also bring blankets or lawn chairs to use if they desire. Umbrellas and windbreakers are strongly recommended in case of rain or cool conditions. In case of severe weather, Commencement will be held in Kohawk Arena.

*ASL interpreter will be present.
 All events are handicap accessible.  
^Events will be livestreamed.

Note: These are not ticketed events and there is not a limit to the number of guests each graduate can invite to the events taking place on May 3 & 4. Please leave pets at home, service animals are welcome.

Pre-Graduation Checklist

Parking Map

Photo Opportunity Map

Livestream Information

Other graduation information

HOTELS

For a hotel listing, please view www.coe.edu/why-coe/visitor-information.

IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND GRADUATION

If you are unable to attend the Commencement ceremony, a written request must be submitted to the Office of the Provost (provost@coe.edu) in order to receive your diploma. Your diploma will be mailed to you soon after Commencement. Please verify/update your address on My Coe (my.coe.edu) to indicate the appropriate mailing address.

WEATHER

Commencement will take place outside even if it rains. Rain gear and windbreakers are strongly recommended in case of rain or cool conditions. In the event of warm weather, guests are encouraged to bring their own water. In case of severe weather, the ceremony will be held in Kohawk Arena. Information regarding a location change will be provided via Coe email and at www.coe.edu/graduation the morning of Commencement, if applicable.

SHOES & ATTIRE

On Sunday, graduates and guests are asked to please avoid wearing narrow or spike heels to Commencement as they sink into the grass at the outdoor ceremony. If an indoor ceremony is required, narrow or spike heels may cause damage to the indoor court surface.

PHOTOS

A professional photographer will capture each graduate ringing the bell and crossing the stage. To order photos after Commencement, visit www.teamphotonetwork.com and use the password GRAD2025. If you have any further questions after the event, please call Impact Photo/Joe Photo at 319.389.6018 or 319.389.9845.

GRAD CAP CONTEST

Show us your creativity and Coe passion by sharing photos of your decorated graduation caps on social media. Use #KohawkCapContest2025 for a chance to win a prize and have your photos shared. The contest closes May 9. Be sure to make your posts public so we can see them.

CAP & GOWN ORDERING

Students may order their cap and gown through Herff Jones. Ordering ends April 1, 2025. Any questions may be directed to thekohawkshop@coe.edu.

DRONES

Only college-approved, licensed drone operators are permitted to fly drones at this event. Drone use/operation is not permitted by guests.

QUESTIONS?

The faculty and staff at Coe College strive to make Commencement a special experience for our graduates. If you or your guests have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Office of Communications at communication@coe.edu.