Commencement

In the event of inclement weather, the Commencement Ceremony will be moved to Allee Gymnasium. Morningside University will notify all graduates if this change is necessary. Such announcements and updates will made on the Morningside website and social media accounts.

If Commencement is moved to the rain location in Allee, each graduate will have four tickets for family and friends to attend the ceremony due to limited seating. To plan for this, graduates will receive rain location tickets when they pick up their gap and gown from the Morningside University Bookstore. These tickets will only be used if Commencement is located in the rain location (Allee Gym). No tickets will be needed at Elwood Olsen Stadium. 

Regardless of location, step-off will take place at 1:50 p.m. with the ceremony beginning promptly at 2 p.m.

• Plan for potential warm weather. The temperature on the football field typically feels several degrees warmer. We will have some water, but you are also encouraged to bring your own.
• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Dress for both the weather and the occasion, and choose footwear that will allow you to move comfortably outdoors on a variety of surfaces, including turf.
• Bring your cap and gown and any necessary supplies (bobby pins, etc.). Limited cap and gown supplies will be available day-of if needed.
• Name Coach. You will receive a separate email requesting that you send your name pronunciation through NameCoach. Please be sure to do this as soon as you receive the email.  If your name has ever been mispronounced, this is worth doing.
• Special Accommodations for Guests: If you need assistance for guests with disabilities, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (712) 274-5103 or alvarezk@morningside.edu by May 1, 2023.

Undergraduate Students

Caps and gowns will be available in the Bookstore after March 31, 2023 and must be picked up before May 5, 2023. Please stop in and pick up your cap, gown, degree hood, and tassel. You do not need to be measured. These items will be yours to keep.

Graduate Students (MAT, MSN, DNP)

The Bookstore will be open on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  We welcome friends and family to stop in and visit!

Morningside University Bookstore
3609 Peters Ave
Sioux City, IA  51106
712-274-5170

Bookstore Hours 

Monday - Friday- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Jodi Strohbeen, Director of Bookstore
712-274-5133  
strohbeenj@morningside.edu

Graduates who walk at the ceremony will receive their Morningside University diploma during the event.

All other diplomas will be mailed out with final transcripts a few weeks after commencement.

• Where to stay in Sioux City
• Where to eat in Sioux City
• Other attractions

Park in any of the Morningside parking lots, which can be found on this map. Please note that parking is not available at the lacrosse field.

• Line-up begins at noon. Graduates should arrive no later than 1:15 p.m.
• Line-up will take place on Rosen Field. Please enter the lacrosse field from Peters Ave. Volunteers will be there to direct you to where you need to go. 
• Step-off will take place at 1:50 p.m.
• At the time of the processional, graduates will depart from the lacrosse field and walk to the football field. You will enter through an open gate on the west side of the field and process into the stadium on lane 4, then head for your seat on the field. 

• Morningside staff will be taking photos that will be available for you to download and use free of charge. The link to these photos will be sent out later in May. Your guests may take photos from anywhere outside the fenced area.
• A livestream of the commencement ceremony will be available via the Morningside YouTube Channel. 

Thursday, May 11, 2023

11:30 a.m. - Rehearsal for UNDERGRADUATE graduates only (not graduate students) at Rosen Lacrosse Field 
A walk-through rehearsal will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. at the Tom Rosen Lacrosse Field on Peters Avenue (next to Elwood Olsen Stadium). Your attendance at the rehearsal will assist in making your commencement experience more pleasant for you, your classmates, and family and friends.

Immediately Following Rehearsal at Elwood Olsen - Rehearsal Luncheon
In case of inclement weather, we will notify you if rehearsal will be moved to Allee Gymnasium - Rosen Verdoorn Sports Center

7-9 p.m. - Alumni Association Senior Class Party, Bob Roe's Point After, 2320 Transit Ave. Please RSVP online using link in Commencement email.  

Friday, May 12, 2023

5:30-7:30 p.m. - Commencement Celebration for Undergraduates, Graduates, + Guests, Olsen Student Center, 3609 Peters Ave. Please RSVP online using link in Commencement email. 

Saturday, May 13, 2023

10:30 a.m. - Baccalaureate in Eppley Auditorium

12 p.m. - Stadium opens for guests; graduates may begin lining up at Rosen Lacrosse Field

By 1:15 p.m. - Graduates should be lined up at Rosen Lacrosse Field

1:50 p.m. - Graduate step-off

2-4 p.m. - Commencement Ceremony