Ceremony Information

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Commencement FAQ

When should I submit the Petition to Graduate if I plan to attend a ceremony?

The Petition to Graduate form should be submitted within six months of your estimated graduation date. Your Student Advisor will notify you when you qualify to submit your petition. You can locate your current status on your degree progress report, which is found on your Student Portal under "My Degree." If you plan to attend the commencement ceremonies held on the Ashford University campus in Clinton, IA, specific deadlines to submit the petition for each ceremony can be found on the Graduation Information page.

Petitions received after the deadlines will be forwarded to the next commencement ceremony date.

Will I receive my diploma during the ceremony?

No, you will receive a purple leather diploma cover with a letter from the President of the University. Your diploma will be shipped to you when you complete all degree requirements, as specified in the Academic Catalog.

How do I order my cap and gown?

You must have completed a Petition to Graduate, be eligible to attend, and have indicated that you will participate in the ceremony to receive communications on how to purchase the regalia for the ceremony. Please note: do not order a cap and gown until you have received this communication as it will contain specific directions that must be followed to ensure your participation in the event. If you do not follow those directions, you will be removed from participating in the ceremony and will have to wait for the next available ceremony. View the current costs of the graduation regalia.

Will Ashford University hold a practice for commencement?

No, due to the fact that students will be traveling from all over the country for the event, the official rehearsal has been replaced with a rehearsal video that you can view from your own home. If you are attending, you will receive the Inside Commencement newsletter approximately two months prior to the event, which will contain the link to the video as well as detailed instructions for the ceremony. Details will also be posted on the Graduation Information website as the ceremony approaches.

Does Ashford have a general schedule of events to help me plan my trip?

Yes. The following is a general schedule of events for the weekend of commencement.

Saturday, May 4, 2013
Commencement Celebration Day at the Ashford University Campus, Clinton, IA
Faculty Meet-and-Greet, Honors Society Meet-and-Greet, Kids Fun Zone, Food and Music, Tours, University History Presentations, and more!

Sunday, May 5, 2013
Ashford University Commencement at the iWireless Center, Moline, IL

8:00 am Doors Open to the Public
8:00 am – 9:30 am Undergraduate Student Check-In
10:00 am Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Graduate Student Check-In
3:00 pm Graduate Commencement Ceremony

For More information, please contact graduation.information@ashford.edu.

Does Ashford have any tips on traveling to Clinton, Iowa for the ceremony?

Yes. The following is a general list of helpful information when planning your trip to campus:

Travel by Air

Hotel Information
Ashford University has reserved rooms at local hotels at a special "Ashford rate" for the families and friends of our graduates. In order to take advantage of these rates, rooms must be booked at least one month prior to the commencement date and you must mention Ashford University. Please note, rooms book quickly and discounted room rates are subject to room availability. It is wise to book your hotel as soon as possible.

Hampton Inn and Suites
2781 Wild Circle South, Clinton, IA 52732
563.243.5555

Comfort Inn & Suites *no pets/no smoking
1301 17th Street, Fulton, IL 61252
815.589.3333

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson
2224 Lincoln Way, Clinton, IA 52732
563.244.9922

Oak Tree Inn
2300 Valley West Court, Clinton, IA 52732
563.243.1000

Stoney Creek Inn
101 18th Street, Moline, IL 61265
800.659.2220

Super 8
1711 Lincoln Way, Highway 30 and 17th Street, Clinton, IA 52732
563.242.8870

Super 8
918 Westwood Drive, DeWitt, IA 52742
563.659.8888

Crossings Inn and Suites
301 Jason Way Court, Davenport, IA 52806
563.323.3303

Best Western Steeple Gate Inn
100 W. 76th St., Davenport, IA 52806
800.373.6900

Comfort Inn & Suites
902 Mississippi View Court, Le Claire, IA 52753
563.289.4747

Holiday Inn Express
1201 Canal Shore Drive, Le Claire, IA 52753
563.289.9978

Quality Inn & Suites
1000 E. Iowa Street, Eldridge, IA 52748
563.285.4600

Super 8
1552 Welcome Center Drive, Le Claire, IA 52753
563.289.5888

Quality Inn & Suites
6605 N. Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52806
563.386.8336

There is a limited number of rooms available, and we ask that you call to reserve your room as soon as you have received the date and time of your commencement ceremony.

Car Rental Information:
Ask about Ashford University graduation rates to Clinton, IA from Moline, IL and Chicago, IL.

Enterprise
Enterprise has great car rental deals for Ashford University graduates, families and friends. Book your reservation online.

Avis
Avis Discount Number: J995188. The discount is available from one week before to one week after the ceremony. Book your reservation online.

Hertz
Hertz Discount Number: CV# 022L3827. The discount code entitles you to 10% off your rental cost. To receive your special discounted rates, please call 800.654.2240. Or book your reservation online.

What else is there to do in the Clinton area?

Visit the Clinton Convention and Visitors Bureau's website for information about Clinton and be sure to download their comprehensive Visitors Guide.

My guests or I require special accommodations. Whom can I contact for assistance?

Graduates requiring accommodation for a disability should contact the Office of Student Access and Wellness at campusaccess@ashford.edu a minimum of two weeks prior to the ceremony in order to ensure all requests may be met. Special seating areas will be designated for guests who are pregnant, elderly, or who have disabilities. Please have guests arrive early to ensure they are able to access the designated seating area and have them notify event staff that they are a guest needing special seating when entering the event.

For those individuals who need large print or Braille programs these will be available on a first come, first served basis, unless requested in advance. Assistive listening devices will also be available upon request. Please contact campusaccess@ashford.edu regarding your needs.

I need written verification that I am attending an Ashford University commencement ceremony in the near future. How do I request this verification?

Students requesting official documentation to verify their intent to attend the commencement ceremonies being held in Clinton, Iowa must submit the Commencement Participation Verification Request form located on the Student Portal under 'Registrar Forms'. If the requested documentation will be sent to a foreign embassy or government to gain approval for family members to visit the United States for the ceremony, please ensure that you submit the form at least three weeks before the deadline to submit documentation to the embassy. Forms will be processed within 7-10 business days and documentation will be mailed out via standard United States Postal Service to the address indicated in section three (3) of the form. Ashford University can only provide documentation about the student's enrollment with the University and their intent to attend a commencement ceremony. We will not provide personal recommendations based on a student's character.

I have a question about commencement, whom should I contact?

If you have questions about a specific commencement ceremony or your diploma, please send an email to graduation.information@ashford.edu – this email account is reviewed daily.
Ceremony Information