Football school: IU moving time of winter commencement to accommodate CFP

IU has made several moves in the last year that demonstrated a commitment to building a respectable football program.

After hiring Curt Cignetti, they worked to secure financial commitments to build a quality roster. And when success on the field followed, they renewed Cignetti’s contract to pay him and his assistant coaches on a scale commensurate with the top programs in college football.

The results have exceeded the expectations of many, as Indiana reached its first College Football Playoff after what has easily been one of the three best seasons in program history.

But on Monday the University made an announcement that truly demonstrated it is one with football in 2024.

The multi-billion organization with nearly 50,000 students is modifying its winter commencement schedule so students and their families can make plans for the CFP first round game at Notre Dame on Friday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. ET.

Here’s what the school said in a Monday news release:

Indiana University Bloomington is making changes to the timing of its winter commencement ceremonies so students graduating this December will have the opportunity to attend the IU football team’s historic appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Winter commencement ceremonies on Dec. 20 will move to 9 a.m. and noon at IU Auditorium.

An individual graduate’s ceremony time will depend on the school’s participation schedule, which is available on the winter commencement website. The site includes additional information about parking and seating, and other reminders for graduates and guests.

The Hoosiers play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at 8 p.m. Dec. 20 in South Bend, Indiana.

A trip to the IU Bloomington internet home page further demonstrates the extent to which the football program is being embraced by the school.

As of Monday afternoon at the very top of the page is, you guessed it, a link to football coverage.

“Top academics. Top athletics,” it says. “No college knows sports better than Indiana University—just Google us. See how the Hoosier football team is breaking records and fighting for the glory of old IU.”