Indiana University students receiving their master's and doctoral degrees next spring will be honored in a separate commencement ceremony.

The new event will be held May 7, with commencement ceremonies for undergraduates held the next day. The two have traditionally been held together.

But IU officials wanted to enrich the graduation experience for all participants and their families. They say a separate ceremony for graduate students will provide more time to focus on their distinct achievements. The undergraduate ceremony will focus exclusively on their achievements.