How to Participate

Those planning to participate in commencement are required to complete the following two steps:

  1. Confirm Participation: An online Intent to Participate form must be submitted between March 11 and March 25. Only those who are eligible to participate will be able to submit their intent to participate. 
  2. Purchase Regalia (Cap and Gown): Upon completion of the online Intent to Participate form, graduates will receive a link to purchase their regalia and other items (such as invitations) through Herff Jones. Students making special cap and gown arrangements (e.g., borrowing a black cap and gown) must still confirm their participation by submitting an online Intent to Participate form.

Tickets

Tickets will be required for admission into each ceremony.  Additional information will be available soon.

Commencement Week Schedule of Events

Check this site frequently for updates.  *Denotes by invitation only.

EventLocationTimeContact
Student Affairs Leadership Awards
Friday, May 3, 2024
Student Union Ballroom3:00-
4:30 p.m.
(217) 206-4762 or
studentlife@uis.edu
Equity Over Injustice Specialty Graduation Celebration
(UIS Students Only)*
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Student Union Ballroom1:00-
4:00 p.m.
(217) 206-6333 or
diversity@uis.edu
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Awards Ceremony
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Brookens Auditorium4:00-
6:00 p.m.
(217) 206-6512 or
chunt26@uis.edu
Doctor of Public Administration Hooding Ceremony*
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Student Union Ballroom6:00-
7:30 p.m.
(217) 971-8632 or
bgoul2@uis.edu
International Congratulatory Ceremony
Friday, May 10, 2024
Student Union Ballroom2:00-
4:00 p.m.
(217) 206-6678 or
esuzu2@uis.edu
COLRS Recognition of Online Graduates*
Friday, May 10, 2024
Brookens Library
Outside Overhang
Facing Colonnade
4:30-
6:00 p.m.
(217) 206-7317 or
colrs@uis.edu
UIS Campus Tour
Friday, May 10, 2024
Public Affairs Center -
Second Floor Lobby
5:00-
6:00 p.m.
(217) 503-8840 or
sadam26@uis.edu
Commencement Ceremony #1
College of Health, Science and Technology:
Friday, May 10, 2024
Sangamon Auditorium
in the UIS Performing
Arts Center
7:00 p.m.(217) 206-7730 or
commencement@uis.edu
Commencement Ceremony #2
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences AND
College of Public Affairs and Education
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Sangamon Auditorium
in the UIS Performing
Arts Center
10:00 a.m.(217) 206-7730 or
commencement@uis.edu
UIS Campus Tour
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Public Affairs Center -
Second Floor Lobby
11:30 a.m.-
12:30 p.m.
(217) 503-8840 or
sadam26@uis.edu
COLRS Recognition of Online Graduates*
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Brookens Library
Outside Overhang
Facing Colonnade
11:30 a.m.-
2:00 p.m.
(217) 206-7317 or
colrs@uis.edu
Commencement Ceremony #3
College of Business and Management
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Sangamon Auditorium
in the UIS Performing
Arts Center
3:00 p.m. (217) 206-7730 or
commencement@uis.edu
Nigerian Student Association Gala
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Public Affairs Center 160,
Community Room (Formerly C/D)
4:00-
11:00 p.m.
(217) 206-7960 or
cmars4@uis.edu

Commencement News

Student Commencement Speaker

Our student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. Information regarding when and where the auditions will be held is provided in the online application. All graduating students are eligible to audition. Representatives of the faculty will select the speaker. If you wish to apply, please fill out the online Student Speaker Application form and read the special instructions listed. Application forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024 (note: late submissions will not be accepted). The chosen speaker's speech will be pre-recorded and broadcast to graduates and attendees during all three commencement ceremonies.

Graduation Application Deadline Dates

Students graduating in Spring 2024 or Summer 2024 must submit an online Graduation Application via Student Self-Service by the deadlines listed below:

• Spring 2024 Graduates - February 16, 2024
• Summer 2024 Graduates who DO wish to participate in Commencement 2024 Activities - February 16, 2024*
• Summer 2024 Graduates who DO NOT wish to participate in Commencement 2024 Activities - July 1, 2024

*Summer 2024 graduates wishing to participate in Commencement 2024 activities must submit a Student Petition and have it approved by their adviser and department chair by February 16, 2024.

Department News
Mar 13, 2024
Dear Colleagues and Friends of UIS, Commencement 2024 is rapidly approaching, and we’re looking for volunteers to help make this year’s Commencement…
Mar 11, 2024
The following message was sent to UIS students regarding the Intent to Participate form being available for students eligible to participate in this year's…
Mar 06, 2024
The following message regarding Commencement was sent to all UIS students via email on Wednesday, March 6. Additional information regarding Commencement…
Feb 28, 2024
Dear Faculty and Staff: The following message was sent to students on Wednesday, Feb. 28, regarding the Student Speaker Application form being available…
Feb 23, 2024
ATTENTION FACULTY: The 53rd annual UIS Commencement ceremonies will be held in the UIS Performing Arts Center.  There will be three…