Publish Date

Commencement day is almost here! Please read the following info to be fully informed.

Where: 

Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield.

When:

May 14, 12:30 and 5:30 p.m.

The ceremonies will be divided by college and will each last approximately 1.5 hours. You may only participate in the ceremony for your college.

  • 12:30 p.m. Ceremony: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • 5:30 p.m. Ceremony: College of Business and Management, College of Education and Human Services, College of Public Affairs and Administration

When to Arrive:

You must arrive on time for your ceremony. Doors will close 15 minutes before each ceremony, and late arrivals will not participate. Give yourself ample time for traffic, finding a parking spot and walking to the BOS Center.

  • 12:30 p.m. Ceremony: Arrive 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
  • 5:30 p.m. Ceremony: Arrive 4:30 - 5:15 p.m.

Where to Arrive:
Enter on the east side of the building (Ninth Street side) already dressed in your regalia.  

  • 12:30 p.m. Ceremony: Use the doors at the corner of Washington and Ninth streets.
  • 5:30 p.m. Ceremony:
    • College of Business and Management: Enter at the corner of Washington and Ninth streets.
    • Colleges of Education and Human Services and Public Affairs and Administration: Enter at the corner of Adams and Ninth streets.

Once Inside:

  • Check in at the information tables near the entrance doors. Bring your iCard to speed up check in. If you do not have an iCard, you will need your UIN.
  • Locate your program sign to line up. Volunteers can help you find your program.
  • Your program marshal, who will wear a gold stole, will line you up by degree level within your program and give you a card with your name on it. You must hold the card until you hand it to the announcer on stage, who will read your name from the card.

COVID Mitigations:

Currently, there are no mitigations expected. However, grads are welcome to wear a mask if they wish.

Graduate Attire:

Wear lightweight clothing and dark shoes under your cap and gown. Certain items, such as purses or bags, should not be brought to the Bank of Springfield Center. Previously approved honor cords and non-gold stoles may be worn, but only program marshals should wear gold stoles.

Special Needs/Assistance Arrangements

Graduates who have a need for special assistance should contact Student Affairs at 217-206-8038.

UIS Bookstore

The Bookstore will be open extended hours this week.

  • Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Additional Info

Your big day is almost here! As always, check the Commencement website for additional information and FAQs. An email sent on April 21 provided even more information than was shared above. Scroll to the bottom of the Commencement website to the news section if you’d like to review those additional details.

If you are unable to find an answer to your question on the website, email commencement@uis.edu for assistance.

See you Saturday!

Commencement Committee