May 15 Graduate Celebration

Our #UIS21 Graduate Celebration will launch at Noon on May 15, featuring special videos, virtual gifts, messages to and from graduates, and lots more, to celebrate our 2021 graduates for Commencement Day.

May 13 & 14 Stage Experience

The recordings of the Stage Experience are available as two separate videos.

COVID Test

Attention: New Information regarding testing.

  • Given the safety protocols we have put into place for this event and with the guidance given through the UIS COVID Rapid Response Team (CRRT), a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required for participation in the Stage Experience.
  • However, graduating students who live, learn, work or train on campus should continue to follow their required on-campus testing protocol.
  • All graduates are still encouraged to be tested, but a test result will not be required to show at check-in.
  • Our United in Safety protocols, including face coverings and social distancing throughout your and your guests’ time while on campus, remain in effect.

Timeslot Appointment

  • You and all of your guests should check in within 10 minutes of your designated registered time. For example, if your timeslot says 2:40, you and your guests should check in between 2:30 and 2:40. You will cross the stage approximately 20 minutes after your appointed timeslot.
  • It is possible the time you sign up for could be slightly adjusted. If this occurs, you will be notified.
  • If you need to change your time slot, please contact commencement@uis.edu right away.

Attire for the Stage Experience

  • Black Cap and Gown must be worn

Live Webcast or FB Live

The Stage Experience will be live streamed. Friends and family can view it on the UIS Technology website.

Guests

  • Limit of six guests per graduate.
  • Guests do not have to provide negative Covid test.
  • You may make changes to your guest list at the registration table the day of your Stage Experience.
  • Regardless of age, each person, including children and infants, is considered to be one of the six guests.

Parking

  • Parking will be free on May 13 & 14.
  • Participants are encouraged to park in Lots D & E (except in designated reserved spots), located on the west side of the Public Affairs Center.
  • Passengers may be dropped off at the main entrance to the Public Affairs Center, located in the accessible parking area.
  • Accessible parking will be designated in the “Tear Drop” circle, located at the north door of PAC (end of Ernest Hemingway Drive).
  • For GPS use: 2200 Ernest Hemingway Drive.
  • If parking at the Student Union, please use Lot J.
  • You can check out the online map of the UIS campus for lot locations.

Student Union

  • Stop in the Union before or after your Stage Experience
  • Give aways
  • Photographer for individual and family
  • Create your Shout-out
  • Grab lunch
  • Starbucks open 8am-4pm

Record a Short Story

  • Before or after your Stage Experience, stop at Student Union to record a short story – a thank you, a highlight of your time at UIS or a greeting to a fellow student
  • This will be shown after the virtual ceremony on Saturday

Photographer

  • A photographer will be set up in Sangamon Auditorium to capture the moment as you cross the stage and congratulated by the Chancellor
  • Graduates and possibly even their guests can have a professional picture taken in the Student Union
  • Gradates will be emailed with the information on how to purchase pictures

Instructions on where to enter the Public Affairs Center (PAC)

  • Students and their guests should enter PAC together
  • Check-in will be in the lower level of the Public Affairs Center (near the Bookstore), Building No. 7 on the online map of the UIS campus.
  • Please enter using the lower, north entrance at the “Tear Drop” (end of Ernest Hemingway Drive).