Information for Guests and Visitors
Welcome, visitors, to our most cherished tradition. The 55th annual UIS Commencement ceremonies will be held in downtown Springfield at the Bank of Springfield Center. Two ceremonies (divided by college) will be held to celebrate our graduates on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Please direct any questions to commencement@uis.edu.
Commencement Program
Those attending commencement in person will receive a printed program that includes summarized ceremony information. Past complete commencement programs (including graduate names, etc.) are posted below:
- 2025 Commencement Program (pdf)
- 2024 Commencement Program (pdf)
Assistance/Information
Guests may visit the information desk in the Bank of Springfield Center's lobby for questions and assistance.
Directions/Maps
Address for the Bank of Springfield Center: Convention Center Plaza #1, Springfield, IL 62701
The Center's parking ramp is located at the corner of 7th and Washington streets. Other special events are being held downtown on commencement day. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you allow extra time for heavy traffic and parking (parking information can be found below).
Address for the University of Illinois Springfield campus: One University Plaza Springfield, IL 62703
Gifts for Graduates
If you would like to purchase gifts for your graduate, the UIS Bookstore has a number of items for sale. In addition, the Commencement Group offers a variety of items, including T-shirts and flowers.
Parking
If you will be attending the 2026 commencement ceremonies, you will need to arrive extra early, as parking will be on a first come, first served basis.
- Parking Ramps:
7th & Adams – Located next to the Convention Center and Pres. A. Lincoln Hotel
7th & Monroe – Located next to Hilton Hotel
6th & Washington – Located below the Old State Capitol- Open 7am-7pm on weekdays, Sat. 7am-6pm, closed on Sun.
6th & Capital
4th & Washington- 24 hour access
7th & Monroe – Located below Lincoln Library
Abraham Lincoln Museum – 7am – 7pm, Wed. night open until 10pm - Parking Lots:
4th & Washington - Street Parking:
Street parking at meters and in other designated areas is free on weekends.
Special Needs
Wheelchairs for transport are not available at the Bank of Springfield Center. Graduates or Guests with an assistance/accommodation are asked to contact the Office of Records and Registration at 217-206-7730 or commencement@uis.edu.
Springfield Information
For information related to Springfield, including lodging and restaurants, visit the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau UIS Friends and Family page.
Hotels
The following hotels may extend discounted rates to family members and friends attending the UIS Commencement Ceremonies. Please mention “UIS Commencement” when calling to make reservations.
Candlewood Suites
2501 Sunrise Dr.
Springfield, IL 62703
217-522-5100
Candlewood Suites Hotel Information/Rates
Carpenter Street Hotel
525 N 6th St.
Springfield, IL 62702
217-789-9100
Carpenter Street Hotel Information/Rates
Comfort Suites
2620 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62703
217-615-4445
Comfort Suites Hotel Information/Rates
Holiday Inn Express
3050 South Dirksen Pkwy
Springfield, IL 62703
888-465-4329
Holiday Inn Express Room Information/Rates
President Abraham Lincoln a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
701 E Adams St
Springfield, IL 62701
217-544-8800
President Abraham Lincoln a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Room Information/Rates
Residence Inn
2915 Stanford Ave.
Springfield, IL 62703
217-527-1100
Residence Inn Room Information/Rates
SpringHill Suites
3921 MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62711
217-789-0000