Commencement 2026

Saturday, May 9 at the Bank of Springfield Center in Downtown Springfield

Each year the University of Illinois Springfield celebrates its many outstanding graduates by holding commencement ceremonies. This year, ceremonies (divided by college) will be held to celebrate our graduates as noted below:

  • 12:30 p.m. - Graduates from the College of Health, Science and Technology AND the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
  • 5:30 p.m. - Graduates from the College of Business and Management AND the College of Public Affairs and Education

Participation

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

  1. Confirm participation: Graduates will confirm participation by submitting an online intent to participate between March 6 and 23. The form is now live. Only those students who are eligible will be able to submit their intent to participate. This step is required, even for students who were making special cap and gown arrangements (e.g., borrowing a black cap and gown).
  2. Purchase Regalia (Cap and Gown): After clicking submit on the online intent to participate, a screen will appear with information about purchasing regalia. Graduates should screen grab this information or be prepared to immediately follow the prompts to purchase regalia. Orders can be mailed to the graduate's home or to the UIS Bookstore for pick up. Note: The UIS Bookstore has temporarily moved into Founder’s Hall and because of their reduced space, they do not have any caps or gowns on site for purchase; therefore, participating graduates who needed to purchase regalia MUST have done so online.

Student Speaker

Our student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. All graduating students are eligible to audition. Representatives of the faculty will select the speaker. The chosen speaker’s speech will be pre-recorded and broadcast to graduates and attendees during both commencement ceremonies. If you wish to apply, please complete the following steps:

  1. Submit the online Commencement Student Speaker Application.
  2. Email your audition to commencement@uis.edu no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026 (note: late submissions will not be accepted).

For the latest information, please visit the Commencement website. Questions should be sent to commencement@uis.edu.

Meet Up for Graduates/Faculty

"The Meet Up" will return by popular demand again this year. It's a designated space for students and faculty to connect and celebrate before each commencement ceremony begins. It is co-sponsored by the divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs and will be a relaxed and meaningful moment to honor relationships formed throughout the academic journey. Light refreshments (water and lemonade) will be provided, along with an open space for photos/mingling. Staff will be available to answer questions and offer assistance.

  • Event Location: To Be Announced
  • Times: To Be Announced
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