Bookstore/Food Service/Starbucks
Hours on Commencement Day
Those planning to participate in commencement are encouraged to stop by the UIS Bookstore (located in Founders Hall, Room 154). The Bookstore will be open on the days of commencement as follows:
- Friday, May 9 - 12:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10 - Noon - 3 p.m.
The Food Studio and Starbucks will also have special hours on the days of commencement. Both are located within the Student Union. Hours on those days will be as follows:
- Friday, May 9 - Food Studio: 8:00 a.m. - 6 :00 p.m.; Starbucks: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10 - Food Studio: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Starbucks: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Meet Up for Graduates/Faculty
As we prepare to celebrate our graduates, we are excited to introduce "The Meet Up" - a designated space for students and faculty to connect and celebrate before each commencement ceremony begins. This is an effort 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, before the formality of each ceremony begins. Light refreshments (water and lemonade) will be provided, along with an open space for photos/mingling. Staff will also be available to answer questions and offer assistance.
- Event Location: Campus Central Quad / Tent at the Student Union
- Rain Location: Public Affairs Center, Room 3B
- Times:
- Friday, May 9 - 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10 - 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
- Saturday, May 10 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Photo Opportunities and Graduate Activities
There will be a number of photo ops on campus during the days of commencement, May 9 and 10, both before and after each ceremony. Locations will include the Student Union, Colonnade, Lincoln Statue, and University entrance. There will also be a number of graduate activities held during the week of commencement. We encourage graduates to take photos and participate in activities to help celebrate their achievement!
Commencement News
Student Commencement Speaker Auditions
Our student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. Information regarding the auditions was provided on the online application. All graduating students were eligible to audition. Representatives of the faculty select the speaker. Please see the important notes below:
- Application forms were due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025 (note: late submissions cannot be accepted).
- The chosen speaker’s speech will be pre-recorded and broadcast to graduates and attendees during all three commencement ceremonies.