Bookstore/Food Service/Starbucks
Hours on Commencement Day

Those planning to participate in commencement were encouraged to stop by the UIS Bookstore (located in Founders Hall, Room 154). The Bookstore was 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 also had special hours on the days of commencement. Both are located within the Student Union. Hours on those days were 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 prepared to celebrate our graduates, we were excited to introduce "The Meet Up" - a designated space for students and faculty to connect and celebrate before each commencement ceremony began. This was an effort co-sponsored by the divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs and was a relaxed and meaningful moment to honor relationships formed throughout the academic journey, before the formality of each ceremony began. Light refreshments (water and lemonade) were provided, along with an open space for photos/mingling. Staff were 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 were a number of photo ops on campus during the days of commencement, May 9 and 10, both before and after each ceremony. Locations included the Student Union, Colonnade, Lincoln Statue, and University entrance. There were a number of graduate activities held during the week of commencement. We encouraged 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 was pre-recorded and broadcast to graduates and attendees during all three commencement ceremonies.