Have questions?

Check out the Commencement frequently asked questions.

Eligibility

The following three groups of individuals may be eligible to participate in the upcoming commencement ceremonies if they meet all of the listed guidelines. There will be NO exceptions to the criteria listed below.  Please note that students can only participate in the commencement ceremony in which they are FIRST eligible (based upon the term for which the student submitted an online graduation application). Students cannot participate in more than one ceremony for the same degree program. Therefore, if the student already participated in or was eligible to participate in a PREVIOUS ceremony, participation in upcoming ceremonies is not possible.

• Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 Graduates: 
  These graduates are automatically eligible to participate.  
  
• Spring 2026 Candidates: 
  A Spring 2026 graduation application must be on file in the Office of Records and Registration no later than Feb. 20, 2026.  
  
• Summer 2026 Candidates: 
  A Summer 2026 graduation application must be on file in the Office of Records and Registration no later than Feb. 20, 2026.  In addition, an approved Student Petition requesting to participate in commencement must also be on file in the Office of Records and Registration by Feb. 20, 2026.    
  
• DPA Students: 
  You must be deemed eligible to participate by April 1. Please contact your advisor for additional information.

How to Participate

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. A communication will be sent once the form is 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.

Participation

Graduates are responsible for knowing and adhering to all University of Illinois Springfield policies, deadlines, and procedures. Specific graduation and commencement-related information is available in the current catalog and must be followed. Any questions related to participation should be directed to commencement@uis.edu. *

Programs by Ceremony and College

SATURDAY, MAY 9 CEREMONY - 12:30 P.M.

College of Health, Science & Technology

Athletic Training
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Clinical Laboratory Science
Computer Science
Data Analytics
Environmental Health
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Studies
Exercise Science
Information Systems Security
Mathematical Sciences
Medical Laboratory Science
Philosophy
Psychology
Public Health

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Art (Visual Arts)
Criminal Justice
Criminology and Criminal Justice
English
History
Human Development Counseling
Liberal & Integrative Studies
Liberal Studies
Social Work
Sociology/Anthropology
Theatre

SATURDAY, MAY 9 CEREMONY - 5:30 P.M.

College of Business & Management

Accountancy
Accounting
Business Administration
Cybersecurity Management
Economics
Finance
Healthcare Informatics
Human Resource Management
Management
Management Information Systems

College of Public Affairs & Education

Communication
Education
Educational Leadership
Educational Studies
Elementary Education
Global Studies
Human Services
International and Global Studies
Legal Studies
Middle Grades Education
Political Science
Public Administration
Public Affairs Reporting
Public Policy
Public and Nonprofit Administration
Secondary English Education
Secondary History Education
Secondary Mathematics Education
Teacher Leadership

Special Instructions for International Students

Commencement information for international students (including information for inviting guests) can be found on the International Student Services website.

* In those years when commencement is held on campus, visitors must abide by the Visitor Behavior Policy of the UIS Performing Arts Center.