Information for UIS Faculty

Welcome, faculty, 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.

Faculty Participation/Regalia

The online Faculty Participation and Regalia form will be available soon. An email will be sent to faculty when the online participation form is live. If you submit the online Faculty Participation and Regalia form indicating that you will be participating, commencement information will be sent to you prior to the ceremonies. Please read the following additional notes carefully:

  • If you are participating and have special needs/accommodation requests, please email commencement@uis.edu.
  • If you order regalia as part of the Faculty Participation and Regalia form submission, items will be delivered to your college office in late April/early May.
  • If your participation plans change after your submission, please email commencement@uis.edu. Please be aware that, while it may be possible to submit late regalia orders after the final deadline date, only the home ship option will then be available and the cost for home shipping will be the responsibility of the faculty member.

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

Parking

If you are a faculty member participating in 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

Ceremony Information

The Faculty Robing Room will be located in the lower level of the Bank of Springfield Center. Please look for room signs on the day of the ceremonies.