REMINDER for Students Planning to Participate in Commencement 2026!
Dear students,
You are receiving this message because you may be eligible to participate in the 2026 Commencement Ceremonies. All critical commencement information will continue to arrive via your uis.edu email, so check your inbox frequently. You can also check the Commencement website for updates.
Commencement Ceremonies
Two commencement ceremonies (divided by college) will be held in downtown Springfield at the Bank of Springfield Center:
- Saturday, May 9 at 12:30 p.m. - College of Health, Science and Technology AND College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Saturday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. - College of Business and Management AND College of Public Affairs and Education
Participation
The following steps are required to participate in commencement:
- Confirm participation: Graduates must confirm participation by submitting an online intent to participate form on the Commencement website between March 6 and 23. Only students who are eligible will be able to submit their intent to participate. This step is required, even for students who are making special cap and gown arrangements (e.g., borrowing a black cap and gown).
- Purchase a cap and gown online: After clicking submit on the online intent to participate, a screen will appear with information about purchasing your cap and gown. Screen grab this information or be prepared to immediately follow the prompts to purchase your regalia. Orders can be mailed to your 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 need to purchase regalia MUST do so online.
Alternative Cap and Gown Arrangements: Students making special cap and gown arrangements (e.g., borrowing a black cap and gown) MUST still confirm their participation by submitting an online intent to participate.
Photographs
A professional photographer will record the moment graduates are given their diploma cover by the Chancellor. Full-color proofs of these photos and instructions for ordering will be mailed to graduates shortly after commencement. The photographer will also be available for portraits after each ceremony in the lower level of the Bank of Springfield Center. The UIS photographer also captures images throughout the day. A public album will be available several days after commencement on the UIS Brand page.
Special Events
Numerous events are being planned for certain groups, colleges and/or departments. As details become available, they will be posted on the Commencement website.
Special Needs/Assistance
If you (the graduate) or any of your guests have an accommodation request (mobility, visual, hearing, difficulty navigating stairs, etc.), please email commencement@uis.edu. A staff member will reach out to discuss the request.
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. Information will be sent soon regarding the application process. The chosen speaker’s speech will be pre-recorded and broadcast to graduates and attendees during both commencement ceremonies.
Guest Tickets/Overflow Seating/Livestreaming
Guest tickets will be required for admission into the commencement ceremonies. The number of tickets to be distributed will be determined a few weeks after graduates have confirmed their participation. Overflow seating with livestreaming will be available in the lower level of the Bank of Springfield Center for guests who wish to participate but do not have a ticket for entrance into The Center. In addition, livestreaming will be available.
College Breakdown
The commencement website features a list of all programs by college. Please review the list to determine which ceremony you will be attending.
Let’s celebrate!
Commencement is an important time to celebrate your well-deserved accomplishment! We hope that if you are eligible, you will choose to participate. If you have any questions about the ceremonies, please visit the “Contacts” page on the Commencement website. Be sure to check the Commencement website frequently for the most up-to-date information.
Sincerely,
UIS Commencement Committee