Dear students,
Planning is underway for the 2023 Commencement Ceremony! All critical graduation and Commencement information will arrive via your uis.edu email, so check your inbox frequently. You can also check the Commencement website for updates: uis.edu/commencement
Students who are graduating but NOT participating in Commencement
If you’re planning to earn a degree in the timeframes listed below under Eligibility, you must notify the Office of Records and Registration of your intent to graduate by completing an online graduation application. Instructions are available on the Records and Registration website. The graduation application deadline is Feb. 17, and NO applications are accepted after this deadline.
Commencement Ceremony
UIS Commencement is at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield.
Eligibility
Students planning to participate in commencement must indicate their intent to graduate to the Office of Records and Registration by submitting a graduation application. Instructions and the graduation application are available on the Records and Registration website. The graduation application deadline is Feb. 17, and NO applications are accepted after this deadline.
Students can only participate in the commencement ceremony in which they are FIRST eligible (based upon the term for which the student submitted a graduation application). Students cannot participate in more than one ceremony for the same degree program.
The following groups may be eligible to participate in the upcoming commencement ceremony if they meet all listed guidelines. There will be NO exceptions to the criteria listed below.
- Summer and Fall 2022 Graduates, Spring 2023 Candidates: Complete a graduation application by Feb. 17.
- Summer 2023 Candidates: Complete a graduation application by Feb. 17. In addition, an approved Student Petition Form requesting to participate in the ceremony must also be on file in the Office of Records and Registration by Feb. 17. Generally, a student cannot have any incomplete courses or more than 8 hours (undergraduate) or 4 hours (graduate) still to be taken during the summer term.
- DPA students: You must be deemed eligible to participate by March 31. Please contact your adviser for additional information.
Participation
The following steps are required to participate in Commencement:
- Confirm participation by submitting an online Intent to Participate form on the Commencement website March 6-20. Only those 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 you click submit on your Intent to Participate form, a screen will appear with information about purchasing your cap and gown. Note: This information will not be email to you. Screen grab this info, or be prepared to immediately follow the prompts to purchase your regalia. Orders can be mailed to your home or to the Bookstore for pick up.
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.
Ceremony Guest Seating/Special Needs
Tickets will not be required for admission into Commencement. Additional information regarding special needs seating will be shared later.
Student Speaker
The student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. All graduating students are eligible to audition; representatives of the faculty and the student body will select the speaker. Audition information will be provided when the application form goes live Feb. 27 on the commencement website.
UI WebStore
Leaving UIS means you will no longer have access to the UI WebStore, including your order history. Before you go, visit the WebStore, and save backups of all your software purchases and access keys/codes. While you’re there, be sure to purchase the discounted software you’ll need to succeed in your career.
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 graduation or Commencement, please contact the Office of Records and Registration: 217- 206-7730 or registrar@uis.edu. Also, please verify that your address is correct in Student Self-Service, so your diploma is mailed to the correct address. Check the Commencement website frequently for the most up-to-date information: uis.edu/commencement
Sincerely,
UIS Commencement Committee