Photo Opportunities and Graduate Activities
There will be a number of photo ops on campus during the days of commencement, May 9 and 10. Locations will include the Student Union, Colonnade, Lincoln Statue, and University entrance. There will also be a number of graduate activities held during the week of commencement. We encourage graduates to take photos and participate in activities to help celebrate their achievement!
Question/Answer Sessions
We will hold question/answer sessions via Zoom for graduates. Graduating students are welcome to attend any of these sessions, though each will be focused on the population of students noted below. The date/time of each session will be added below once known. Graduates are then encouraged to click on the applicable link to join the session.
- All Students Session
- First Generation Students Session
- International Students Session
Commencement Week Schedule of Events
*Denotes by invitation only or RSVP; questions should be addressed to the applicable "contact" below. Check this site frequently for updates.
| Event | Location | Time | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Affairs Leadership Awards Friday, May 2, 2025 | Student Union Ballroom | 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. | (217) 206-4762 or studentlife@uis.edu |
| CAP Honors Graduation Celebration Luncheon* Thursday, May 8, 2025 | UIS Field Station | 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m | (217) 206-7251 or kguth01s@uis.edu |
| International Congratulatory Ceremony Friday, May 9, 2025 | Student Union Ballroom | 2:00- 4:00 p.m. | (217) 206-6678 or esuzu2@uis.edu |
| Online Graduate Recognition Event Friday, May 9, 2025 | Brookens Overhang | 4:30- 6:00 p.m. | (217) 206-7317 or colrs@uis.edu |
| UIS Campus Tour Friday, May 9, 2025 | Public Affairs Center - Second Floor Lobby | 5:00- 6:00 p.m. | (217) 206-4847 or admissions@uis.edu |
| Year End Banquet for School of Politics and International Affairs* Friday, May 9, 2025 | UIS Field Station Common Room | 5:00- 7:00 p.m. | (217) 206-6646 or mwade7@uis.edu |
| Commencement Ceremony #1 College of Health, Science and Technology: Friday, May 9, 2025 | Sangamon Auditorium in the UIS Performing Arts Center | 7:00 p.m. | (217) 206-7730 or commencement@uis.edu |
| Commencement Ceremony #2 College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences AND College of Public Affairs and Education Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Sangamon Auditorium in the UIS Performing Arts Center | 10:00 a.m. | (217) 206-7730 or commencement@uis.edu |
| SPMP Graduation Reception & PAA New Member Induction* Saturday, May 10, 2025 | UHB Second Floor Lounge | 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. | (217) 206-6310 or spmp@uis.edu |
| UIS Campus Tour Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Public Affairs Center - Second Floor Lobby | 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. | (217) 206-4847 or admissions@uis.edu |
| Online Graduate Recognition Event Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Brookens Overhang | 11:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. | (217) 206-7317 or colrs@uis.edu |
| Commencement Ceremony #3 College of Business and Management Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Sangamon Auditorium in the UIS Performing Arts Center | 3:00 p.m. | (217) 206-7730 or commencement@uis.edu |
Commencement News
Student Commencement Speaker Auditions - Important Information!
Our student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. Information regarding when and where the auditions will be held is provided on the online application. All graduating students are eligible to audition. Representatives of the faculty will select the speaker. If you wish to apply, please complete the online Student Speaker Application form and read the special instructions listed, as well as the important notes below:
- Application forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025 (note: late submissions will not be accepted)
- The chosen speaker’s speech will be pre-recorded and broadcast to graduates and attendees during all three commencement ceremonies