How to Participate

Those planning to participate in commencement were required to complete the following two steps:

1. Confirm participation: Graduates confirmed participation by submitting an online intent to participate between March 10 and 24. A communication was sent on March 10 once the form was live. Only those students who were eligible were able to submit their intent to participate. This step was 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 appeared with information about purchasing regalia. Graduates were to screen grab this information or be prepared to immediately follow the prompts to purchase regalia. Orders could 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 will not have any caps or gowns on site for purchase; therefore, participating graduates who needed to purchase regalia MUST have done so online.

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!

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.

Commencement News

Student Commencement Speaker Auditions

Our student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. Information regarding the auditions was provided on the online application. All graduating students were eligible to audition. Representatives of the faculty select the speaker. Please see the important notes below:

• Application forms were due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025 (note: late submissions cannot be accepted).

• The chosen speaker’s speech will be pre-recorded and broadcast to graduates and attendees during all three commencement ceremonies.