Why am I Receiving This Communication?

You have been approved to participate in Commencement because you submitted an online intent to participate. Congratulations! You’ve done everything necessary up to this point, but there is one more step… YOU MUST ARRIVE ON TIME TO COMMENCEMENT! Keep reading and pay special attention to the information below.

When/Where Is Commencement?

UIS will hold two commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield. The ceremonies will be divided by College and will each last approximately 1.5 hours. 

Which Ceremony Should I Attend?

College ceremony times are listed below. If you are unsure of your College, verify your College here: uis.edu/colleges. You may only participate in the ceremony for your College.

• 12:30 p.m. Ceremony: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• 5:30 p.m. Ceremony: College of Business and Management, College of Education and Human Services, College of Public Affairs and Administration

When Should I Arrive?
You must arrive on time for your ceremony. Coordinating an event this size requires that participants are respectful of timelines.

• 12:30 Ceremony: Graduates may arrive beginning at 11:30 a.m. but no later than 12:15 p.m.
• 5:30 Ceremony: Graduates may arrive beginning at 4:30 p.m. but no later than 5:15 p.m.

The doors will close 15 minutes prior to each ceremony (at 12:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.); you will not participate if you arrive after the doors close. Give yourself ample time for traffic, finding a parking spot and walking to the BOS Center.

Where Do I Go When I Arrive?
Graduates should enter on the east side of the building nearest Ninth Street and should already be dressed in their regalia.

• For the 12:30 Ceremony, graduates from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will enter through the doorways located on the corner of Washington and Ninth streets.
• For the 5:30 ceremony, graduates from the College of Business and Management will enter through doorways located on the corner of Washington and Ninth streets, while graduates from the colleges of Education and Human Services and Public Affairs and Administration will enter through doorways located on the corner of Adams and Ninth streets. 

Once inside:

• Turn off your cell phone, and then check in at the information tables located near the entrance doors. You will check in with your iCard.
• Locate your program sign (e.g., CSC for Computer Science) that indicates where your program is lining up for the processional. If needed, you will be directed to the general location of your program by the volunteer who checks you in.
• Your program marshal, who will be wearing a gold stole, will line you up by degree level within your program and give you a card with your name on it. You must hold the card until you hand it to the announcer on stage, who will read your name from the card. The marshal will guide you through the procedures.

Other FAQs

The Bank of Springfield Center

The Bank of Springfield Center’s parking ramp is located at the corner of Seventh and Washington streets. Directions are available here. Other special events are being held downtown on Commencement day. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you allow extra time for heavy traffic and parking. 

COVID Mitigations

Currently, there are no mitigations expected. However, guests and grads are welcome to wear a mask if they wish. Also, guest seating is plentiful, so they may choose to provide themselves ample distancing.

DVDs

A ceremony DVD will be available for $25. This cost includes postage in the continental United States. Complete the form to order your copy. Questions should be addressed to the Office of Electronic Media at 217-206-6799.

Graduate Attire

Wear lightweight clothing and dark shoes under your cap and gown. Items such as purses should not be brought to the BOS Center. Previously approved honor cords and non-gold stoles may be worn, but only program marshals should wear gold stoles.

Graduate Processional/Recessional

All cell phones should be turned off prior to the processional. The processional will make its way up a large ramp to the main level of the Bank of Springfield Center. You will follow your program marshal to your seat. Move rapidly to the first available seat and be seated immediately. Please move quickly, be courteous, and cooperate with staff along the way. If the walk up the ramp poses a problem for you, please contact Student Affairs at 217-206-8038 for alternative arrangements. Out of respect, graduates and their guests are expected to remain for the duration of the ceremony. Following the ceremony, graduates and guests are to remain in their seats while the platform party and faculty recess. Once the platform party and faculty have exited, students will be able to join their guests.   
Guest Seating/Tickets/Webcast

This is not a ticketed event, so tickets are not required for admission. The doors will open to the main floor of the BOS Center an hour before each ceremony, and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no reserved seating except for special needs such as interpretive services and wheelchairs. Overflow seating will be provided on the lower level. In addition, a webcast will also be available the day of the event at uis.edu/commencement.

Multiple Degrees/Majors

If you are earning two degrees or two majors, you will participate with your primary program. If you are unsure which is your primary program, please call Graduation at 217-206-7730 prior to noon Friday, May 13, for assistance.

Photographs

Photographs will be taken of each graduate as they receive diploma covers on stage from the Chancellor. Remember to pause and smile. The photographer will also be available after each ceremony in the lower level of the BOS Center for graduates who wish to pose for additional photographs. During each ceremony, guests must remain seated for photographing and videotaping. Tripods are not allowed. Graduates will receive a passport sized full-color proof in the mail shortly after Commencement. There is no obligation to purchase, but you will have the option to order an enlargement package. Questions should be addressed to GradImages.

Special Needs/Assistance Arrangements

Graduates who have a need for special assistance should contact Student Affairs at 217-206-8038. Guests requiring special assistance should contact the Office of Disability Services at 217-206-6666.
Special Events

Numerous events are being planned to help graduates celebrate. Special events will be scheduled for certain groups. Check the Commencement website for more information. 

Alumni Gift

The UIS Alumni Association would like to congratulate you on your graduation from UIS and welcome you to the alumni family with your first piece of alumni swag. Register by May 15 to receive a free T-shirt. List your mailing address as of June 1. Register here.

Additional Info

Your big day is almost here! As always, check the Commencement website for additional information and FAQs. If you are unable to find an answer to your question on the website, email commencement@uis.edu for assistance.

Commencement Committee