The following message regarding Commencement was sent to all UIS students via email on Wednesday, March 6.
Additional information regarding Commencement 2024 is available on the web at: https://www.uis.edu/commencement. Questions pertaining to commencement should be addressed to commencement@uis.edu.
Dear students,
You are receiving this message because you may be eligible to participate in the 2024 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: uis.edu/commencement.
Commencement Ceremonies
This year, three commencement ceremonies (divided by college) will be held in the Sangamon Auditorium in the UIS Performing Arts Center:
- Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. - Graduates from the College of Health, Science and Technology
- Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. - Graduates from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences AND the College of Public Affairs and Education
- Saturday, May 11 at 3 p.m. - Graduates from the College of Business and Management
Participation
The following steps are required to participate in commencement:
- Confirm participation: Graduates can confirm participation by submitting an online intent to participate on the Commencement website between March 11 and 25. 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 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.
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 UIS Performing Arts Center. The UIS photographer also captures images throughout the day. A public album will be available several days after Commencement here: uis.edu/brand
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
Graduates with a disability-related accommodation request should contact Graduation in the Office of Records and Registration (217-206-7730 or registrar@uis.edu). Guests with a disability-related accommodation request should contact Disability Services (217-206-6666 or rmatt9@uis.edu).
Student Speaker
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 fill out the online Student Speaker Application form and read the special instructions listed. Application forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 22 (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.
Guest Tickets/Overflow Seating/Livestreaming
Guest tickets will be required for admission into the commencement ceremonies. We are estimating that each student will receive approximately five guest tickets, though the exact amount will not be determined until closer to the ceremonies. Overflow seating with livestreaming will be available on campus for guests who wish to participate but do not have a ticket for entrance into the Sangamon Auditorium. In addition, livestreaming will also be available remotely (uis.edu/uislive).
College Breakdown
Listed below is a breakdown by college of all programs at UIS. Please review the list to determine which ceremony you will be attending.
Friday, May 10 Ceremony - 7 p.m.
College of Health, Science and Technology
- Athletic Training
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Computer Science
- Data Analytics
- Environmental Health
- Environmental Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Exercise Science
- Information Systems Security
- Mathematical Sciences
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Public Health
Saturday, May 11 Ceremony - 10 a.m.
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Art (Visual Arts)
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- English
- History
- Human Development Counseling
- Liberal & Integrative Studies
- Liberal Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology/Anthropology
- Theatre
College of Public Affairs and Education
- Communication
- Education
- Educational Leadership
- Elementary Education
- Global Studies
- Human Services
- Legal Studies
- Middle Grades Education
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Public Affairs Reporting
- Public Policy
- Public and Nonprofit Administration
- Secondary English Education
- Secondary History Education
- Secondary Mathematics Education
- Teacher Leadership
Saturday, May 11 Ceremony - 3 p.m.
College of Business and Management
- Accountancy
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Cybersecurity Management
- Economics
- Finance
- Healthcare Informatics
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Management Information Systems
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: uis.edu/commencement.
Sincerely,
UIS Commencement Committee