Graduate employee records are controlled by the student's home organization, so access is managed on their end rather than yours. If you need information from that record or help coordinating, Student Employment can point you in the right direction at studentemployment@uis.edu.

There are a few common reasons a student might not show up yet. Often it's because there's no approved electronic checklist on file, the student hasn't been entered into HRFE, or their new hire paperwork isn't complete. If you've checked those and your student still isn't appearing, reach out to your HRFE manager, or contact Student Employment at studentemployment@uis.edu for help tracking it down.

All student pay increases are approved by Student Employment. If you'd like to request one, you can reach the team at studentemployment@uis.edu.

To end a student's employment, contact Student Employment and they'll walk you through the process. You can reach them at studentemployment@uis.edu.

To request a pay rate change, send an email to Student Employment at studentemployment@uis.edu and include the following so they can process it without back-and-forth: the student's name, their UIN, the requested pay rate, and a brief justification for the increase.

Processing times can vary depending on the request and the time of year, so there isn't a fixed turnaround. If you'd like a status update on a specific request, just check in with Student Employment at studentemployment@uis.edu.

Usually it comes down to one of two things: either a formal request wasn't submitted to Student Employment, or the HRFE transaction is missing a required job comment. Double-check that a request was sent and that the job comment is included, and if it still hasn't gone through, Student Employment can help you sort it out at studentemployment@uis.edu.

A few things can cause this. The most common are that the position isn't active, the time reporting method is incorrect, the time approver is missing or incorrect, or the new hire paperwork isn't complete. Reviewing those usually resolves it, and if it doesn't, Student Employment can help you dig in at studentemployment@uis.edu.

They can, within some limits. Domestic graduate students may work up to 25 hours per week, as long as they're not in a GA, ILSIP, or PAR role. Because hour limits and appointment restrictions need to be monitored carefully, it's worth confirming the specifics before adding a position. Student Employment can help you check eligibility at studentemployment@uis.edu.

The following three groups of individuals may be eligible to participate in the upcoming commencement ceremonies if they meet all of the listed guidelines.  There will be NO exceptions to the criteria listed below.  Please note that students can only participate in the commencement ceremony in which they are FIRST eligible (based upon the term for which the student submitted an online graduation application).  Students cannot participate in more than one ceremony for the same degree program.  Therefore, if the student already participated in or was eligible to participate in a PREVIOUS ceremony, participation in the upcoming ceremonies is not possible.

Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 Graduates: 
These graduates are automatically eligible to participate. 
 
Spring 2026 Candidates: 
A Spring 2026 graduation application must be on file in the Office of Records and Registration no later than Feb. 20, 2026.  

Summer 2026 Candidates: 
A Summer 2026 graduation application must be on file in the Office of Records and Registration no later than Feb. 20, 2026.  In addition, an approved Student Petition requesting to participate in commencement must also be on file in the Office of Records and Registration by Feb. 20, 2026.    

Each student must complete a graduation application by Feb. 20, 2026. Additionally, graduates must complete an online Intent to Participate form. This form will be live on the commencement website and eligible graduates will receive an email communication when the form is available. 

Graduates will check in at the Bank of Springfield Center prior to their ceremony.  Staff will then escort graduates to their seats.  Once the ceremony begins, the processional will begin (consisting of the platform party and faculty).  After several ceremonial pieces, students will walk across the stage, have their name announced, receive a UIS diploma cover, and have their photo taken by a professional photographer with the Chancellor.

A list of academic programs by ceremony and college is listed on the "Graduates" page of the commencement website.

The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes to two hours.

Academic regalia is required, including a black cap and gown.  It is suggested that you wear lightweight clothing and dark shoes under your cap and gown. Items such as purses should not be brought.

Upon completion of the online Intent to Participate form, graduates will receive a link to purchase their regalia and other items (such as invitations) through Herff Jones.

At commencement, diploma covers are presented to students by the Chancellor. Official diplomas are 8.5×11 inches and are sent by first-class mail to each student’s diploma address approximately nine weeks after your conferral date. Check your address by logging into Student Self-Service to ensure your correct address is on file. 

Graduates or Guests with an assistance/accommodation request should contact the Office of Records and Registration (217-206-7730 or commencement@uis.edu).

Tickets will be required for admission into each ceremony.  A notice will be sent to students when tickets are available. Students may print or email tickets to their guests. Tickets will be general admission. Once accessible seating is assigned to those guests, their general admission tickets will be placed back in the pool for reassignment.

Overflow seating with livestreaming will be available in the lower level of the Bank of Springfield Center for those without a ticket. Signs will be in place noting the designated location for overflow seating.

Access a livestream of each ceremony at uis.edu/uislive.  The livestream will be accessible on personal devices.

The student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. All graduating students are invited to audition for this honor and responsibility.  Speeches for the audition should be no longer than five minutes and should be presented in their entirety. Speeches will be evaluated by a faculty committee for clarity of expression, delivery, timing, appropriateness, and relevance of the topic as representative of the graduating class. 

Be sure to visit the UIS Bookstore on the UIS campus to purchase commencement-related items.  Bookstore hours are posted online.

If you have an iCard, please bring it to Commencement to expedite check in. If you do not have an iCard, you can check in using your UIN and NetID.

Review proper etiquette for Commencement.