Less Than One Month until Commencement!

Congratulations! You’re almost across the finish line. Please read the following information carefully to understand what to expect the day of Commencement.

When/Where Is Commencement?

UIS is hosting one Commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield. The ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hours. 

When Should I Arrive?

Arrive between 1 and 1:30 p.m. The doors will close 15 minutes prior to the ceremony; 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. Graduates from the College of Public Affairs and Education and College of Business and Management will enter through the doorways located on the corner of Washington and Ninth streets. Graduates from the College of Health, Science and Technology and College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences will enter through doorways located on the corner of Adams and Ninth streets. Not sure which college you’re in? Check here.

Once inside, graduates should:

• Turn off phones and check in at the information tables located near the entrance doors. Check in is faster with an iCard, but grads can also check in with their UIN or NetID.
• Locate your program sign (e.g., CSC for Computer Science) for the processional. Volunteers will help you find your sign.
• 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 process.

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.

Graduate Attire

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

Graduate Processional/Recessional

All 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 the Bank of Springfield Center, students will be able to join their guests.   

Guest Seating/Tickets/Livestream

This is not a ticketed event, so tickets are not be required for admission. The doors will open to the main floor of the Bank of Springfield Center at 1 p.m., 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 livestream will also be available the day of the event at uis.edu/uislive.

Special Needs

Graduates with a disability-related accommodation request should contact Student Affairs at 217-206-8038. Guests with a disability-related accommodation request should contact Disability Services at 217-206-6666.

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 12, for assistance.

Regalia Pick-Up/Bookstore Hours

Pre-purchased regalia is expected to arrive at the UIS Bookstore for pick up beginning May 4. For questions about regalia, please contact the Bookstore.

Bookstore Hours:

• May 4-5: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• May 8-12: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• May 13: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Additional Info

You will receive an email the week of Commencement as a final reminder. As always, check the Commencement website for additional information. If you are unable to find an answer to your question on the website, email commencement@uis.edu for assistance.

Thanks for reading to the end of this lengthy email. It’s a lot of info, but we want you to be well informed. 

Commencement Committee