Commencement Ceremonies
UIS Commencement ceremonies will be Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield. There will be two ceremonies at 12:30 and 5:30 p.m., divided by college and each lasting approximately two hours each. Verify your College here: uis.edu/colleges
12:30 Ceremony: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
5:30 Ceremony: College of Business and Management, College of Education and Human Services, College of Public Affairs and Administration
Commencement Participation Requirements
The following steps are required to participate in Commencement:
- Confirm participation by submitting an intent to participate on the Commencement website or above by March 21. Only those who are eligible will be able to submit their intent to participate. This step is required, even for students making special cap and gown arrangements (E.g., borrowing a black cap and gown).
- Purchase a cap and gown during Graduate Salute, sponsored by the UIS Bookstore and Herff Jones. Additional graduation merchandise will be available for purchase including tassels, diploma frames and announcements. Order your cap and gown during Graduate Salute to avoid late fees.
Location: UIS Bookstore, Public Affairs Center lower level.
- Thursday, March 24, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cap and gown prices:
- Bachelor Unit: $40.75 plus tax
- Master Unit & Hood: $74.25 plus tax
- Doctoral Unit & Hood: $90.85 plus tax
Units include cap, gown, and tassel. These items need not be returned after commencement. In addition, master and doctoral hoods are yours to keep.
Cap and Gown Deadline
The final day to purchase a cap and gown from the UIS Bookstore or to make special cap and gown arrangements is Monday, April 6. Please note: the UIS Bookstore will assess a late fee to students who order their cap and gown after Graduate Salute.
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. See below for information related to purchasing a tassel.
Online Graduates/Those Unable to Attend Graduate Salute
Purchase your cap and gown when you confirm your participation by submitting an online intent to participate.
Ceremony Seating, Livestream
Doors open to the main floor of the Bank of Springfield Center an hour before each ceremony. Seating is ticketless and first-come, first-served. Overflow seating will be available on the lower level. In addition, livestreaming will also be available: uis.edu/technology/uislive
Graduate Photographs
A professional photographer will record the moment graduates are given their diploma cover by the Chancellor during each ceremony. The 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.
Special Events
Numerous events are being planned for certain groups, colleges and/or departments. As details become available, they are posted on the Commencement website.
Special Needs/Arrangements
Graduates with a disability-related accommodation request should call 217-206-7730. Guests with a disability-related accommodation request should contact Disability Services at 217-206-6666.
Student Speaker Auditions
The student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. All graduating students are eligible to audition; representatives of the faculty and the student body select the speaker. Complete an audition application form by 5 p.m. March 18 to be considered. Auditions will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 25 via Zoom.
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. Participants will receive another email a few weeks before Commencement with all finalized information, including what to expect on May 14. Check the Commencement website frequently for the most up-to-date information: uis.edu/commencement
Sincerely, UIS Commencement Committee