Commencement Ceremony

UIS Commencement is at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield. 

Commencement Participation Requirements

The following steps are required to participate in Commencement:

1. Confirm participation by submitting an intent to participate on the Commencement website or below by March 20. Only those who are eligible will be able to submit their intent to participate. This step is required, even if you are making special cap and gown arrangements (E.g., borrowing a black cap and gown). 

 2. Purchase a cap and gown online by April 3. At the end of the Intent to Participate form, you'll see a link to purchase regalia through Herff Jones, and the link will appear in your form submission confirmation email. Orders can be mailed to your home or to the Bookstore for pick up. Additional graduation merchandise will be available for purchase including diploma frames and announcements. If you are borrowing a black cap and gown, you MUST still confirm your intent to participate via the form.   

Ceremony Seating, Livestream

Doors open to the main floor of the Bank of Springfield Center at 1 p.m. Seating is ticketless and first-come, first-served. In addition, livestreaming will also be available: uis.edu/uislive

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 be available for portraits after each ceremony in the lower level of the BOS 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 are posted on the Commencement website.  

Special Needs/Arrangements

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.

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 11:59 p.m. March 20 to be considered. Auditions will be March 24 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 several more emails before Commencement, including what to expect May 13. Check your email and the Commencement website frequently for the most up-to-date information: uis.edu/commencement

Sincerely,  UIS Commencement Committee