Bookstore Hours on Commencement Day
Those planning to participate in commencement are encouraged to stop by the UIS Bookstore (located in Founders Hall, Room 154). The Bookstore will be open on the days of commencement as follows:
- Friday, May 9 - 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10 - Noon - 3 p.m.
Meet Up for Students/Faculty
As we prepare to celebrate our graduates, we are excited to introduce "The Meet Up" - a designated space for students and faculty to connect and celebrate before each commencement ceremony begins. This is an effort co-sponsored by the divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. Additional information will be forthcoming.
Photo Opportunities and Graduate Activities
There will be a number of photo ops on campus during the days of commencement, May 9 and 10. Locations will include the Student Union, Colonnade, Lincoln Statue, and University entrance. There will also be a number of graduate activities held during the week of commencement. We encourage graduates to take photos and participate in activities to help celebrate their achievement!
Schedule of Events During Commencement Week
*Denotes by invitation only or RSVP; questions should be addressed to the applicable "contact" below. Check this site frequently for updates.
| Event | Location | Time | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Affairs Leadership Awards Friday, May 2, 2025 | Student Union Ballroom | 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. | (217) 206-4762 or studentlife@uis.edu |
| Prairie PROUD Celebration* Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Student Union Ballroom | 12:00- 2:30 p.m. | (217) 206-6333 or diversity@uis.edu |
| CAP Honors Graduation Celebration Luncheon* Thursday, May 8, 2025 | UIS Field Station | 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m | (217) 206-7251 or kguth01s@uis.edu |
| College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Student Honors Ceremony and Subsequent Reception* Thursday, May 8, 2025 | Brookens Auditorium (Ceremony) Brookens Concourse (Reception) | 4:00- 6:00 p.m. | (217) 206-6512 or class@uis.edu |
| Grilling with the Grads Thursday, May 8, 2025 | Student Union Patio | 4:30- 6:30 p.m. | (217) 206-6581 or vcsa@uis.edu |
| Department of Counseling and Social Work Graduate Reception* Thursday, May 8, 2025 | Student Union North Ballroom | 6:00- 7:00 p.m. | (217) 206-6504 or hdc@uis.edu |
| International Congratulatory Ceremony Friday, May 9, 2025 | Student Union Ballroom | 2:00- 4:00 p.m. | (217) 206-6678 or esuzu2@uis.edu |
| Honorary Degree Reception* Friday, May 9, 2025 | The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) Atrium | 3:30- 5:00 p.m. | (217) 206-7642 or chancellor@uis.edu |
| Online Graduate Recognition Event Friday, May 9, 2025 | Brookens Overhang | 4:30- 6:00 p.m. | (217) 206-7317 or colrs@uis.edu |
| UIS Campus Tour Friday, May 9, 2025 | Public Affairs Center - Second Floor Lobby | 5:00- 6:00 p.m. | (217) 206-4847 or admissions@uis.edu |
| Year End Banquet for School of Politics and International Affairs* Friday, May 9, 2025 | UIS Field Station Common Room | 5:00- 7:00 p.m. | (217) 206-6646 or mwade7@uis.edu |
| Commencement Ceremony #1 College of Health, Science and Technology: Friday, May 9, 2025 | Sangamon Auditorium in the UIS Performing Arts Center | 7:00 p.m. | (217) 206-7730 or commencement@uis.edu |
| Commencement Ceremony #2 College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences AND College of Public Affairs and Education Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Sangamon Auditorium in the UIS Performing Arts Center | 10:00 a.m. | (217) 206-7730 or commencement@uis.edu |
| SPMP Graduation Reception and PAA New Member Induction/ Doctor of Public Administration Hooding Ceremony* Saturday, May 10, 2025 | UHB Second Floor Lounge/ UHB 2021 | 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. | (217) 206-6310 or spmp@uis.edu |
| UIS Campus Tour Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Public Affairs Center - Second Floor Lobby | 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. | (217) 206-4847 or admissions@uis.edu |
| Online Graduate Recognition Event Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Brookens Overhang | 11:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. | (217) 206-7317 or colrs@uis.edu |
| Commencement Ceremony #3 College of Business and Management Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Sangamon Auditorium in the UIS Performing Arts Center | 3:00 p.m. | (217) 206-7730 or commencement@uis.edu |
Commencement News
Student Commencement Speaker Auditions
Our student commencement speaker is an important tradition at UIS. Information regarding the auditions was provided on the online application. All graduating students were eligible to audition. Representatives of the faculty select the speaker. Please see the important notes below:
- Application forms were due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025 (note: late submissions cannot be accepted).
- The chosen speaker’s speech will be pre-recorded and broadcast to graduates and attendees during all three commencement ceremonies.