Please read these instructions carefully to ensure your graduation day goes smoothly.
Where to obtain tickets
Each registered participant may request up to five tickets, which are provided at no charge. All guests, including infants, must have a ticket to attend the ceremony. Further information about ticket distribution will be emailed to students who have registered for the ceremony.
Details on academic attire
For full details about renting, purchasing, picking up, and returning academic attire, please see the university's Commencement website.
Graduation announcements
Personalized graduation announcements may be purchased through the Illini Union Bookstore, 809 S. Wright St., Champaign, or from Herff-Jones. Announcements are also available through local bookstores and copy shops.
Directions to the ceremony
Smith Memorial Hall
805 S. Mathews Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Seating begins one hour prior to the convocation and is not reserved.
Special assistance/seating for guests
If family members or guests require special assistance, please email the convocation coordinator by no later than May 1 to make arrangements.
The day of the ceremony
Students are required to report to the staging area (first floor of the English Building) o later than 4 p.m.
The convocation will begin with a procession of faculty and graduating students in academic regalia. Your name will be read as you cross the stage to receive your diploma cover. There is a brief address to graduates and guests and, finally, a recession to the lobby. The ceremony lasts approximately one hour.
Photographs
A professional photographer, GradImages®, will take pictures of you as you receive your diploma cover from a dean of the college. If you wish, you may fill out your contact information on the pre-event registration form. If you have any questions about the photography service, please contact the GradImages® customer service department by email.
Obtaining your diploma
Because it is not possible to process grades and prepare degree lists by the day of the Commencement, diplomas will be mailed approximately six weeks after graduation.
Please go into the UI Integrate Self-Service application and enter or update "Diploma Address," which is the address the university will use for mailing your diploma.
- If the diploma is returned to the Office of the Registrar, you will be responsible for providing the correct address and paying for any forwarding mail charges, as well as a processing fee.
- If your diploma is not returned to the Office of the Registrar, you will be responsible for providing the correct address and paying for the cost of the replacement diploma.
Follow these instructions to change your name. For additional questions, contact Registration Services.
An email from the Office of the Registrar will be sent to all potential graduates about three weeks before Commencement asking them to verify their name and address and make corrections if necessary.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact the convocation coordinator.
