Please read these instructions carefully to ensure your graduation day goes smoothly.
Where to obtain tickets
Registration will open Thursday, February 3, and close on April 13.
Tickets are required for this event. Tickets are free. Every person who attends (except graduating students), including infants and toddlers, will need a ticket. Tickets will be available through the student’s home department—information regarding pick-up times and locations will be sent at the end of April or the beginning of May.
Tickets are limited, so early registration is highly recommended. Your registration information will also be used to prepare a card that will be handed to the reader on stage and to provide the photographer with contact information, so please provide accurate information.
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 of your choice.
Directions to the Ceremony
Tryon Festival Theatre
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana
Parking is free and available in the Krannert Center’s parking garage. See the campus parking map for additional information.
Special assistance/seating for guests
Students with guests who require special assistance and/or seating at the ceremony should contact the Krannert Center by email or calling (217) 333-9716.
The day of the ceremony
Students must report to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts no later than 1:15 p.m. that day. You must be wearing your regalia; there will be no spare caps or gowns available.
The convocation will begin with a procession of faculty and administrators, followed by graduating students, into the hall. During the ceremony, you will be called to the stage and your name will be read aloud as you cross the stage and receive your diploma cover.
Your family and guests can go directly to the Tryon Festival Theatre for seating. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Photographs
Professional photographers will be at the ceremony to take your picture as you receive your diploma. Proofs will be sent to the email address provided by the graduate with no obligation to purchase. Additional photos may be ordered online.
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 questions, contact your department representative:
- Climate, Meteorology, & Atmospheric Sciences
- Brenda Roy, 217-244-1663
- Earth, Society, & Environmental Sustainability
- Lana Holben, 217-244-4064
- Geography & Geographic Information Science
- Matt Cohn, 217-333-1880
- Earth Science & Environmental Change
- Lana Holben, 217-333-3540
