Do I need tickets to attend Commencement?
The universitywide Commencement ceremony is not a ticketed event. Seating for guests at Memorial Stadium is unlimited.
Please follow the instructions issued by your unit Convocation coordinator for unit Convocation ceremony tickets.
How do I find parking for the Commencement ceremony?
Free parking is available in the grass lots west of Memorial Stadium (weather permitting) and in Lot E-14 at the corner of First and Kirby streets.
Persons with disabilities and a state-issued disability placard may park in the north State Farm Center lots. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more additional parking information, see the Illinois Campus Map and the Memorial Stadium Parking Map.
What’s the difference between Commencement and a Unit Convocation?
The universitywide Commencement ceremony celebrates the achievements of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students who completed their degrees. Due to the size of this event, students cannot be individually recognized during the Commencement ceremony.
Unit Convocation ceremonies do recognize these graduates individually and will be presided over by a dean or department head. Convocations are designed to complement the universitywide Commencement and do not conflict with it.
If you plan to participate in your Convocation, please follow the instructions sent from your unit.
Where can I get my Commencement regalia?
Formal academic attire is required for participation in all Commencement weekend activities. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign uses custom regalia only available through Herff Jones. A link to order your regalia will be provided on the Cap and Gown page.
How do I put on my cap and gown correctly?
Look your best on Commencement weekend – check out this simple video on how to wear your academic attire.
How do I know if I’m eligible for Commencement?
Commencement is not a certification of graduation, but a ceremony that celebrates your academic achievements. All degree requirements must be satisfied before graduation and diploma conferral.
Registering for the Commencement ceremony or a Convocation ceremony does not place your name on the Pending Degree List. Students are responsible for putting themselves on the Pending Degree List by the 10th day of class the semester they plan to graduate. For more information, visit the Eligibility page.
When do I get my diploma?
Since it’s not possible to process final grades and prepare degree lists by Commencement Weekend, diplomas will be mailed approximately nine weeks after your conferral date.
Additional diploma information can be found on the Registrar’s website. For instructions on how to submit your name for your diploma, go to the Diplomas page.