May Commencement

University-wide Commencement Ceremony

The university-wide Commencement ceremony is the official University of Illinois academic ceremony at which the Chancellor presides and the President confers degrees.

Doctoral degree candidates are invited to attend but will not be hooded at the event; Doctoral, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Professional (J.D., D.V.M., and M.D.) degree recipients stand as a group at their seats and are recognized by the college. This is a dignified ceremony that lasts about two hours. Academic attire is required. This ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Convocation Ceremonies

Convocation ceremonies are typically sponsored by a college, school, or department. At most convocations, undergraduate and graduate students are individually recognized, which is not possible at the larger university-wide Commencement ceremony. A full listing of ceremonies can be found on the Unit Convocation Ceremonies page.

The main difference between a convocation and the university-wide Commencement ceremony is that degrees are not conferred at a convocation, and are usually hosted by either the dean or department head. Convocations are designed to complement the university-wide Commencement ceremony and are scheduled to avoid any conflict with the university-wide Commencement ceremony. Please follow the instructions sent from the unit regarding convocations. If your unit does not host a convocation, you can still take part in the university-wide Commencement ceremony.