Family and Guests

University-wide Commencement

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 students stand as a group at their seats and are recognized by college. This is a dignified ceremony and lasts about two hours. Please be sure to view the Clear Bag Policy if attending the ceremony at Memorial Stadium or a convocation at State Farm Center.

Convocation Ceremony Description

Another activity in which you may choose to participate is the convocation sponsored by your 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. However, degrees are not conferred at a Convocation, and usually the dean or department head presides. Convocations are designed to complement the university-wide Commencement ceremony and are scheduled so as not to conflict with the university-wide Commencement ceremony. If you plan to participate in your Convocation, please follow the instructions sent from your unit.

Lodging Information

Most hotels begin taking reservations for Commencement Weekend very early and may already be filled in the Champaign-Urbana area. The Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau website may be able to assist with accommodations.