General Questions
Am I required to participate in Commencement?
All graduates are encouraged to participate but attendance is not mandatory. While most students attend both the College of ACES Convocation Ceremony and the Campuswide Commencement Ceremony, you may attend either, both, or none.
Do I need to notify anyone that I intend to participate in the College of ACES Convocation Ceremony?
Yes, registration for the College of ACES Convocation ceremony is required by all graduates. Please visit the appropriate link on the left (undergrads or graduate students) to find out how to register for the ACES Convocation Ceremony, and get information on the additional steps necessary to participate.
There is no registration for the Campuswide Commencement Ceremony.
What is the difference between the Campuswide Commencement Ceremony and the College of ACES Convocation Ceremony?
The Campuswide Commencement Ceremony held on Sunday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Assembly Hall, is the ceremony where the President of the University acknowledges degree recipients. It is the "pomp and circumstance" activity. The President presides at this ceremony, and members of the Board of Trustees attend. An honored guest, usually of national or international status, is the official Commencement Speaker. Graduates of all colleges are encouraged to attend this event. Doctoral candidates are individually hooded at this ceremony and Masters and Bachelor degree candidates are recognized as a group.
The Dean of the College of ACES presides over the College of ACES Convocation ceremony. All graduates, regardless of degree, are individually recognized.
Updated April 21: Carl Schramm will be delivering the Commencement Address at the 2:00 p.m. campuswide commencement ceremony, on May 17, 2009. Dr. Schramm is the CEO and President of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest foundation with the study and support of entrepreneurship as a field of interest. Dr. Schramm will also be receiving an honorary doctorate at this ceremony.
How long does the ACES Convocation Ceremony last?
The ACES Convocation Ceremony should last approximately two hours.
Is the ACES Convocation Ceremony accessible to the disabled?
Yes. For attendees in need of assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers, it is suggested that these devices are brought to the ceremony from home or local leasing services. Please click here for a map with more information.
Instructions for special needs:
Guests in wheelchairs or for whom walking is difficult may be dropped off at the Assembly Hall's circle drive on the west side. Inside the building, an usher will direct you to the designated seating areas.
Graduates with disabilities who require special assistance to fully participate in the Convocation Ceremony should contact our office ahead of time to make arrangements at 217-244-4540.
Is there a rehearsal? How will I know what to do when I arrive at the Assembly Hall?
There is no rehearsal for either of the ceremonies. Students attending the ACES Convocation Ceremony should report to the Assembly Hall East Tunnel (Across from Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building) by 4:00 p.m. Faculty members will assist students in lining up for the processional into the Hall.
Who is eligible to participate in the ACES Convocation Ceremony?
Commencement is not a certification of graduation, but rather a ceremony that celebrates academic achievements. You are eligible to participate in the ACES Convocation Ceremony if you have graduated since May 2008 or expect to finish your degree requirements in May 2009.
Undergraduate students with 13 or fewer hours remaining and Master's students with 8 or fewer hours remaining that expect to complete degree requirements in August, 2009, may participate in the College of ACES Convocation. All August 2009 MS and BS graduates are required to complete a "Petition to Walk". Petitions can be found on the Undergrads and Graduate Students pages (see links to the left).
August 2009 BS and MS recipients may also participate in the Campuswide Commencement Ceremony; however, your name will not appear in the printed Campuswide Commencement Program.
Recipients of doctoral degrees must have deposited their dissertations in the Graduate College Thesis Office by May 8 in order to participate in any of the graduation ceremonies.
When will I receive my diploma?
Because it is not possible to process grades and prepare degree lists by Commencement weekend, diplomas will be mailed to May 2009 graduates by the end of July.
Diploma Mailing Address
The primary address that will be used to mail your diploma is the "Diploma Address." If the Diploma Address is unavailable, it will be mailed to the "Mailing Address." Students should check and update their "Diploma Address" at http://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/. If your diploma is returned to the Office of the Registrar, you will be responsible for providing a corrected address and paying for any forwarding mail charges.
If you have any questions about your diploma, please call the Office of the Registrar at (217) 333-0210.
Must I wear a cap and gown?
Participation in the commencement activities requires that you wear appropriate academic attire, the traditional cap and gown.
On which side of my mortarboard do I wear my tassel prior to receiving my degree?
Before candidates receive their degrees, the tassel is worn on the right side of the mortarboard; after conferral of the degree, the tassel is moved to the left side.
If I am a Master's or Doctoral degree candidate, is it correct to wear my tassel on the left?
Yes, Master's and Doctoral degree candidates may correctly march in the processional with their tassels on the left, signifying their previous degree or degrees.
Photographs
Will I have my photograph taken by an official, professional photographer at the commencement ceremony?
Yes, Memory Lane Photography, Inc. will be photographing each graduate as s/he crosses the stage. There is no obligation to purchase any photographs.
How will I receive the proofs of my commencement photograph?
You will receive your proofs via email. You will be asked to provide contact information prior to the start of the ACES Ceremony on Saturday. Photographs may be viewed online at: http://www.cuphotog.com
When should I expect to receive my commencement ceremony photo proofs?
Information on your proofs will be sent to you as soon as possible after Commencement. It may take a few weeks as our photographer also provides service to several other colleges.
Who should I contact with questions concerning my commencement ceremony photos?
You may email Memory Lane Photography directly at http://www.cuphotog.com/ or call by phone: 217- 351-1565.
