Convocation
The ceremony will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.
Title
English Convocation Ceremony
Saturday, May 17 at 5 p.m.
Smith Memorial Hall
805 S. Mathews Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Day of the ceremony
Students are required to report to the staging area (second floor of Smith Hall) no later than 4 p.m.
The convocation will begin with a procession of faculty members and graduating students dressed in academic regalia. Your name will be read as you cross the stage to receive your diploma cover. There is a brief address to graduates and guests and, finally, a recession to the lobby. The ceremony lasts approximately one hour.
Additional Information
Ceremony livestream
The convocation ceremony will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. The livestream will begin shortly before the ceremony starts.
Tickets & Registration
Students must register by March 31 to participate. Each registered participant may request up to five tickets, which are provided at no charge. All guests, including infants, must have a ticket to attend. Ticket distribution information will be sent to registered students.
Academic regalia
A cap and gown are required to participate in the convocation ceremony. Click here for more information about renting, purchasing, picking up, and returning your academic regalia.
Photographs
A professional photographer from GradImages will take pictures as you receive your diploma cover from the dean of the college. If you wish, you may fill out your contact information on the pre-event registration form. If you have any questions about the photography service, please contact the GradImages customer service department.
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.
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.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact the convocation coordinator, Anna Ivy.