Class of 2023, it’s your time to shine. Celebrate your years of hard work alongside your family, friends and loved ones. Here are some tips that will help ensure your Commencement is one you’ll never forget.
Arrive at Memorial Stadium Early
This year’s university-wide Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 13 at 9:30 a.m. CT in Memorial Stadium and will feature Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee as this year’s speaker. The ceremony will also be live streamed at go.illinois.edu/live. Graduates must report to Memorial Stadium by 8:45 a.m. and be in their seats on the field by 9:00 a.m.
Free parking will be available in the grass lots west of Memorial Stadium (weather permitting) and in Lot E-14 at the corner of First and Kirby. Guests with a disabled permit placard on display may park in the north State Farm Center lots. For additional parking information, visit the Commencement website or view the Illinois parking map.
Come Prepared
Don't miss the important details that will help your big day run smoothly.
Registration: Graduating students should register for the university-wide Commencement ceremony by April 30.
Regalia: Don the university’s blue graduation gown to celebrate your achievement! All graduates and degree candidates participating in the ceremonies are required to wear appropriate academic attire. Information regarding regalia requirements and rentals can be found on the Commencement website. Be sure to order your regalia before April 20 to have it shipped.
Clear Bag Policy: Memorial Stadium has a clear bag policy. View the full list of prohibited items.
Tickets: Tickets are NOT required for guests to attend the university-wide Commencement ceremony.
Accessibility: Guests requiring special assistance should enter Portal 1 along Kirby Avenue and enter Memorial Stadium at Gate 24. Inside the stadium, an usher will direct you to the designated accessibility seating areas. Graduates who require special assistance to fully participate in Commencement events may contact the Committee on Commencement at (217) 333-8834 or email the Commencement Office. Sign language interpretation will be provided on stage as well as near Section 127 at the university-wide ceremony.
Visit the Celebration Village
Need Commencement lunch plans?
Celebrate with loved ones at your tent after the ceremony in Lot 31’s Celebration Village, which will feature food trucks and photo opportunities. Reserved tents will open after the university-wide ceremony around 11:30 a.m. and will close at 2:30 p.m. Pre-order tent rental, catering, beverage services and more through Tailgater Concierge. Learn more about the Celebration Village.
Capture the Moment
Pull out your camera and photograph this monumental occasion. Be sure to snap some pics with these iconic photo locations around campus.
- Chancellor Jones and President Killeen invite graduates and their families to a complimentary reception immediately following the university-wide Commencement ceremony at the President’s House. Keep your regalia on for great photo opportunities.
- The Alma Mater sculpture at the corner of Wright and Green will be dressed in academic attire during Commencement week, weather permitting. See how long the lines are before you go by checking the Alma Cam.
- Other notable locations to take photos of graduates include Foellinger Auditorium, the Hallene Gateway & Alumni Center, the University of Illinois Arboretum and any of the campus quads.
- Continue the celebration on social media. Tag the official university accounts in your Commencement photos for a chance to be featured.
