Commencement Weekend at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is scheduled for May 13-15, 2022. Information regarding Commencement activities will be emailed directly to students at their University of Illinois email address. Full details are also available on the Commencement website.
The in-person, university-wide Commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Stadium. The ceremony will last approximately two hours. All guests must present an admission ticket to enter the stadium. Your student may pick up admission tickets at the Illini Union Event Services Window from April 1 to May 13.
CONVOCATIONS
In addition to the university-wide ceremony, many individual colleges, schools, and departments host separate Convocation ceremonies where students' names are called as they cross a stage. Convocations do not conflict with the university-wide Commencement ceremony, allowing students and their families and friends the opportunity to participate in all activities. Tickets and/or advance registration are required for most Convocations, and because of their popularity, some units may restrict the number of guest tickets provided to each student. Students should receive information regarding Convocations directly from the sponsoring department by early April.
ACADEMIC ATTIRE
Formal academic attire is required for participation in Commencement Weekend ceremonies. The Bachelor’s attire consists of a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign blue gown with matching mortarboard, a stole of gratitude, and a tassel indicating the student’s college/field of study. Students should rent regalia before 10:00 p.m. CT on April 12 to receive the early order pricing. Announcements may be ordered through the Herff Jones website, the Illini Union Bookstore, or a printer of your choice.
HOTELS
Most area hotels begin taking reservations for Commencement Weekend very early and may already be filled. For assistance with accommodations, please see Visit Champaign County.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Current COVID-19 protocols for University events require that attendees show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event or a COVID-19 vaccination record to enter the facility or event space. Illinois students, faculty, and staff can use their Building Access Status to enter, either through the Illinois App or Boarding Pass. All university students, faculty, staff and visitors must wear a face covering indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Any updates to this guidance will be e-mailed to graduates and shared on the university's COVID-19 Event Guidance website. The ceremony will be live-streamed for individuals who are unable to attend in person.
We look forward to honoring your student's accomplishments this spring. For additional information, please visit commencement.illinois.edu or e-mail commencement@illinois.edu.
