2021 Commencement

Bring the cap and gown that was mailed to you last spring with you on the day of the ceremony.  Another set will not be available.  Also bring your stole, honor cord if applicable, veteran cord if applicable, and graduate hood if applicable.  You received a diploma cover in your packet last year.  Another diploma cover will be available for you to use when you cross the stage.  Please leave that one on your chair before you leave.

Tickets will need to be picked up in the Student Center.  No replacement tickets will be available.

Plan to arrive early. Leave yourself enough time to find parking, pick up your cap and gown, get dressed, and walk or take a shuttle to the stadium. Visit the Student Center first to pick up your regalia. At least 45 minutes before the start of your ceremony, make your way to Harms-Eischeid stadium. Find the sign for your UIU location. Staff members will be there to help you line up and provide direction on how to process and cross the stage.

You may need to park a few blocks from the Student Center and/or Stadium when you arrive. Shuttle service is available on campus on the day of commencement to take participants and guests from one area of campus to another.

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Visit our Marketplace for Commencement options.

Commencement ceremonies are planned to be held outside in Harms-Eischeid Stadium. In case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be moved inside to Dorman Gymnasium. If the ceremony is moved indoors, seating will be on a first-come basis. An overflow viewing area will allow extra guests to watch the ceremony remotely on video. An announcement will be posted on the UIU homepage if the decision is made to move the ceremony indoors. 

Each graduate will receive 4 tickets for guests when the cap and gown is picked up. Children under two years of age will not need a ticket.

Your academic regalia includes cap, gown, stole, and tassel. Veteran’s cords are included for all eligible participants. Participants completing Bachelor’s degrees will receive honor cords if eligible (please note, session 4 grades are due after the ceremony and generally will not be part of the cumulative GPA used to determine honor cord eligibility). Participants completing graduate degrees will receive a Master’s hood. Participants who are eligible for a philanthropy cord may pick it up at the alumni tent in the stadium before lining up. All regalia is yours to keep.

All diplomas are mailed to graduates regardless of whether you attend a ceremony. Ceremony participants will receive a diploma cover at the time of the ceremony.

Participants who need accommodations or assistance during the processional or while crossing the stage should notify the Registrar by sending an email to [email protected] and checking in with a member of event staff upon arrival. Guests who need special seating will be seated on a first come basis. If the ceremony is moved indoors due to inclement weather, special seating is very limited and guests may be directed to the livestream locations in the Liberal Arts building or Student Ballroom.

Concession stands at the ceremony venue will be open at 8:30 am and remain open until the end of the third commencement ceremony. Light breakfast and lunch items will be sold.

The Cafe, in the Student Center, will be open from 7:30 am until 4pm serving coffee, specialty coffee drinks and convenience items. There will be a $6.00 breakfast special available from 7:30 am – 10:00 am.

The Servery: Graduates and their families may join us for a “Lazy Summer BBQ” from 11am – 1:30pm in the Student Center Servery. This buffet menu includes BBQ Chicken, Sliced Beef Brisket, Assorted Salads, Corn Muffins, Baked Beans, Cheesy Potatoes, and Assorted Pies. Cost is $12.00 per adult and $6.00 for children under age 12 (taxes not included). Cash and credit cards will be accepted.