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Schedule

2024 In-Person Commencement Ceremonies:

  • 10:00 AM: Department of Accounting, Agricultural Business and Finance, Department of Business and Health Services Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Sport Administration, and Department of Nursing.
  • 1:30 PM: Andres Department of Education, Department of Humanities and Social Science, Department of Psychology and Human Services, Department of Science and Mathematics, Master of Education, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Counseling,  and Second Chance Graduates and Undergraduates.

For Questions, Contact Us: [email protected] 

10:00 AM Ceremony Schedule

Pick up caps and gowns in the Student Center (second floor lobby) between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4. Regalia will also be available for pick up on Thursday, May 2 between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and on Friday, May 3 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

  • Line up at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning
  • Processional begins at 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m Ceremony Majors

MBA, MHA, MSA. Undergraduate majors in Accounting, Agricultural Business, Business Administration, Financial Management, Health Services Administration, Human Resources Management, Information Systems, Information Technology, Management, Marketing, Nursing, and Supply Chain Management. Also includes Associate Degrees with an Emphasis in General Business.

1:30 PM Ceremony Schedule

Pick up caps and gowns in the Student Center (second floor lobby) between 8 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Regalia will also be available for pick up on Thursday, May 2 between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and on Friday, May 3 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

  • Line up at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at Harms-Eischeid Stadium
  • Processional begins at 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. Ceremony Majors

MED, MPA, MSC. Undergraduate majors: All Business, All Language Arts, All Science, All Social Science, American Sign Language, Art, Art Education, Biology, Birth-Grade 3: Inclusive Settings, Communication Studies, Conservation Management, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Emergency and Disaster Management, English, Environmental Science, Exercise Science, Graphic Design, Human Services, Industrial Technology, Instructional Strategist BD/LD/ID, Liberal Arts, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, Psychology, Public Administration, Reading, Social Science, Social Science Basic, and Sociology. Also includes Associate Degrees with an Emphasis in Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts or Psychology.

Second Chance Graduates and Undergraduates

Alumni who were unable to attend their original commencement ceremony are invited to participate in the May 2024 ceremony. Online registration is required at uiu.edu/SecondChance. Questions should be directed to the Alumni Office at 563-425-5238 or [email protected].

Details for Ceremony

How do I submit a photo for the commencement video?

Each year, we put together a video for Commencement featuring videos and photos of our graduating students from across the University – in Fayette, at centers, overseas, at home, online and self-paced. We need your help finding photos and videos that illustrate positive UIU memories and showcase our graduates (other students can be included) for this special day.

A variety of photos and video will be selected from those we receive, with selections based in part on image quality, uniqueness, diversity and interest. However, we are unable to use images and video that are copyright protected or deemed inappropriate for a general audience.  To be considered, all material must be received by April 12.

  • PHOTOS: Email in jpeg format to Beth Petsche at [email protected]. Questions? Call Beth at 563-425-5371.
  • VIDEOS: Send in wmv, avi mov, or mp4 format to Jackson Hayek at [email protected] using www.wetransfer.com.  If you have agreed to shoot special footage for the video, Jackson will contact you with uploading instructions. Questions? Call Jackson at 563-425-5244.

Instructions for uploading your video to wetransfer.com:

  1. Record video on your phone or computer (no more than 30 seconds).
  2. Save video as a file.
  3. Go to https://uiupeacocks.wetransfer.com/
  4. Add your file.
  5. Click “Send”.
  6.  NOTE: You may be requested to verify your email by entering a verification code.

What dining services are available?

Stadium Concession Stand
  • Open 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Student Center Servery and Café
  • Picnic Lunch 11:00 a.m – 1:30 p.m.
  • Regular service items available 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Fayette & Area Restaurant Guide

Will the ceremonies be livestreamed?

Yes! The live streams for each ceremony will be viewable by going to the website at uiu.edu on the day of the ceremony. On the main screen there will be a video player and the stream will start shortly before each ceremony begins. For audio, adjust the volume on your computer as well as the volume on the player.

What time should I arrive? How will I know what to do when I get there?

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 30 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.

How much walking is required? Are shuttles available?

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.

Preregister with GradImages for photo packages

Information regarding preregistering for photos will be provided when made available from GradImages.

What is the Second Chance part of the ceremony and how do I register?

Alumni who were unable to attend their original commencement ceremony are invited to participate in the May 2024 ceremony. Additional Second Chance information, including registration to participate is available at uiu.edu/SecondChance. Questions should be directed to the Alumni Office at 563-425-5238 or [email protected].

Flowers for the Graduate Available for Purchase

Select from the following:  1) Half dozen roses with filler and greens and yellow flower wrap; 2) dozen roses with filler and greens and pink flower wrap; 3) Graduation stuffed bear with cap and diploma.  Cash and credit cards will both be accepted at the sale.  Flowers are sold at the ceremony location.

Where can I purchase commemorative items?

Stadium Merchandise Booth

  • Open 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Campus Store (in Student Center)

  • Open 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Different merchandise in both locations! Shop for apparel, hats, blankets, accessories, gift items, diploma frames and much more!

If you can’t make it in person, or want to shop ahead and pick up that day, visit our online store @ SHOP.UIU.EDU

If you are unable to attend commencement or would like to purchase additional items to commemorate your graduation, UIU offers commencement packages at our online storefront under the graduate section for more information about the options (diploma covers, tassels, and UIU stoles).

Is the ceremony held outside? What happens in case of inclement weather?

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 t move the ceremony indoors.

Are there tickets? How many guests can I bring?

There are no tickets required for the ceremony. Seating is on a first-come basis. There is not a limit to the number of guests you can bring.

What is included with my cap and gown? Am I able to keep my regalia after the ceremony?

Regalia is provided only to students who participate in a ceremony. Your academic regalia includes cap, gown, stole, and tassel. Veteran’s cords are included for all eligible participants. Participants completing Bachelor’s degree 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.

What is the philanthropy cord and how do I donate?

The Class Gift campaign at UIU provides students with an opportunity to leave their legacy. UIU Philanthropy Cords are worn at the commencement ceremony by those who have made a contribution to the this year’s Class Gift.

Click here to learn more + make a gift online today!

Will I receive my Diploma at the ceremony?

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.

May I wear my formal military uniform in lieu of the academic regalia?

Yes, military students are welcome to wear their formal military uniform in lieu of the academic regalia should they so wish. Academic regalia will still be provided.

What accommodations are available for me or my guests?

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 Center Ballroom.

Area Lodging & Restaurants

UIU Dining Services is open for a picnic lunch and concession treats.

  • Stadium Concession Stand
    • 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Student Center Servery and Café
    • Picnic lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    • Regular service items: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Fayette & Surrounding Area Lodging Flyer, click here.

Fayette & Surrounding Area Restaurant Flyer, click here. 

For additional travel resources, click here.

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