Commencement

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. Participants who require accommodations or assistance during the processional or while crossing the stage should check in with a member of event staff upon arrival to the stadium.

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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. 

There are no tickets or limits on the number of guests participants may invite. Seating is on a first-come basis.

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 as they cross the stage. 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 as they cross the stage.