2023 Commencement

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 2023 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 Wednesday, 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.

Stadium Concession Stand will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Café in the Student Center will be open from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm serving coffee, specialty coffee drinks and convenience items.

The Servery in the Student Center will serve the graduation picnic from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. The buffet menu and price for lunch will be posted as information becomes available.

Fayette & Area Restaurant Guide

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.

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.

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.

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

Alumni who were unable to attend their original commencement ceremony are invited to participate in the May 2023 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].

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.

The Stadium Store is open on Commencement Day from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Campus Store, located in the Student Center, is open on Commencement Day from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 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).

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.

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.

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.

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 2023 Class Gift.

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

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.

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.

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.

Fayette & Surrounding Area Lodging Flyer, click here.

Fayette & Surrounding Area Restaurant Flyer, click here. 

For additional travel resources, click here.