Commencement is the ceremony to celebrate or mark the completion of college work. Graduation is receiving the diploma upon completion of all degree requirements. Diplomas are not presented to students at Commencement.
Undergraduate students who are eligible to graduate and want to walk across the stage in their Commencement ceremony must check YES on the Undergraduate Application for Graduation by the published deadline. An application must be on file and the graduation fee paid by the deadline to participate in the Commencement ceremony. The deadline is printed in the Class Registration Directory.
Graduate students who are eligible to graduate and want to walk across the stage in their Commencement ceremony must fill out the Commencement participation section on the Application for Completion of Graduate Degree by the published deadline. An application must be on file and the graduation fee paid by the deadline to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
Diplomas will be mailed to graduates when all requirements are met, usually eight to twelve weeks following Commencement. The mailing address used will be the one listed on the Undergraduate Application for Graduation or Application for Completion of Graduate Degree that you completed. Please report any address changes directly to the Office of the University Registrar.
Diploma covers will be presented at the Commencement ceremony. Students choosing not to participate in Commencement can request a diploma cover from Office of the University Registrar.
Students graduating in a teaching program will receive a separate letter informing them how to apply online for a teaching certificate.
Undergraduate students who have earned a minimum of 50 hours at Illinois State University and who have an accumulated grade point average of 3.90-4.00 are graduated summa cum laude; 3.80-3.89 magna cum laude; and 3.65-3.79 cum laude. All grades earned at Illinois State University are used in computing the grade.
The students recognized at Commencement is based on the cumulative GPA calculated during the semester prior to Commencement. Transcript notations of graduating cu laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude are based on the total GPA, including the final semester prior to graduation. Designation as a Presidential Scholar or an Honors Program Scholar on the transcript is based on the academic record at the time the transcript is issued. Recipients will be noted in the Commencement booklet and recognized during the ceremony.
Honor cords will be mailed to students who are undergraduates graduating with honors. With honors is defined by earning a minimum of 50 hours at Illinois State University and having a cumulative grade point average between 3.65 and 4.0. Summa cum laude is classified as a 3.90 to 4.00 GPA. The GPA range for Magna cum laude is 3.80 to 3.89. The cum laude range is 3.65 to 3.79. There will be a symbol next to the student's name in the Commencement booklet denoting the honor. Please contact the Office of the University Registrar for more information.
Honor cords are also available for undergraduate students in the Honors Program who complete at least three semesters and nine Honors credit hours in the program and who graduate in good standing. Presidential Scholars who meet these requirements and who complete the Presidential Scholars Program also receive a cord. Honors students who meet these requirements may pick up their cords prior to Commencement.
There is no fee for participating in Commencement, however graduates are responsible for purchasing their keepsake cap and gown. Please visit the on-line store for the latest prices on caps and gowns.
Undergraduate students completing degree requirements during the fall semester participate in the December ceremony. Undergraduate students completing degree requirements during the spring or summer semesters participate in the May ceremonies. The University Registrar located in Moulton 102 must approve any exception to this regulation in writing.
Graduates will not receive confirmation by mail. They can however verify participation on the participation link. If your name is not listed and you believe you have signed up, please contact us.
Final instructions for participants will be posted to this web site 1-2 weeks prior to the ceremonies.
Bachelor`s Degree: Office of the University Regis tar
Masters and Doctoral Degrees: Graduate School
Diplomas are mailed eight to 12 weeks after Commencement.
Graduates purchase caps, gowns and announcements on-line. Illinois State University has designed it's own unique cap, gown and announcements. These products are ONLY available on-line. In order to participate in the Commencement ceremonies, you must wear the proper regalia. To order, visit the online store.
Undergraduates wear red and white tassels and Graduate students wear black tassels for master's degrees and gold for doctoral degrees.
Redbird Arena and Braden Auditorium have adequate seating for family members and guests. Tickets are not required.
The ceremonies should last an estimated 2 hours.
No. Diploma covers are presented during Commencement ceremonies. Diplomas are mailed to everyone who has met degree requirements about eight to twelve weeks later.
Contact Office of the University Registar
The doors open one hour prior to the ceremony start time.
Graduates and guests should listen to the Bloomington/Normal radio and television stations for cancellation information. If there is a cancellation due to inclement weather, Commencement will not be rescheduled.
August graduates participate in May Commencement ceremonies.
Students should participate in the Commencement ceremony held in the semester in which they complete degree requirements. Participation in an off campus internship, off campus study program, or student teaching is not considered a reason for early Commencement participation. If significant extenuating circumstances prevent a student from participating in Commencement at the time of his/her graduation, the student must request permission to participate early by writing to the University Registrar, Campus Box 2202, Normal, IL. 61790-2202.
Please contact us.
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