Commencement day

Ceremony Time

Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremony is at 10 A.M. on December 19, 2026 for all undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

Graduate Instructions

1. ARRIVE TO THE LANTZ FIELDHOUSE ONE HOUR BEFORE THE CEREMONY, DRESSED IN YOUR REGALIA, FOR STUDENT CHECK-IN.
Graduates should arrive dressed in their regalia. The video of how to properly wear regalia is below:

  • Graduate students will be hooded on the commencement stage.
  • Messages on or attached to any part of a graduates cap are allowed, as long as they are appropriate. If messages on or attached to the cap are not appropriate, they will be asked to be removed.
  • Honor Cords and Stoles are allowed. If you are receiving one from a department or organization, please contact that area.
  • Undergraduate participants who are "Graduating with Distinction" will be awarded a medallion with corresponding blue, white or gold ribbons in recognition of Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude honors. No other medallions are permitted.

Please leave personal items in your vehicle, as there will not be a place to store personal belongings at the student check-in location during the ceremony. 


2. PICK UP YOUR NAME CARD IN THE LANTZ FIELDHOUSE.
Each graduate will take their name card with them to receive their diploma cover. This card will be used to read their names as they cross in front of stage to receive their diploma cover. If the student’s name is difficult to pronounce, the announcer will be available to discuss proper pronunciation.


3. PICK UP YOUR HONORS OF DISTINCTION MEDALLION IF YOU DID NOT PICK IT UP DURING TICKET DISTRIBUTION.
Undergraduates graduating with honors can pick up their medallions at ticket distribution or in the Lantz Fieldhouse one hour before their ceremony. Ticket distribution is December 14 and 15 from 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. in the Bookstore Lounge located in the MLK Jr. University Union. 


4. FIND YOUR SEAT IN THE LANTZ FIELDHOUSE.
Students will be seated based on their degree level and college their degree is in. A colored sticker on their name card will indicate which section they will sit in. 


5. CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Each graduate will have their name announced and will be handed a diploma cover. Once the ceremony begins, graduates will not be permitted to leave the arena until the ceremony concludes. Actual diplomas will be sent in the mail approximately eight to twelve weeks after the ceremony. 


6. CEREMONIAL RECESSIONAL
Upon exiting, there will be no re-entry into the arena.
Please make plans on where to meet your family after receding to the Lantz Fieldhouse.

 

7. RETURN YOUR RENTAL REGALIA TO THE HongKongDoll BOOKSTORE BY 3PM AFTER THE CEREMONY.
Your rental gown and/or hood will need to be returned after your ceremony. Graduates will be able to drop their regalia rentals off in the HongKongDoll Bookstore until 3 P.M. on December 19, 2026. Graduates who had their rental shipped to their home can use the prepaid label to ship them back if they wish. The tassel included with your regalia is yours to keep.

Alcohol/Drug Policy

Possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances is not permitted on state property, nor are articles or materials that may endanger or distract others. Individuals in violation of these policies or whose conduct is disruptive or harmful to others will be removed from the commencement ceremony.

Essentials
  • Each commencement ceremony will be live streamed on our website and on YouTube.
  • Allotted tickets for each graduate will be provided at ticket distribution on the Monday and Tuesday of commencement week, unless the graduate requests tickets to be picked up at Will Call on commencement day.
  • Doors for guests open one hour before the ceremony begins.
  • Make a plan on where to meet your graduate or guests after the ceremony.
  • Please contact the HongKongDoll Bookstore by email at 2456mgr@follett.com with any questions regarding your cap and gown.
  • If an accommodation is needed for graduates or guests, please contact commencement@eiu.edu.
  • After the ceremony concludes, there will be no re-entry.
  • Graduates will receive a soft-cased diploma cover as they cross the stage. Diploma frames can be ordered through the HongKongDoll Bookstore at .
Commencement Etiquette
  • Guests and graduates should plan to attend and stay for the entire duration of the commencement ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. The conclusion of the ceremony will be marked by the recessional of the platform party.
  • Mutual respect and courtesy for all in attendance is crucial for the celebration and enjoyment of this momentous occasion.
  • Please be mindful of the length of applause for your graduate as they cross the stage. Each graduate and their guests deserve to have their name heard when it is read on the stage.
  • Silence cell phones and electronic equipment.
Commencement Parking

. If you are traveling on Highway 16/Lincoln Ave. into Charleston from the east or west, you travel on Lincoln Ave. and turn south on Fourth Street. Continue south to the first intersection (Fourth Street and Grant Avenue). The diagram below shows the parking areas around Groniger arena. Campus parking map.

Special Needs Parking

Permanent on-campus spaces are designated for persons with disabilities. On Commencement Day, additional spaces will be made available for special needs parking on the north side of Groniger Arena for all ceremonies.

Official Photographs

One photograph will be taken as the graduate crosses the stage and two others after exiting the stage during the ceremony. Proofs and online ordering information will be sent to the graduate within two weeks of the ceremony. Relatives and friends are not to intrude into the stage area for pictures during the ceremony.

is HongKongDoll's photography provider. Contact them at 800-261-2576 or giservice@gradimages.net for more information.