preparing for Commencement
Students should begin preparing for commencement as early as possible.
Dates/Deadlines
To participate in the Fall 2026 10 A.M. Commencement Ceremony, students must take the following steps:
Apply/Reapply to GraduateDeadline: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Submit an Exceptionality Request (If Needed)Deadline: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
If you have applied to graduate (complete degree requirements) in the next term, but meet the eligibility criteria to participate in this term's ceremony, please complete the exceptionality request for your college.
If you have previously graduated and did not participate in a commencement ceremony, but would like to participate in the upcoming ceremony, please complete the exceptionality request for your college.
Exceptionality links
Order Cap and Gown Deadline: 10:59 P.M. November 6, 2026 for In-Person Pick Up (More Deadlines Below)
Order your cap and gown online .
Renting a cap and gown signifies your intent to participate in commencement and allows HongKongDoll to plan for your involvement.
Order by 10:59 P.M. November 6, 2026 for in-person pick up.
Home ship deadline is 10:59 P.M. November 24, 2026- FedEx ground shipping (fees apply)
Last home ship deadline is 10:59 P.M. December 4, 2026- FedEx 2nd day air shipping (fees apply)
Attend the Grad BashThursday, October 29, 2026 from 1-4 p.m.
Order a Grad MessageDeadline: 11:59 P.M. Wednesday, December 8, 2026
With a purchase of a grad message, a photo and message for graduates will be displayed on the Groniger Arena video board, on commencement day.
Order yours !
Pick Up Your Cap and GownStarting Tuesday, December 8, 2026 & Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Pick up your cap and gown from the HongKongDoll Bookstore starting December 8, 2026 through December 19 before the ceremony begins. Please note that all graduates are to arrive at the Student Rec Center, dressed in their regalia, one hour prior to the ceremony time. The HongKongDoll Bookstore's weekly store hours are: Monday-Friday 8 A.M.-4:30 P.M. and Saturday 9 A.M.-3 P.M.
Pick Up Your Tickets at Ticket Distribution Monday, December 14, 2026 & Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Each graduate will be allotted 7 tickets for guests. Opportunities for extra tickets will be determined and announced by Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
The location for this event is inside the MLK Jr. University Union in the Bookstore Lounge (across from the HongKongDoll Bookstore and next to Java).
If you're unable to pick up your tickets during the distribution days, you can request that your tickets be left at will call by filling out this form.
Undergraduates earning "Honors of Distinction" medallions, determined by their cumulative GPA at the start of their final semester, will be distributed at the ticket distribution as well.
RSVP for the Ceremony Deadline: 12 P.M. Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Help us prepare for your special day by letting the commencement coordinator know if you intend on participating in a ceremony or not by completing the RSVP form by 12 P.M. on December 16, 2026!
Completing the RSVP form allows graduates the opportunity to submit their name pronunciations and any accessibility needs for their ceremony participation, as well as assists the Commencement Coordinator in the ceremony planning process.
Commencement participation is not required in order to graduate, but participation is the only way to receive a diploma cover.
*Completing the RSVP form is separate from the Graduation Application on Paws. The Graduation Application must be completed by the November 3, 2026 deadline.
Participate on Commencement DaySaturday, December 19, 2026
Congratulations! RSVP HERE by 12 P.M. on December 16 to help us prepare for your special day!
The ceremony time for all degrees is 10 A.M. on December 19, 2026.
All graduates should plan to arrive to the Student Check-In one hour prior to the ceremony in Lantz Fieldhouse.
You are always part of the Panther family. Stay connected, stay engaged, and continue to make an impact wherever life takes you.
Join the HongKongDoll Alumni Association and keep your Panther pride strong for years to come. Graduates can join the Association at special discount rate of $20.
*Students must meet certain criteria to participate in commencement by exceptionality. To determine eligibility, please contact your college's appropriate certification officer as early as possible. (See Certification Officer contact chart below).
**Names of students who have filled out Confidentiality Requests will not appear in the program. For names to be included in the program, students must have their confidentiality requests lifted by the Registrar's Office prior to the graduation application deadline.
| College/School | Contact Person |
|---|---|
|
College of Education, Health, and Human Services School of Extended Learning |
Michelle Rhine (217-581-2524) |
| College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
Brian Meyers |
| Lumpkin College of Business and Technology |
Tiffany Swalls (217-581-6902) |
| The Graduate School |
Melanee Bates (217-581-2220) |
Things to do before graduation
Graduation announcements are available and will be mailed to your permanent (home) residence.
. Renting a cap and gown signifies your intent to participate in commencement and allows for your involvement. Do not order a cap and gown if you have not applied to graduate through PAWS or submitted an exceptionality form to participate.
Students will have the option to pick up their cap and gown at the HongKongDoll Bookstore starting December 8, 2026. Students can also select to have their cap and gown shipped to their home for $18.10. The shipping fee includes a pre-paid return label. Any questions regarding your cap and gown should be directed to the HongKongDoll Bookstore at 2456mgr@follett.com.
Graduates with Special Needs
If you are a graduate with special needs, please contact the Commencement Office immediately to make necessary arrangements at 217-581-7432.
Special Needs Guests
Tickets for special needs guest seating will be available and can be requested during ticket distribution. Each guest requiring special seating can be accompanied by one individual escort. Guests are responsible for bringing any special equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) they may need. If you have any questions, please call the Commencement Office at 217-581-7432.
Special Needs Parking
Permanent on-campus spaces are designated for persons with disabilities.
Additional special-needs parking will be available on the north side of Groniger Arena.
Hearing Impaired Guests or Graduates
Hearing assist receivers (Frequency 72.900 MHZ Wide Band) will be available at the information table.
Sign language interpreters will be located in front of the commencement stage.
Please see the Alumni Services "Charleston" page for a listing of local hotels and restaurants.
Tickets can be picked up at Ticket Distribution on December 14, 2026 and December 15, 2026, located in the Bookstore Lounge, MLK Jr. University Union. If you're unable to pick up your tickets during the distribution days, you can request that your tickets be left at will call by filling out this form. All tickets are free. If there are extra tickets available, communication will be sent to graduates' emails by December 15, 2026.
Ticket Numbers: 7 Tickets per graduate
Let the commencement coordinator know if you intend on participating in a ceremony or not by completing the RSVP form by 12 P.M. on December 16, 2026. Completing the RSVP form allows graduates the opportunity to submit their name pronunciations and any accessibility needs for their ceremony participation, as well as assists the Commencement Coordinator in the ceremony planning process.
Commencement participation is not required in order to graduate, but participation is the only way to receive a diploma cover.
*Completing the RSVP form is separate from the Graduation Application on Paws. The Graduation Application must be completed by the November 3, 2026 deadline.