Spring 2021 Commencement
Attention Graduates! If you have not yet returned your cap and gown, you will need to send them back here:
Herff Jones
7 Westfield Lane
St Louis, M0 63131
Saturday, May 8 - O’Brien Field
- 9 a.m. - College of Health and Human Services and the Graduate School (Live Stream)
- 12 p.m. - College of Education and the Graduate School (Live Stream)
- 3 p.m. - Lumpkin College of Business and Technology and the Graduate School (Live Stream)
Under State of Illinois COVID-19 guidelines, O’Brien Stadium may have a capacity of 20% to ensure appropriate social distancing is maintained. Each student will receive a limited number of tickets for guests. Students participating in the 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m. ceremonies will receive 6 tickets. Additionally, with the updated guidelines from the State of Illinois, individuals with proof of full vaccination will be able to enter without a ticket. An individual is considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving a final vaccine dose. Guests will need to have final doses no later than April 24 to be considered fully vaccinated. Guests entering without a ticket will need to enter through the South gate and have proof of vaccination and a photo ID.
Each ceremony also will be live-streamed with WEIU-TV. All patrons and graduates must wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose at all times when entering and moving around O’Brien field. All seating in the venue is set for social distancing and pods of seating and designated areas are marked off.
The Class of 2020 is invited to join the Spring 2021 Commencement ceremony. Cap and gown rental can be made through Herff-Jones. Be sure to select 2020 graduate to receive the correct tassel. Students who already ordered a cap and gown, returned it, and did not receive a refund can reach out to Herff-Jones representative Patty Storie at pattystorie@att.net and may be eligible for a discount. If you rented a cap and gown and kept it, please email Amber May at ammay@eiu.edu if you wish to participate in the ceremony.
Weather-related decisions will be made by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 7. In the event of inclement weather, additional information will be sent to your EIU e-mail address.
Graduation Live StreamsWith the help of WEIU-TV, all Commencement ceremonies will be streamed live on YouTube. Check the schedule near the top of the page for links to each individual live stream or go to this page to find access to all four ceremonies in one online location! Lavender Graduation RegistrationSince 2011, EIU has had a Lavender Graduation to honor the GSD and ally students who are graduating with either their baccalaureate or master's degree. Our ceremony takes place on the Friday before the spring university commencement at 7 p.m. We encourage all GSD and ally students graduating in either that spring or the following fall semester to participate in Lavender Graduation. You can register here. |
Celebrate on Social Media!Whether you're graduating or celebrating the graduation of a loved one, we can help you show your pride online! Facebook Profile Pic Frames Social Story Graphics Giphy Stickers |
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EIU hosts two annual commencements, at the end of the spring and fall semesters. Those graduating at the end of the summer semester are included in the fall ceremonies. If summer graduates wish to participate in the spring ceremonies, they should contact their college Dean’s office to request to participate by exceptionality. |
Class of 2021 Senior Grad Pack
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Students: Visit the Before Commencement page for step-by-step instructions on what you must do to prepare to participate in the upcoming ceremonies. Want to order a senior brick for our Commemorative Courtyard with your Gradpack? Click here to order and click here to learn more about the courtyard! |
Commencement is one of the most exciting events of the year at Eastern Illinois University — and for the graduates and families involved, it's also one of the most memorable.
