Spring 2021 Commencement
Saturday, May 8 - O’Brien Stadium
- 9 a.m. - College of Health and Human Services and the Graduate School
- 12 p.m. - College of Education and the Graduate School
- 3 p.m. - Lumpkin College of Business and Technology Graduate
- 6 p.m. - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School
- Downloadable Commencement Guide
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; students participating in the 6 p.m. ceremony will receive 4 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 case of inclement weather, there will be an opportunity for a walk-through commencement at designated campus areas from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 8.
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.
