Students should begin preparing for commencement as early as possible.
To participate in Spring 2019 commencement, students must take the following steps:
| Activity | Deadline | Details/Importance |
| Apply/Reapply to graduate through PAWS. |
Mar. 20 |
Doing so ensures you are eligible to graduate and therefore participate in the ceremonies. It also allows your name to appear in the program.** |
| If planning to participate in commencement by exceptionality*, contact your College Dean's Office to submit an Exceptionality Form. | Mar. 20 |
Doing so ensures you are eligible to graduate and therefore participate in the ceremonies. It also allows your name to appear in the program.** |
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Order your cap and gown online.
|
TBD |
Renting a cap and gown signifies your intent to participate in commencement and allows EIU to plan for your involvement. Late fees apply after the deadline. |
| Pick up your cap and gown and tickets. |
May 1 & 2 |
From 9am to 5pm in the Charleston/Mattoon Rooms (caps and gowns) and in the Arcola/Tuscola Rooms (tickets) Both places on 3rd Floor of the Union. |
| Participate on Commencement Day. |
May 4 |
Arrive at the Student Recreation Center in Lantz Arena an hour prior to your ceremony to prepare to walk in your ceremony. THERE IS NO REHEARSAL. |
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A more detailed printable commencement checklist is available below: |
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*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.
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College of Education
School of Extended Learning
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Bonnie Wilson (217.581.2524) Lori Brewer (217.353.2255)
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| College of Health and Human Services |
Janet Fopay (217.581.5574)
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| College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
Angie Rhoads (217.581.5221)
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| Lumpkin College of Business and Technology |
Amy Annis (217.581.6902)
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| The Graduate School |
Lana Beasley (217.581.7490)
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Graduation announcements are available online at Herff-Jones and will be mailed to your permanent (home) residence.
GRADUATES: Rent a cap and gown. Renting a cap and gown indicates your intent to participate in commencement ceremonies and allows EIU to plan for your involvement.
Questions regarding cap and gown please contact Herff Jones representative Patty Storie at pattystorie@att.net or 314-369-6668.
Dec 12-13, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Mattoon/Charleston Rooms, MLK Union
Please note:
You must present a photo ID when picking up your cap and gown, and you must order cap and gown before you can pick up your tickets.
If you are a graduate with special needs, please contact Alumni Services immediately to make necessary arrangements at 217.581.6616.
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 Alumni Services at 217.581.6616.
Permanent on-campus spaces are designated for persons with disabilities. Additional special-needs parking is available near Lantz Arena on commencement day.
A sign language interpreter will be located near the stage. Hearing assist receivers (Frequency 72.900 MHZ Wideband) will be available at the First Aid Station.
Please see the Alumni Services "Charleston" page for a listing of local hotels and restaurants.
Ticket distribution will take place May 1-12, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Arcola/Tuscola Rooms, MLK Union. Each student is allotted a number of tickets; ticket allotment will be announced on March 22. Please note: Graduates do not need to reserve tickets for commencement. Extra tickets will be available on a first come first serve basis on Thursday, May 2 beginning at 12 p.m. Requests for will call tickets (for students who are not able to be on campus for ticket distribution) can be made using this online form. Will call ticket will be available at the will call table in Lantz Arena an hour prior to each ceremony.
Fall 2018 Commencement: Saturday, Dec. 15
Deadline to Apply/Reapply for Fall 2018 Graduation Nov. 6, 2018
Spring 2019 Commencement: Saturday, May 4
Deadline to Apply/Reapply for Spring 2019 Graduation March 20, 2019