Students should begin preparing for commencement as early as possible.
To participate in Spring 2025 commencement, students must take the following steps:
| Activity | Deadline | Details/Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Apply/Reapply to graduate through PAWS. | March 26 | If you have not already applied for graduation, please submit your graduation application through PAWS. 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 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. | March 26 |
Exceptionality links |
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Order your cap and gown. To place a LATE ORDER, you must fill out this FORM. |
April 4 |
The Herff Jones site has closed, late orders must be paid for with cash at pick up during distribution days. There will be an added $25 late fee. |
|
Pick up your cap and gown and tickets. Allotted amounts will be announced after the deadline to apply for graduation. |
May 5 & 6 |
Lantz Field House from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 5 and May 6. If you're unable to pick up your tickets during the distribution days, you can request your tickets be left at will call by filling out this form. |
| Participate on Commencement Day. | May 10 | |
|
A more detailed printable commencement guide is available HERE. |
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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.
| College/School | Contact Person |
|---|---|
|
College of Education
School of Extended Learning |
Michelle Rhine (217.581.2524) |
| College of Health and Human Services |
Janet Fopay (217.581.6674) |
| College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
Angie Cawthon (217.581.5221) |
| Lumpkin College of Business and Technology |
Tiffany Swalls (217.581.6902) |
| The Graduate School |
Lana Beasley (217.581.7490) |
Graduation announcements are available online at Herff-Jones and will be mailed to your permanent (home) residence.
Order your cap and gown through Herff Jones. 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 select to pick up their cap and gown during cap and gown distribution on May 5 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and May 6 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. in the Lantz Fieldhouse. Students can also select to have their cap and gown shipped to their home for $18.10. That shipping fee includes a pre-paid return label. Any questions regarding your cap and gown should be directed to Herff Jones representative, Patty Storie at PAStorie@herffjones.com.
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 will be available on the north side of Lantz Arena.
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 allotment information for Spring 2025 will be announced after the deadline to apply for graduation.
Groniger Arena
217-581-6616
commencement@eiu.edu
March 26, 2025