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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Many students confuse graduation with the commencement ceremony; they are not the same. Graduation is the official granting of a degree after having met all degree requirements. Commencement is the ceremony recognizing any degree candidates for the current semester who choose to participate. Graduation does not take place until after the current semester's grades are posted which actually occurs after the commencement ceremony. Diplomas are not presented to students at Commencement.

Can I participate in two ceremonies if I have two or more majors?

Students that complete two or more majors are awarded one degree. The transcript indicates the one degree and the majors completed. The commencement ceremony that the student participates in is determined by the first major. The student participates in the ceremony of the College of the first major and is seated with the first major.

What do I need to do to participate in Commencement?

Undergraduate students who are eligible to graduate and want to walk across the stage in their Commencement ceremony must check YES on the Undergraduate Application for Graduation by the published deadline. An application must be on file and the graduation fee paid by the deadline to participate in the Commencement ceremony. The deadline is available on the Office of the University Registrar's Web site.

Graduate students who are eligible to graduate and want to walk across the stage in their Commencement ceremony must fill out the Commencement participation section on the Application for Completion of Graduate Degree by the published deadline. An application must be on file and the graduation fee paid by the deadline to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

View a complete list of graduation procedures

When and where are diplomas mailed?

Diplomas will be mailed to graduates when all requirements are met, usually eight to twelve weeks following Commencement. The mailing address used will be the one listed on the Undergraduate Application for Graduation or Application for Completion of Graduate Degree that you completed. Undergraduates report any address changes directly to the Office of the University Registrar. Graduate students report any address changes directly to the Graduate School.

Diploma covers are presented at the Commencement Ceremony. If you did not participate in the ceremony, you may request a diploma cover by contacting Evaluation Services at (309) 438-2282 or at the Office of the University Registrar.

Students graduating in a teaching program will receive a separate letter informing them how to apply online for a teaching certificate.

I want to frame my diploma. What are the dimensions?

The size of the diploma is 10" x 8".

What are the requirements to receive honors designations?

Graduating with Honor Distinction: A student must have earned at least 50 semester hours at Illinois State University and have a qualifying GPA (see below) to be eligible for a degree with honor distinction. Only Illinois State University course work is included in the computation of the GPA.

Cumulative GPA Honor Distinction  
3.90 - 4.00 Summa cum laude  
3.80 - 3.89 Magna cum laude  
3.65 - 3.79 Cum laude  

Students who have earned 50 semester hours at Illinois State University and a qualifying GPA both based on the last graded semester prior to Commencement are recognized with the respective honor distinction at Commencement. The appropriate cord will be mailed to the student's local address a few weeks prior to Commencement.

Once grades for the current semester are posted, your cumulative hours and cumulative GPA are recalculated and your final honor distinction determined. Your final honor distinction will be permanently noted on your diploma and transcript.

Where do I get my honor cord?

Undergraduate students who are eligible to receive honor distinction at Commencement will receive their respective honor cord at their local address a few weeks prior to Commencement.  If no local address is on file, the cord will be mailed to the student’s home address.

Once grades for the current semester are posted, your cumulative hours and cumulative GPA are recalculated and your final honor distinction determined. Your final honor distinction will be permanently noted on your diploma and transcript.

Please refer to “What are the requirements to receive honors designations?” for the policies on receiving honor recognition at Commencement as well as earning final honors on your degree.

Honor cords are also available for undergraduate students in the Honors Program who complete at least three semesters and nine Honors credit hours in the program and who graduate in good standing. Presidential Scholars who meet these requirements and who complete the Presidential Scholars Program also receive a cord. Honors students who meet these requirements may pick up their cords prior to Commencement.

Do I need to pay a fee for Commencement participation?

There is no fee for participating in Commencement, however graduates are responsible for purchasing their keepsake cap and gown. Please visit the online store for the latest prices on caps and gowns.

Can I participate in Commencement even if I have not completed my degree requirements?

Undergraduate students completing degree requirements during the fall semester participate in the December ceremony. Undergraduate students completing degree requirements during the spring or summer semesters participate in the May ceremonies. The University Registrar located in Moulton 102 must approve any exception to this regulation in writing.

Will I receive a confirmation that I have signed up to participate?

Graduates will not receive confirmation by mail, but can verify participation online. If your name is not listed and you believe you have signed up, please contact us.

When will I receive instructions about what to do the day of the ceremony?

Instructions for participants page contains the information you need. This will also be sent via e-mail to each student registered to participate in Commencement.

Who sends out diplomas?

Bachelor`s Degree: Office of the University Registrar
Masters and Doctoral Degrees: Graduate School

Diplomas are mailed 8 to 12 weeks after Commencement.

Where do graduates buy their caps, gowns and announcements?

Graduates purchase caps, gowns and announcements on-line. Illinois State University has designed it's own unique cap, gown and announcements. These products are ONLY available on-line. In order to participate in the Commencement ceremonies, you must wear the proper regalia. To order, visit the online store.

Is there a particular color of the tassel for each college?

Undergraduates wear red and white tassels and Graduate students wear black tassels for master's degrees and gold for doctoral degrees.

Is there a limit on the amount of guests I can bring?

Redbird Arena and Braden Auditorium have adequate seating for family members and guests.  Tickets are not required.

How long will the ceremonies last?

The ceremonies should last an estimated two hours.

Am I required to participate in Commencement to receive my diploma?

No. Diploma covers are presented during Commencement ceremonies.  Diplomas are mailed to everyone who has met degree requirements about eight to twelve weeks later.

If I choose not to participate in Commencement, where can I get a diploma cover?

Contact the Office of the University Registrar.

What time should guests start to arrive for Commencement?

The doors open one hour prior to the ceremony start time.

What happens if there is bad weather on Commencement day?

Graduates and guests should listen to the Bloomington/Normal radio and television stations for cancellation information. If there is a cancellation due to inclement weather, Commencement will not be rescheduled.

What if I am finishing up my coursework/internship in the summer?

August graduates participate in May Commencement ceremonies.

What do I do if I want to participate in Commencement early due to student teaching or an internship?

Students should participate in the Commencement ceremony held in the semester in which they complete degree requirements. Participation in an off campus internship, off campus study program, or student teaching is not considered a reason for early Commencement participation. If significant extenuating circumstances prevent a student from participating in Commencement at the time of his/her graduation, the student must request permission to participate early by writing to the Office of the University Registrar.

What if I have a question not listed above?

Please contact us.

 

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