University News

WIU Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

May 12, 2021

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – There's still time for 2020 and 2021 Western Illinois University graduates to register for in-person commencement ceremonies May 14-16. The WIU Office of the Registrar and WIU School of Graduate Studies have sent emails to all 2021 graduating students and 2020 graduates with details.

Spring 2021 Commencement Weekend Schedule

Friday, May 14, 5 p.m., master's/specialist/doctoral students, Hanson Field, Macomb.

Saturday, May 15, undergraduate students, Hanson Field, Macomb.

9 a.m. - College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Technology, General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs

1:30 p.m. - College of Education and Human Services, College of Fine Arts and Communication

Sunday, May 16, 1 p.m., undergraduate and master's/specialist/doctoral students, TaxSlayer Center, Moline.

Students will be able to attend the ceremony for their program at either the Macomb or Quad Cities commencement location, regardless of which campus they primarily attended. The undergraduate Commencement ceremonies in Macomb on Saturday, May 15 will be organized based on the student's primary major college:

Guests

Four (4) guest tickets will be available to each graduate. NO EXCEPTIONS – Additional tickets will not be made available. Guest tickets are required for entry into the respective ceremony.

Information has been emailed to graduates and posted at wiu.edu/commencement. The ceremonies will be live streamed on WIU's Facebook page and the WIU YouTube channel.

Health & Safety

All ceremonies will follow protocols required by Restore Illinois . Social distancing and face coverings will be required for all participants, guests, and staff. Students and guests must also complete the self-check at wiu.edu/selfcheck before arriving on campus.

Students or guests should not attend Commencement if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 (including but not limited to fever, cough, shortness of breath), have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

Commencement Ceremony Registration

Registration is required to attend, even if a ceremony preference was indicated on the Graduation Application, and will be used to reserve guest tickets for the student.

2020 graduates who have not yet received an email regarding commencement registration should email commencement@wiu.edu (undergraduates) or grad-office@wiu.edu. (master's/doctoral students).

Master's/Doctoral Hoods

Master's, specialist and doctoral degree candidates have received information at their WIU email and primary home email from the School of Graduate Studies. Graduates may pre-purchase hoods to be worn in the ceremony. Information is available at wiu.edu/commencement.

Caps & Gowns

Caps and gowns are now available for purchase at the University Bookstore. Visit wiu.edu/bookstore to order. Caps and gowns must be worn for the ceremony.

Honors Convocation

While there will not be separate Honors Convocation ceremonies this spring, a virtual celebration will be available at wiu.edu/honors. Students who did not pick up their medallions by the April 16 deadline must schedule an appointment by emailing JA-Schoonover@wiu.edu. Medallions that are not picked up will be mailed the week of May 10 to the address on the graduation application.

Weather/Pandemic

Plans could change for all ceremonies if pandemic restrictions change, and/or in the event of inclement weather. Participants and guests must be aware that significant inclement weather could force a delay and/or cancelation at the last moment. Updates will be emailed to students, as well as posted on the Commencement website. Weather information is below.

Ceremonies will be held in light rain/drizzle and snow. High winds and severe weather warnings could cause delay(s) and/or cancelation(s) for the outdoor ceremonies. Graduates and guests should dress appropriately for the weather. Small umbrellas will be permitted on Hanson Field and in the stands, provided they do not obstruct the view of other guests.

If the weather forces a cancelation, a limited virtual ceremony will be launched at a later date.

Photos

Professional photographs will be taken of graduates with their diploma cover. While masks are required throughout the ceremony, students may remove their mask for this photo. Photo order forms and proofs will be mailed to students within two weeks after commencement. For individuals who do not plan to attend in-person commencement, the WIU Visual Production Center has always offered studio portraits to graduating students. Appointments may be made for a studio photo by calling (309) 298-1358. Caps and gowns are optional.*

* This only refers to individuals who wish to get a studio portrait at VPC.

Information

Visit wiu.edu/commencement for more information.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing