Commencement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In which ceremony do I participate?

You march in the ceremony for your major. View a list of majors by college.

Are there rehearsals?

No rehearsals are held for any commencement activities. Please report to the East Arena in Western Hall to get your name card approximately one hour before the ceremony time. Commencement staff will be available to assist you. Marshals will direct you to your seats and to the stage on the day of ceremony.

Where is the ceremony?

Macomb graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be held in Western Hall. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are not required.

Will my photo be taken?

Professional photographs will be taken of graduates with their diploma cover. Information will be mailed to students within two weeks after commencement. For individuals who do not plan to attend in-person commencement, WIU Photography and Design Production 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 for the studio portraits.

What if my guests or I need disability seating and/or assistance?

Staff will be available at all commencement ceremonies to provide assistance with disability seating.

Where do I park?

Q-Lot, on the east side of Western Hall, is available for public parking. Handicapped-accessible parking spaces at the Macomb ceremony are available to the east and west of Western Hall.

Where do I purchase my cap and gown and announcements?

The University Bookstore is the sole source provider of officially licensed Western Illinois University graduation regalia. To ensure you receive the correct Western Illinois University commencement wear, please order your caps and gowns from the University Bookstore only.

The University Bookstore and University Printing & Mailing Center (UPMC) offer two different styles of graduation announcements. See their respective websites for more information.

How do I ensure my name will be in the commencement program?

The deadline for graduation applications to be on file in the Office of the Registrar is March 15, 2024 for Spring in order to meet deadlines. Students who have invoked the Privacy Act will not be listed in the program or have their names released to local media unless they sign a release form at the Office of the Registrar.

When will the listing of graduates be in my hometown newspaper?

Once the list has been processed, it is submitted to newspapers by University Communications and Marketing. You can find the name you are looking for by going to the Deans and Graduation Lists.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas are mailed approximately 6 to 8 weeks after degrees are conferred.

What if my name or address has changed since submitting my graduation application?

Please contact the Graduation Department in the Office of the Registrar at (309) 298-1891 to make changes.

How do I order photos from the ceremony?

Contact Photography and Design Production at (309) 298-1358 or PDP@wiu.edu to order photos. Yard signs to recognize graduating students are also available for purchase from PDP.

 

What is the Academic Attire?

Commencement is a ceremony to recognize the academic achievements of our graduates. All degree candidates are required to wear only appropriate and approved academic attire.

The University Bookstore is the sole source provider of officially licensed Western Illinois University graduation regalia. Orders may be placed online or picked up in the store. Caps and gowns must be worn to participate in the ceremony.

What do I wear to recognize honors?

Students eligible for graduating with honors distinction may pick up their Honors medallions prior to the ceremony in the East Arena of Western Hall. Questions should be directed to (309) 298-2228.

Medallions that are not picked up will be mailed after Commencement to the address on the graduation application.

Where do I store personal belongings during commencement?

Do not bring extra belongings, as there is not secure storage available during the ceremony. Please leave all belongings with your guests as you may not remain in the same seat throughout the ceremony. Graduating students will not be permitted to bring food or drink to their seat.