Graduate Checklist

During the semester in which you plan to graduate, be sure to complete the following steps:

  1. Apply to Graduate
  2. Register to participate in your commencement ceremony
    • Spring ceremony registration is open February 12 through April 4.
    • Students who have completed their application for graduation will receive an email from Marching Order, the ceremony registration portal, with additional registration instructions. There is no fee to participate in commencement; however, this registration must be completed no later than April 3 to be included in the ceremony and program book.
    • Spring and summer graduates participate in May commencement. Those graduating at the end of the fall semester participate in December commencement. Students must participate in the ceremony of their graduation term, except in cases of military deployment during the scheduled ceremony or University study abroad programs that end after the scheduled ceremony.
    • Participation in a commencement ceremony is optional and does not impact the awarding of your degree.
  3. Purchase cap and gown
    • Online cap and gown sales will begin on February 12 (order deadline April 3). Allow 5 to 6 weeks for shipping.
    • All students participating in a commencement ceremony should wear a cap and gown.
  4. Pick up your honor cord if you have earned a Latin honors designation
    • Pick up your honor cord if you have earned a Latin (laude) honors designation. Approximately four weeks before the commencement ceremonies, eligible students will receive an email from the Office of the University Registrar with information about honor cord pick-up.
  5. Request transcripts
    • Order an official Illinois State University transcript showing your degree earned if needed.
    • Degrees may not appear on transcripts for several weeks after graduation.
  6. Final steps
    • Check your Illinois State email frequently for commencement ceremony event updates and details.
    • Pay any outstanding financial obligations to the University.
    • Confirm your personal information, including your mailing address, is up-to-date.
    • Diplomas will be mailed to the address indicated on the application for graduation approximately 12 weeks following the conclusion of the semester.
  7. Ceremony instructions
    • Graduates and Guests: Watch the commencement informational video so you know what to expect on the day of the ceremony.
    • Graduates: Go to Horton Field House with your cap and gown one hour prior to the start of your ceremony for check-in and line-up. Doctoral and MFA candidates will check in at the Media Room (Room 165) in CEFCU Arena. This doctoral video will provide additional information about what to expect during the line-up and while being hooded during the commencement ceremony. 
    • Guests: Go to CEFCU Arena. Doors will open one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Seating is first-come, first-serve. There are no tickets and no limit to the number of guests who may attend.
  8. View your Commencement Ceremony Photos
    • If you participated in a commencement ceremony, GradImages will email your photos to your Illinois State email address approximately one week following the ceremony.
    • You can also use the GradImages online photo locator to look up your ceremony photos

Connect with Commencement