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 winter commencement ceremony
    • Although the commencement registration deadline has passed, you can still fully participate in your ceremony by completing the registration form . Please note that your name will not appear in the commencement program book..
    • If you are graduating at the end of the fall semester, you can register to participate in December commencement. Spring and summer graduates participate in May commencement.
    • Participation in a commencement ceremony is optional and does not impact the awarding of your degree.
  3. Purchase cap and gown
    • The last opportunity to purchase an Illinois State University cap and gown for winter commencement is Wednesday, December 11, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., 304 Student Services Building. A Jostens representative will have a limited number of cap and gowns available for purchase onsite on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • 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.
  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 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