Graduate Checklist
During the semester in which you plan to graduate, be sure to complete the following steps:
-
Apply to Graduate
- All students must apply for graduation and pay the application fee.
- Know the application deadlines.
- Questions about your degree requirements? Be sure to consult with your academic advisor.
-
Register to participate in winter commencement ceremony
- Registration to participate in winter commencement will be sent in late September to students who have completed the application for graduation.
- 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.
-
Purchase cap and gown
- Online cap and gown sales will begin in late September.
- All students participating in a commencement ceremony should wear a cap and gown.
-
Pick up your honor cord if you have earned a Latin honors designation
- The Office of the University Registrar will email you near the end of the semester with information about picking up your cord. Questions? Contact Graduation@IllinoisState.edu .
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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