The disruption of the spring semester by the global COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted one of Illinois State University’s most cherished traditions: Spring commencement. These ceremonies mark the culmination of a student’s time on campus and celebrate an important milestone.
Illinois State does not want the achievements of our students to go unheralded. Therefore, the University will honor and recognize these accomplishments with two opportunities to celebrate.
In lieu of the originally scheduled commencement ceremonies on May 8-9, Illinois State will conduct a virtual ceremony to recognize the achievements of the 2020 spring and summer graduates. This web-based ceremony will include remarks by President Dietz and other Illinois State officials along with an opportunity for students to submit photos for virtual ceremony recognition. In addition, each graduate will receive a commencement program book and diploma cover. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates during the summer.
However, there is nothing like hearing your name called as you walk across the stage. Therefore, spring and summer 2020 graduates are invited back to campus to participate in person in the winter commencement ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, December 12.
Illinois State recognizes that the disruption caused by the pandemic has touched every aspect of life and that this is not the commencement that graduates, their families, and their friends were looking forward to. The University hopes that these plans, both virtually and in person, will allow graduates to celebrate their great achievements at Illinois State during this extraordinary time in history.
Those students who have completed the Application for Graduation for spring or summer 2020, will receive additional information about these alternate commencement plans
This update is also available on the Graduation Services website and the University’s COVID-19 website.
