Illinois State University will award approximately 3,349 baccalaureate degrees and 695 graduate degrees in spring and summer 2022. Graduates will be recognized at the spring 2022 commencement ceremonies on May 6-7.

Illinois State University is providing several options for its spring and summer 2022 graduates including a separate commencement ceremony for the graduates from each academic college and an opportunity to participate in a personalized Redbird Stage Crossing event. In addition, a separate hooding ceremony will be held for doctoral graduates.

Commencement Ceremonies:

Each commencement ceremony will last approximately one hour and include the graduate processional, degree conferral, a symbolic tassel move for undergraduate students, and remarks by President Kinzy, the College Dean, and a student representative. There is no limit to the number of guests who may attend a ceremony and tickets are not required.

Spring 2022 ceremony schedule:

  • Friday, May 6
    • 4 p.m. – Mennonite College of Nursing, Braden Auditorium
    • 7 p.m. – Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, Braden Auditorium
  • Saturday, May 7
    • 9 a.m. – College of Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, and University Studies, Redbird Arena
    • Noon – College of Applied Science and Technology, Redbird Arena
    • 3 p.m. – College of Business, Redbird Arena
    • 6 p.m. – College of Arts and Sciences, Redbird Arena

Redbird Stage Crossing:

The Redbird Stage Crossing is a brief, individualized experience scheduled by the graduate on an appointment basis. Redbird Stage Crossing events will held in the Bone Student Center April 28-30 and May 5-8. Graduates who registered to participate will have their name announced as they cross the stage and receive a diploma cover from a university representative. There is no limit to the number of guests who may attend, and tickets are not required for guests.

Doctoral Hooding Ceremony:

A  Doctoral Hooding Ceremony will be held in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center on Friday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. Doctoral candidates interested in participating need to pre-register with the Graduate School.

For graduates who wish to purchase regalia (cap and gown) and did not order by the deadline, Jostens will sell regalia on a first-come, first-served basis in the Student Services Building, Room 304 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27 and Wednesday, May 4.

More information, directions, and live streaming links are available at Commencement.IllinoisState.edu or by emailing Commencement@IllinoisState.edu.