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1. ARRIVE TO THE LANTZ FIELDHOUSE ONE HOUR BEFORE.
   Graduates should arrive dressed in their regalia. Video of how to properly wear regalia is below.
   ** Graduate students will be hooded on the commencement stage.
   Please leave personal items in your vehicle. There will not be a place to store personal belongings.

1. GRADUATES WILL PICK UP THEIR NAME CARDS IN THE LANTZ FIELDHOUSE.
   Each graduate will take their name card with them to receive their diploma cover. This card will be used to read their names as they cross in front of stage to receive their diploma cover. If the student’s name is difficult to pronounce, the announcer will be available to discuss proper pronunciation.

1. GRADUATING WITH HONORS
   Participants graduating with honors can pick up their medallions at ticket distribution in the University Ballroom located in the MLK Jr. University Union, on Monday, December 15 or Tuesday, December 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

1. GRADUATE SEATING
   Students will be seated based on their degree.

1. CONFERRING OF DEGREES
   Each graduate will have their name announced and will be handed a diploma cover. Actual diplomas will be sent in the mail approximately eight-twelve weeks after the ceremony.

1. CEREMONIAL RECESSIONAL
   Upon exiting, there will be no re-entry into the arena.
   Please make plans to meet your family in the Lantz Fieldhouse.

1. COMMENCEMENT DAY DRESS CODE
   The commencement ceremony is designed to recognize the academic achievements of our graduates. Proper attire and behavior are expected:
   • Messages on or attached to any part of a graduates cap are allowed, as long as they are appropriate. If messages on or attached to the cap are not appropriate, they will be asked to be removed. Anyone decorating their rental cap is subject to additional costs from the vendor.
   • Honor Cords and Stoles are allowed. If you are receiving one from a department or organization, please contact that area.
   • Participants "Graduating with Distinction" will be awarded a medallion with corresponding blue, white or gold ribbons in recognition of Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude honors. No other medallions are permitted.
   • DO NOT BRING PERSONAL ITEMS OR VALUABLES TO THE LANTZ FIELDHOUSE ON COMMENCEMENT DAY, AS  SECURITY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

1. CAP AND GOWN RETURN
   Your cap and gown will need to be returned after your ceremony. Graduates will be able to drop their cap and gown off in the Lantz Fieldhouse. Graduates who had their cap and gown shipped to their home can use the prepaid label to ship them back if they wish. The tassel included with your regalia is yours to keep.

Possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances is not permitted on state property, nor are articles or materials that may endanger or distract others. Individuals in violation of these policies or whose conduct is disruptive or harmful to others will be removed from the commencement ceremony.

• Each commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on our website.
• Allotted tickets for each graduate will be provided at ticket distribution on the Monday and Tuesday of commencement week, unless the graduate requests tickets to be picked up at Will Call on commencement day.
• Doors for guests open one hour before the ceremony begins.
• Make a plan on where to meet your graduate or guests after the ceremony.
• Please contact Patty Storie PAStorie@herffjones.com with any questions regarding your cap and gown.
• If an accommodation is needed for graduates or guests, please contact commencement@eiu.edu.
• After the ceremony concludes, there will be no re-entry.
• Graduates will receive a soft-cased diploma cover as they cross the stage. Diploma frames can be ordered through Herff Jones at .

• Guests and graduates should plan to attend and stay for the entire duration of the commencement ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. The conclusion of the ceremony will be marked by the recessional of the platform party.
• Mutual respect and courtesy for all in attendance is crucial for the celebration and enjoyment of this momentous occasion.
• Please be mindful of the length of applause for your graduate as they cross the stage. Each graduate and their guests deserve to have their name heard when it is read on the stage.
• Silence cell phones and electronic equipment.

. If you are traveling on Highway 16/Lincoln Ave. into Charleston from the east or west, you travel on Lincoln Ave. and turn south on Fourth Street. Continue south to the first intersection (Fourth Street and Grant Avenue). The diagram below shows the parking areas around Lantz arena. Campus parking map.

Special Needs Parking

Permanent on-campus spaces are designated for persons with disabilities. On Commencement Day, additional spaces will be made available for special needs parking on the north side of Lantz Arena for all ceremonies.

One photograph will be taken as the graduate crosses the stage and two others after exiting the stage during the ceremony. Proofs and online ordering information will be sent to the graduate within two weeks of the ceremony. Relatives and friends are not to intrude into the stage area for pictures during the ceremony.

is EIU's photography provider. Contact them at 800-261-2576 or giservice@gradimages.net for more information.