preparing for Commencement
Students should begin preparing for commencement as early as possible.
Dates/Deadlines
To participate in Fall 2025 commencement, students must take the following steps:
Apply/Reapply to GraduateDeadline: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Exceptionality RequestDeadline: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
If you have applied to graduate (complete degree requirements) in the next term, but meet the eligibility criteria to participate in this term's ceremony, please complete the exceptionality request for your college.
Exceptionality links
Order Cap and GownDeadline: Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 10:59 p.m.
Order your cap and gown online .
Renting a cap and gown signifies your intent to participate in commencement and allows EIU to plan for your involvement. Order by Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 10:59 p.m. for in-person pick up.
Home ship deadline is Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 10:59 p.m.- FedEx ground shipping (fees apply)
Home ship deadline is Friday, December 5, 2025 at 10:59 p.m. - FedEx 2nd day air shipping (fees apply)
Attend the Grad BashWednesday, October 15, 2025
Your one-stop-spot for preparing for commencement! Order your cap and gown, check your diploma's name and mailing address, and more. Attendance enters you in for a chance to win fun door prizes, a free cap and gown rental, and a diploma frame! This event is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the University Ballroom in the MLK Jr. University Union.
Attend the Senior ToastThursday, December 18, 2025
You did it! Raise your glass at this exclusive event for graduating seniors! Stay tuned for a link to RSVP for the Senior Toast that will be on Thursday, December 18, 2025 in Rathskeller (7th Street Underground in the MLK Jr. University Union) from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pick Up Your Cap and Gown & TicketsMonday, December 15, 2025 OR Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Allotted amounts will be announced after the deadline to apply for graduation.
University Ballroom in the MLK Jr. University Union from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, December 15 or Tuesday, December 16. If you're unable to pick up your tickets during the distribution days, you can request that your tickets be left at will call by filling out this form.
Participate on Commencement DaySaturday, December 20, 2025
Congratulations, enjoy your day!
*Students must meet certain criteria to participate in commencement by exceptionality. To determine eligibility, please contact your college's appropriate certification officer as early as possible. (See Certification Officer contact chart below).
**Names of students who have filled out Confidentiality Requests will not appear in the program. For names to be included in the program, students must have their confidentiality requests lifted by the Registrar's Office prior to the graduation application deadline.
| College/School | Contact Person |
|---|---|
|
College of Education School of Extended Learning |
Michelle Rhine (217-581-2524) |
| College of Health and Human Services |
Tiffany Swalls (217-581-6902) |
| College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
Angie Cawthon (217-581-5221) |
| Lumpkin College of Business and Technology |
Tiffany Swalls (217-581-6902) |
| The Graduate School |
Melanee Bates (217-581-2220) |
Things to do before graduation
Graduation announcements are available and will be mailed to your permanent (home) residence.
. Renting a cap and gown signifies your intent to participate in commencement and allows for your involvement. Do not order a cap and gown if you have not applied to graduate through PAWS or submitted an exceptionality form to participate.
Students will have the option to select to pick up their cap and gown during cap and gown distribution on Monday, December 15 or Tuesday, December 16 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the University Ballroom located in the MLK Jr. University Union. Students can also select to have their cap and gown shipped to their home for $18.10. That shipping fee includes a pre-paid return label. Any questions regarding your cap and gown should be directed to Herff Jones representative, Patty Storie at PAStorie@herffjones.com.
Graduates with Special Needs
If you are a graduate with special needs, please contact the Commencement Office immediately to make necessary arrangements at 217-581-7432.
Special Needs Guests
Tickets for special needs guest seating will be available and can be requested during ticket distribution. Each guest requiring special seating can be accompanied by one individual escort. Guests are responsible for bringing any special equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) they may need. If you have any questions, please call the Commencement Office at 217-581-7432.
Special Needs Parking
Permanent on-campus spaces are designated for persons with disabilities.
Additional special-needs parking will be available on the north side of Lantz Arena.
Hearing Impaired Guests or Graduates
A sign language interpreter will be located near the stage. Hearing assist receivers (Frequency 72.900 MHZ Wideband) will be available at the information table.
Please see the Alumni Services "Charleston" page for a listing of local hotels and restaurants.
Ticket allotment information for Fall 2025 will be announced after the deadline to apply for graduation.