Graduation Information
May 15, 2026
Congratulations on completing your master’s degree! We’ve planned a special day for you and your guests to celebrate you and your accomplishment. If you have any questions, please contact ilearning@vetmed.illinois.edu.
Convocation Ceremony
The College of Veterinary Medicine Convocation Ceremony Details:
- Friday, May 15 at 3 p.m.
- Graduates must arrive by 2 p.m. and report to the Choral Rehearsal Room on the third-floor level of the Krannert Center for Performing Arts.
- Convocation will last approximately 2 1/2 hours
- Reception to follow immediately after the ceremony at the Krannert Center
- You must register by April 1, to participate in the college ceremony. Look for an email from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA)
- Guest Tickets are required for this event. Participants will request guest tickets during the registration process.
- You can also livestream the ceremony. The College of Veterinary Medicine Convocation link will go live five minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Schedule
- 8:30–10:30 a.m. · Photos
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m. · Lunch · Papa Del’s
- 1:45–2 p.m. · Group Photo
- 2 p.m. · Check-in for Graduation
- 2:30 p.m. · Line-up
- 3–5 p.m. · Convocation Ceremony
- 5 p.m. · College Reception
Graduation Headshots:
If you are interested in getting a headshot in your regalia, please come to the College of Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15.
- Location: Basic Sciences Building | Room 2873
- This is a free opportunity
Regalia
Deadline: Monday, April 13, until 10:59 p.m. CT
Herff Jones is the supplier of rental regalia for the ceremonies. Approved regalia must be worn by all participants in the college Convocation and universitywide Commencement ceremony.
Master of Veterinary Science Program Lunch Celebration
Join us before the College of Veterinary Medicine Convocation for a celebratory lunch.
- Date: May 15, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Papa Del’s Pizza: 1201 S. Neil St., Champaign IL
Lodging
A dedicated block of rooms is available at a nearby hotel to ensure comfortable and convenient lodging for your visit.
- Hyatt
- Booking code: G-VET7
- Guests can also call the front desk at 217-531-2800 (option 0) and as for the Vet Med room block.
Campuswide Commencement
If you are interested in participating in the University of Illinois Commencement, make sure you register and follow the checklist.
Registration deadline is April 1.
- Date: Saturday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Gies Memorial Stadium
- Arrival time for candidates is no later than 8:45 a.m.
Guests:
- Livestream link
- Clear bag policy
- Doors open at 8 a.m. on May 16