Convocation

• Commencement is not a certification of graduation, but a ceremony that celebrates your academic achievements. All degree requirements must be satisfied before graduation and diploma conferral.
• You are eligible to participate in May Convocation ceremonies if you have graduated since August 2025 or expect to finish your degree requirements in May 2026.
• Please see the Commencement Website for eligibility details.

• The university-wide Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
• Please visit the Commencement Website for further information.

• This event is only for the College of Veterinary Medicine graduates and is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. in Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
• The ceremony will last approximately 2 1/2 hours.

Join Us for the Live Stream

We are excited to invite family and friends to watch the live stream of our students’ convocation ceremony.

Date: May 15, 2026
Time: 3 p.m. CST
Live Stream Vet Med’s Convocation Here

Graduates should arrive at 2 p.m. and report to the Choral Rehearsal Room on the third-floor level of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

• Guests who are unable to climb stairs will need to arrive by 2:30 p.m. to ensure main floor seating at Krannert Center.
• Please complete the Krannert Center Accessibility Request for your guests who have special seating requests (wheelchairs, sight or auditory needs, etc.).

• For the University Wide Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, parking is available in many University lots around the stadium (excluding 24-hour rented parking spots).
• For the Veterinary Medicine Convocation on Friday, bagged meters are available in the Krannert Center parking garage (D5), and on adjacent streets. Please see the Parking Department Website for accessibility assistance.

Announcements for graduates can be ordered through Herff Jones, the Illini Union Bookstore, or a copy shop of your choice.

• Visit Herff Jones 
• Visit the Illini Union Bookstore

• Phi Zeta Members can pick up Phi Zeta Cords from the ASA Office starting May 1. The cords are yours to keep.

• Because it is not possible to process grades and prepare degree lists by Commencement weekend, diplomas will be mailed by mid-July.
• The primary address that will be used to mail your diploma is the “Diploma Address.”
• If the diploma address is unavailable, it will be mailed to the “Mailing Address.”
• Students should check and update their “Diploma Address” through Student Self Service.
• If you have questions about your diploma, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 217-333-6383.

• Before ordering your transcripts, please check Student Self-Service to see if your degree has been posted. The batch upload of degrees will occur Friday, May 29, 2026.