Libraries

Spring 2021 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony Details for BGS Students

UPDATE March 22

As the state's COVID-related restrictions have lessened, and the state is now in a "bridge" phase between Phases 4 and 5, as announced by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker last week, Western Illinois University has determined that in-person, outdoor commencement ceremonies for 2021 and 2020 graduates will be held the weekend of May 14-16.

To ensure compliance with state and University pandemic protocols, details are being finalized and will be forthcoming, including number of guests allowed, etc.

The individual staged Commencement photo experiences originally scheduled for the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses from March 24-April 18 have been canceled.

Graduating students should watch their WIU email and the Commencement website for details, which are expected to be announced later this week.

Commencement is a ceremony to recognize anticipated graduates for Spring and Summer 2021. Actual degree conferral (graduation) will not occur until after Final Grades are posted.


Important Dates & Deadlines

Graduation Application

  • BGS Graduation applications must be filed with the BGS Office by March 19, 2021, for names to appear in the commencement program.
  • The form can be printed from http://www.wiu.edu/libraries/bgs/docs/BGS_Graduation_Application.pdf for submission.
  • Attending commencement does not guarantee graduation. All academic requirements must be complete and all paperwork on file in the Macomb BGS office by May 28, 2021, before diplomas are awarded.

Cap & Gown Orders

The University Bookstore is the sole source provider of officially licensed Western Illinois University graduation regalia. To ensure you receive the correct Western Illinois University commencement wear, please order your caps and gowns from the University Bookstore only.

  • Caps, gowns and tassels are available from the University Union beginning March 19, 2021.
  • The cost is $30.00, plus tax, for undergraduates. Orders may be shipped via UPS through May 7, 2021.
  • For more information, visit www.bookstore.wiu.edu/Graduation_ep_48.html or call 309/298-1931

Announcements

NOTE: General Studies Degree graduates should indicate on the announcement order form

  • Degree: Bachelor
  • Major: General Studies

Commencement Program

  • Students must have their graduation application on file in the Macomb BGS office by March 19, 2021, in order for their names to appear in the program.
  • Students who have invoked the Privacy Act will not have their names printed in the program or released to their local media by University Relations, unless they sign a release form at the Office of the Registrar.
  • Participating in a commencement program does not guarantee graduation. All academic requirements must be complete and all paperwork on file in the BGS Degree Program office by May 28, 2021, before diplomas are awarded.

If you have missed the deadline or have questions or concerns (graduation requirements, dates/deadlines, commencement ceremony, diplomas, address updates, and etc.) please contact: Kathy Artis, BGS Admissions/Records Supervisor at kj-artis@wiu.edu.