University News

Fall 2021 Commencement Update: Stage Crossing Set for Dec. 18

December 13, 2021

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – To recognize Fall 2021 Western Illinois University graduates, special stage crossings have been scheduled, by college, for Saturday, Dec. 18 in the WIU College of Fine Arts and Communications (COFAC) Recital Hall.

WIU's Commencement Committee worked with student leaders from the Student Government Association to coordinate an experience for Fall 2021 graduates. The individualized stage crossings will be livestreamed on WIU's YouTube channel and photographs of each graduate will be taken by WIU photographers as they cross the stage. To adhere to protocols and procedures currently in place at WIU (social distancing measures, space limitations, etc.), guests will not be allowed.

Face coverings are required for all participants (the face covering can be removed only when crossing the stage). Only those students who have uploaded their vaccination card and/or complied with the University's mandated testing will be allowed to participate.

Students should attend the stage crossing for their respective college:

8:30 a.m. – College of Business & Technology

10 a.m. – College of Education & Human Services

11:30 a.m. – College of Fine Arts and Communication; College of Arts and Sciences; General Studies; Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs.

Students will receive a name card as they enter the hall and their name will be read as they cross the stage to pick up their diploma cover, move their tassel and pose for a photograph. Caps and gowns are available in the University Bookstore. Students who choose not to wear a cap and gown should wear professional attire.

In addition to each crossing being livestreamed, a congratulations video message, featuring the names of all Fall 2021 graduates will launch on the WIU YouTube Channel at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18.

Fall 2021 graduates can also register to participate in the Spring 2022 in-person ceremonies May 13-15 in Macomb and Moline.

Staged Studio Photographs

While photographs of each graduate will be taken by WIU photographers as they cross the stage Dec. 18, Fall 2021 graduates can also schedule a studio portrait session at Photography and Design Production, Tillman Hall 207, on the Macomb campus. Graduation portraits are by appointment only and can be arranged by calling the PDP office at (309) 298-1358. WIU-Quad Cities graduates can have staged photographs taken on the QC campus from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 (first come, first served basis).

Spring 2022 Ceremonies

The Macomb-based ceremonies will be held on Hanson Field (May 13-14), while the Quad Cities-based ceremony will be held at the TaxSlayer Center in Moline (May 15). Students can attend the ceremony for their program at either the Macomb or Quad Cities commencement location, regardless of which campus they primarily attended. Information about the May 2022 ceremonies can be found at wiu.edu/commencement.

Information

Additional information, including health and safety protocols, guests, graduate registration and more for the Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremonies will be shared during the Spring 2022 semester and at wiu.edu/commencement.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing