University News

WIU Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

March 24, 2021

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- As the state nears the "bridge" phase between Restore Illinois Phases 4 and 5, as announced by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker last week, Western Illinois University has determined that in-person commencement ceremonies for 2021 and 2020 graduates will be held as originally scheduled(with the exception of the Macomb venue, where all ceremonies will be held on Hanson Field).

Spring 2021 Commencement Weekend will be held Friday, May 14 [5 p.m., master's/doctoral students, Hanson Field in Macomb]; Saturday, May 15 [9 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., undergraduate students, Hanson Field in Macomb] and Sunday, May 16 [1 p.m., undergraduate and master's/doctoral students, TaxSlayer Center, Moline]. Students will be able to attend the ceremony for their program at either the Macomb or Quad Cities commencement location, regardless of which campus they primarily attended. The individual staged Commencement experience scheduled for the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses from March 24-April 18 have been canceled (see more information at the end of this announcement regarding photos).

The undergraduate Commencement ceremonies in Macomb on Saturday, May 15 will be organized based on the student's primary major college:

9 a.m.
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business and Technology
• General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs

1:30 p.m.
• College of Education and Human Services
• College of Fine Arts and Communication

Health & Safety

All ceremonies will follow protocols required by Restore Illinois . Social distancing and face coverings are required for all participants, guests, and staff. Students and guests must also complete the self-check at wiu.edu/selfcheck before arriving on campus.

Students or guests should not attend Commencement if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 (including but not limited to fever, cough, shortness of breath), have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

Graduates who are unable to participate due to illness, exposure, or safety concerns may participate in a future Commencement ceremony. All ceremonies will be livestreamed on WIU's Facebook and YouTube Channel for those who are unable to attend. University photographers will take photographs of each graduate on the stage with their diploma cover.

Commencement Ceremony Registration

2021 graduate and undergraduate students will receive an email to their WIU email account later this week with specific information about their ceremony, including a registration link. 2020 graduates will receive an email to their WIU email account and to the primary personal account on file with WIU with specific information about their ceremony, including a registration link. Registration is required to attend, even if a ceremony preference was indicated on the Graduation Application, and will be used to reserve guest tickets for the student.

2020 graduates who do not receive an email by Tuesday, March 30 regarding commencement registration should email commencement@wiu.edu (undergraduates) or grad-office@wiu.edu. (master's/doctoral students).

Master's/Doctoral Hoods

Master's and doctoral degree candidates will receive additional information at their WIU email from the School of Graduate Studies. Information will also be available at wiu.edu/commencement.

Caps & Gowns

Caps and gowns are now available for purchase at the University Bookstore. Visit wiu.edu/bookstore to order. Caps and gowns must be worn for the ceremony.

Honors Medallions

While there will not be separate Honors Convocation ceremonies this spring, students eligible for graduating with honors distinction may pick up their Honors medallions at the Centennial Honors College in the Malpass Library in Macomb on the following dates, to wear at their respective commencement ceremonies: March 24, 31 and April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Students must present their WIU ID to pick up the medallion(s). Quad Cities students who wish to have their medallions sent to the QC campus must email JA-Schoonover@wiu.edu by April 30. Students who want to pick up their medallion(s) after April 16 will need to schedule an appointment by emailing JA-Schoonover@wiu.edu. Medallions that are not picked up will be mailed the week of May 10 to the address on the graduation application.

Guests

Four (4) guest tickets will be available to each graduate (no exceptions). There is no charge for the guest tickets. Guest tickets are required for entry into the respective ceremony. Additional tickets will not be made available. Graduates are not required to have tickets (the name card provided at ceremony check-in is considered a graduate's ticket). More information about how to claim the four guest tickets will be emailed to graduates and posted at wiu.edu/commencement in the coming weeks. The ceremonies will be live streamed on WIU's Facebook page and the WIU YouTube channel.

Weather/Pandemic

Plans could change for all ceremonies if pandemic restrictions change, and/or in the event of inclement weather. Participants and guests must be aware that significant inclement weather could force a delay and/or cancelation at the last moment. Updates will be emailed to students, as well as posted on the Commencement website. Weather information is below.

Ceremonies will be held in light rain/drizzle and snow. High winds and severe weather warnings could cause delay(s) and/or cancelation(s) for the outdoor ceremonies. Graduates and guests should dress appropriately for the weather. Small umbrellas will be permitted on Hanson Field and in the stands, provided they do not obstruct the view of other guests.

If the weather forces a cancelation, a limited virtual ceremony will be launched at a later date.

Photos

Professional photographs will be taken of graduates with their diploma cover. While masks are required throughout the ceremony, students may remove their mask for this photo. Photo order forms and proofs will be mailed to students within two weeks after commencement. For individuals who do not plan to attend in-person commencement, the WIU Visual Production Center has always offered studio portraits to graduating students. Appointments may be made for a studio photo by calling (309) 298-1358. Caps and gowns are optional.*

* This only refers to individuals who wish to get a studio portrait at VPC.

Information

Visit wiu.edu/commencement for more information.

Let's hope for clear, blue skies and seasonable temperatures, along with COVID-19 mitigation efforts continuing to head in the right direction, so WIU's 2021 and 2020 graduates can be honored and celebrated.

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