Quad Cities Campus

Congratulations Graduates!

Spring 2024 Commencement

May 12 - 1:00 p.m. - Combined Graduate / Undergraduate Ceremony - Vibrant Arena, Moline


 

Students who have indicated they will participate in Spring 2024 ceremonies received additional information via WIU email. If you did not receive an email, please send an email to commencement@wiu.edu to confirm your graduation and ceremony participation.

Guests
  • No tickets are needed to attend the ceremony
  • Doors open 1 hour prior to the ceremony, seating is accessed through the upstairs concourse via stairs or escalator
  • No-step seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis to those with mobility/accessibility needs and their guests. Wheelchairs are available to assist those in need to their seats
  • Assistive listening devices are available at the information table in the north lobby. Sign language interpretation is also provided via picture-in-picture on the big screen
  • If you have any questions about accessibility or resources for you or guests, please contact Audrey Adamson at anw-adamson@wiu.edu
  • The WIU Bookstore will have apparel and other items for sale in the lobby


Venue Information

Directions to the Vibrant Arena.

  • All graduations/commencement ceremonies will require guests and attendees to enter through entrances with walk-through metal detectors.
  • We will also be enforcing our bag policy, which is any bag/purse over 5”x7”x1” will need to be returned to their vehicle or checked in at Guest Services. Our only exceptions to this are for medical reasons or diaper bags (with small child/children present upon entry).
  • We do not allow airhorns or any noise makers of any kind.
  • Other items that are prohibited, along with weapons of any kind, are pocket knives, pepper spray and helium balloons.

For more information on Vibrant Arena policies, please visit: Vibrant At the Event



Livestreaming of Ceremonies

All Commencement ceremonies will be live-streamed on WIU's YouTube channel.

Caps, Gowns, Tassels and Hoods

The University Bookstore is the sole provider of officially licensed Western Illinois University graduation regalia. Caps, gowns, tassels and hoods are available from the University Union Bookstore beginning March 19, 2024. Online orders may be placed at wiu.edu/bookstore.

Orders can be shipped to the QC campus for pick up or to your home address. Honors medallions will be distributed at check-in.

Purchased hoods are packaged with the cap and gown. ALL graduate students will be hooded on stage and should carry it with them during the ceremony.



Day of Details - Arrival, Check-In, and Ceremony Procedures
  • Please arrive NO EARLIER than 12:00 PM on Sunday
  • Leave all belongings with your guests and proceed to the Northeast wall (to the right of the stairs and escalator) of the lobby to check in/pick up name cards
  • Check-in tables: Bachelor's candidates - Yellow signage, Master's candidates - Purple signage
  • All graduates receive a name card to give to the reader on stage - PLEASE make sure the information is correct and make note of the correct pronunciation of your name on your card if needed.  There will be a station located in the line-up room with phonetic spelling guidelines to assist you.
  • Students will proceed to the conference room to line up by department/major and need to be in line by 12:45 PM
  • Tassel placement -  Undergraduate on the right, graduate students on the left
  • If you have any accessibility or mobility needs during the commencement ceremony, please contact Audrey Adamson at anw-adamson@wiu.edu
  • Students will process into the arena area as directed by commencement staff and marshals
  • Marshals will continue to direct students throughout the ceremony. Marshals are easily recognized by their white robes
  • Marshals will lead students to the stage by row. Exit rows to the right and re-enter rows from the left
  • Students walk up the ramp and hand their name cards to the reader at the podium. As individual names are read, students cross the stage, shaking hands with several University dignitaries
  • Honors graduates will have their medallions placed on them by an Honors college representative prior to crossing the stage
  • Master's graduates will be hooded by their Dean prior to crossing the stage, please give them time to adjust your hood as needed
  • At the far end of the stage, students receive their diploma covers and pose with their department chair or leader for a professional photograph
  • Hold the diploma cover in an upright position with the school seal facing the camera
  • Students who received a Bachelor's degree will be directed to move their tassels to the left side of their cap after everyone has crossed the stage
  • At the conclusion of the ceremony, the music will begin and marshals will direct students out of the arena. Please remain seated until your row is released