Commencement

Spring 2021 Commencement

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.

Friday, May 14

5:00 p.m. - Graduate Commencement Ceremony, Hanson Field*

Saturday, May 15

9:00 a.m. - Hanson Field*

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business and Technology
  • General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs

1:30 p.m. - Hanson Field*

  • College of Education and Human Services
  • College of Fine Arts and Communication

*In an effort to protect the turf and track surfaces housed within Hanson Field, footwear guidelines will be instituted for commencement participants. Participants are encouraged to wear “flats” as high heels that have a point with a diameter of less than 2" will not be permitted. Individuals who are found in violation will be asked to change their footwear before they will be allowed to participate in commencement exercises.

Sunday, May 16

1:00 p.m. - Combined Graduate/Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, TaxSlayer Center, Moline, IL

Macomb Information

Tune into 1610AM when you enter Macomb for information regarding parking, shuttles from lots, student name card pick up, guest ticket pick up, how to obtain the virtual program, and our COVID-19 protocols.

Registration

Registration is required to attend, even if a ceremony preference was indicated on the Graduation Application. A total of four (4) guest tickets will be available to each graduate (no exceptions).   If you do not have the registration link that was emailed to you, please contact commencement@wiu.edu (undergraduates) or grad-office@wiu.edu (master's/doctoral students).

Ticket Information

Tickets will be available at Hanson Field the day of your ceremony.

If you have any questions, please email commencement@wiu.edu.

Live Streaming Video of Commencement Ceremonies

Western Illinois University provides live streaming video of the commencement ceremonies held at the Macomb campus. The live feed will be available approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each ceremony on WIU's YouTube channel.

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.