EIU Commencement

1. ARRIVE TO THE STUDENT REC CENTER ONE HOUR BEFORE.
   Graduates should arrive dressed in their regalia. Video of how to properly wear regalia is below.
   • Bachelor regalia
   • Graduate regalia
   • Hood for master degrees
   ** Graduate students will be asked to have their hoods on prior to entering.
   Please leave personal items in your vehicle. There will not be a place to store personal belongings.


2. GRADUATES WILL PICK UP THEIR NAME CARDS IN THE STUDENT REC CENTER.
   Each graduate will take their name card with them to receive their diploma cover. This card will be used to read their names as they cross in front of stage to receive their diploma cover. If the student’s name is difficult to pronounce, the announcer will be available to discuss proper pronunciation.


3. GRADUATING WITH HONORS
   Participants graduating with honors can pick up their medallions at ticket distribution or before their ceremony in the Student Rec Center.


4. GRADUATE SEATING
   Students will be seated based on their degree.


5. CONFERRING OF DEGREES
   Each graduate will have their name announced and will be handed a diploma cover. Actual diplomas will be sent in the mail approximately six weeks after the ceremony.


6. CEREMONIAL RECESSIONAL
   Upon exiting, there will be no re-entry into the arena.
   Please make plans to meet your family in the Lantz Field House.

Possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on state property, nor are articles or materials that may endanger or distract others. Individuals in violation of these policies or whose conduct is disruptive or harmful to others will be removed from the commencement ceremony.

The commencement ceremony is designed to recognize the academic achievements of our graduates. Proper attire and behavior are expected:

• Messages on or attached to any part of a graduates cap or gown are not encouraged. Anyone decorating their rental cap is subject to additional costs from the vendor.
• Honor Cords and Stoles are allowed. If you are receiving one from a department or organization, please contact that area.
• Participants "Graduating with Distinction" will be awarded a medallion with corresponding blue, white or gold ribbons in recognition of Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude honors. No other medallions are permitted.

DO NOT BRING PERSONAL ITEMS OR VALUABLES TO THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER ON COMMENCEMENT DAY. SECURITY IN THE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER CAN NOT BE GUARANTEED.

Your cap and gown will need to be returned after your ceremony. Graduates will be able to drop their cap and gown off in the Lantz Field House. Graduates who had their cap and gown shipped to their home can use the prepaid label to ship them back if they wish. The tassel included with your regalia is yours to keep.

Lantz Arena is located on Grant Avenue in Charleston. If you are traveling on Highway 16/Lincoln Ave. into Charleston from the east or west, you travel on Lincoln Ave. and turn south on Fourth Street. Continue south to the first intersection (Fourth Street and Grant Avenue). The diagram below shows the parking areas around Lantz arena. Campus parking map.

Special Needs Parking

Permanent on-campus spaces are designated for persons with disabilities. On Commencement Day, additional spaces will be made available for special needs parking on the north side of Lantz Arena for all ceremonies.

One photograph will be taken as the graduate crosses the stage and two others after exiting the stage during the ceremony. Proofs and online ordering information will be sent to the graduate within two weeks of the ceremony. Relatives and friends are not to intrude into the stage area for pictures during the ceremony.

Grad Images is EIU's photography provider. Contact them at 800.261.2576 or giservice@gradimages.net for more information.