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Bachelor of Arts in General Studies

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Spring 2025 Commencement

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Saturday, May 10

9:00 a.m. Combined Graduate/Undergraduate Ceremony—Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall, Macomb

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business and Technology
  • ÌýGeneral Studies

1:30 p.m. Combined Graduate/Undergraduate Ceremony—Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall, Macomb

  • College of Education and Human Services
  • College of Fine Arts and Communication
  • School of Law Enforcement & Justice Administration

A list of majors included in each of the colleges listed above can be found here: Undergraduate Majors by College

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Livestreaming Video of Commencement Ceremonies

Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 onÌý Ìýchannel.

Commencement is the official ceremony to celebrate students' graduation. Degree
conferral (graduation) occurs after final grades are posted in the semester for which the
student has applied for graduation and all degree requirements have been met.

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There is NO rehearsal for the Commencement Ceremony.

  • Plan to arrive at Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall approximately 1 hour prior to the ceremony. Please leave all belongings with your guests.
  • Students go to the East Arena (Q-Lot side of Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall) to pick up name cards and assemble behind the standard designated for their major.
  • Students need to be in line 30 minutes prior to their ceremony.
  • 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 handsÌýwith several University dignitaries.
  • 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 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.

Additional ceremony information is available atÌý www.wiu.edu/commencement.

For questions or concerns, please contact:

Kathy Artis (Graduation Requirements, Dates/Deadlines, Commencement Ceremony, Diplomas, Address Updates )

Phone: (309) 298-1929 or Ìý Email:Ìý kj-artis @wiu.edu

Important DatesÌý& Deadlines

General Studies Graduation Application

  • Graduation applications must be filed with the Graduation Department in the General Studies Office by March 14, 2025, for names to appear in the commencement program.
  • The convenient online graduation application for BGS students is available at: http://www.wiu.edu/bgs/grad/index.php.
  • Attending commencement does not guarantee graduation. All academic requirements must be complete and all paperwork on file in theÌýGeneral Studies office by May 23, 2025, for Spring 2025, before diplomas are awarded.

CapÌý& Gown Orders

The University Bookstore is the sole source provider of officially licensed Â鶹´«Ã½ Illinois University graduation regalia. To ensure you receive the correct Â鶹´«Ã½ Illinois University commencement wear, please order your caps and gowns from the University Bookstore only.

  • Caps, gowns and tassels are available from the University Union beginning March 19, 2025.
  • The cost is $38.00, plus tax, for undergraduates. Orders may be shipped via UPS through April 25, 2025.

Instructional Videos

View videos on properly wearing your cap and gown and graduate/doctoral hoods.

Announcements

  • TheÌýandÌýUniversity Printing & Mailing Center (UPMC)Ìýoffer two different styles of graduation announcements. See their respective websites for more information.
  • Degree for BGS grads is Bachelor of Arts
  • Major for BGS grads is General Studies

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Commencement Program

  • Students must have their graduation application on file in the General Studies office by March 14, 2025, in order for their names to appear in the online program.
  • Students who have invoked the Privacy Act will not have their names published in the online program or released to their local media byÌýUniversity Relations, unless they sign a release form at theÌýOffice of the Registrar.

Hometown Newspaper Notification

University RelationsÌýposts graduates' names, academic distinction, degrees and majors online atÌý, and sends a listing of graduates to hometown newspapers after degrees have been conferred, approximately 2-3 weeks after the ceremony.

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Information for Graduates, Families and Friends

  • List of majors by college
  • The ceremony typically lasts less than 2 hours.
  • Do not bring extra belongings as there is not secureÌýstorage available during the ceremony. Please leave all belongings with your guests as you may not remain in the same seat throughout the ceremony. Graduating students will not be permitted to march into the gym with food or drink.Ìý
  • Commencement is a ceremony to recognize the academic achievements of our graduates. All degree candidates are required to wear only appropriate and approved academic attire.

Photos

  • Guests are not allowed near the stage during the ceremony.
  • Professional photographs will be taken of graduates with their diploma cover. Photo order forms and proofs will be mailed to students within two weeks after commencement.

Etiquette and Decorum

  • Commencement is a milestone that should be celebrated appropriately. We ask that all graduates and guests respect the importance and dignity of this occasion, and celebrate in a way that does not infringe upon the rights of others or diminish the experiences of others.
  • Follow the instructions of the marshals and commencement staff.
  • Plan to stay seated for the entire ceremony.
  • Do not obstruct aisles.
  • Place electronic devices (cell phones, iPads, gaming devices, etc.)Ìý on vibrate or silent mode.
  • Large balloon bouquets or banners that obstruct the view of others are prohibited.Ìý
  • Refrain from extended applause or cheers that "drown out" the name of the next graduate. All graduates deserve equal recognition for their accomplishments.Ìý
  • Disruptive or disrespectful behavior may result in removal from the premises.Ìý
  • Thank you for your cooperation in observing these guidelines.Ìý

Tickets

  • No tickets are needed to attend the ceremony.
  • Seating is on first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 1½ hours prior to each ceremony.
  • Ushers will monitor rows to accommodate as many guests as possible.
  • Saving seats is not permitted.

No Noisemaking Devices

  • Noisemaking devices are prohibited. Possession of noisemaking devices, especially air horns, may result in removal from the premises. Consideration for the safety and welfare of all attendees is a priority.Ìý

Parking

Disability Information

  • Â鶹´«Ã½ Illinois University staff will be available to assist family members and guests who need assistance.
  • Graduating students who need special assistance should contact the Student Development and Success Center atÌý SDSC@wiu.edu Ìýor (309) 298-1884.

First Aid

A first aid station will be open during all ceremonies

Gifts

There will be flowers available for purchase from a local florist in Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall.

The Â鶹´«Ã½ Bookstore will have apparel and other items for sale in Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall.Ìý

Alcohol Policy

  • Alcohol is not permitted.
  • Anyone in possession of alcohol will be immediately removed from the premises by on-duty police officers.

No Smoking/Tobacco Policy

  • Â鶹´«Ã½ is a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus

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