Spring/Summer 2022 graduates

Graduate and Guest Information

Congratulations, spring and summer 2022 graduates! If you registered for a commencement ceremony and/or Redbird Stage Crossing by the April 1 deadline, confirmation information and participant instructions were sent to your Illinois State University email on April 13, 2022, and again on April 25, 2022. You may also confirm your Redbird Stage Crossing date/time by viewing your Grad Pass in the commencement registration portal.

Graduate participation information and live-streaming links for Redbird Stage Crossing and commencement ceremonies are now available.

The University is providing several options for celebrating this special occasion in spring 2022 - an in-person commencement ceremony and a personalized Redbird Stage Crossing. Graduates were able to choose to participate in both, either, or none.

Commencement ceremonies: Each in-person commencement ceremony will last approximately one hour.  The ceremony includes the graduate processional, degree conferral, a symbolic tassel move for undergraduate students, and remarks by President Kinzy, the College Dean, and a student representative. Graduates should wear regalia (cap and gown). Graduates will not be individually recognized or cross the stage at commencement ceremonies. However, these experiences are available at the optional Redbird Stage Crossing.

Redbird Stage Crossing: Redbird Stage Crossing is a brief, individualized experience scheduled on an appointment basis between April 28-30 and May 5-8. Graduates who registered by the April 1 deadline will have their name read as they cross the stage and receive a diploma cover from a University representative. A personalized slide will appear, and professional photographers will be present to take formal commencement portraits.  Up to four guests may enter a designated area to take photos of their graduate crossing the stage, while additional, unlimited guests will be directed to the seated viewing area. The wearing of cap and gown is optional. Redbird Stage Crossing locations are the Brown Ballroom and Prairie Room in the Bone Student Center. Watch this three-minute video on preparing for your Redbird Stage Crossing .

In addition, a  Doctoral Hooding Ceremony  will be held in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center on Friday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. Contact the Graduate School  for additional information.

Late Registrations

Did you miss the April 1 deadline to register for commencement events? Email Commencement@IllinoisState.edu to inquire about late registration options. 

Did you miss the April 1 photo submission deadline? We apologize, but no late photos can be accepted. Our vendor has already placed the graduates' slides into production.

Purchase Cap and Gown

If you choose to purchase a black gown and cap from an online retailer, stop by SSB 387 (M-F, 8-4:30) to receive a complimentary ISU tassel.

Jostens will be on campus on Wednesday, May 4 with a limited supply of regalia. They will be selling caps and gowns on a first-come, first-served basis in the Student Services Building, Room 304 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Wearing of the cap and gown is optional for participation in the Redbird Stage Crossing. Students planning to participate in a commencement ceremony should wear cap and gown.

Celebrate Your Graduate

Show your graduation pride with 2022 Grad phone wallpaper, Zoom backgrounds, or yard signs!

Flowers, class t-shirts, teddy bears, and other gifts for graduates are available for pre-order and pick-up at your graduate's Redbird Stage Crossing or commencement ceremony. Items are also available for purchase on-site.

Questions?

Contact Commencement@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2836