Posted By: WIU News (U-Relations@wiu.edu)
Office of University Relations
While many of Western Illinois University’s Spring/Summer 2021 graduates have expressed their wishes for an in-person commencement this spring, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the University is unable to host traditional in-person Spring 2021 Commencement ceremonies.
To make the Spring 2021 experience memorable, WIU officials took input from students regarding an in-person celebration, and as a result, the University will offer a personal experience to celebrate WIU students, in addition to an online ceremony. Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 graduates should check their WIU email for details, including how to sign up for an appointment.
The personal graduation event has been created to allow graduates to participate in an individual staged Commencement setting experience to receive their WIU diploma cover. University photographers will take each participant’s photo for inclusion in the May 15 online Commencement ceremony. Graduates may choose to wear their caps and gowns, as well as Honors medallion(s), and may invite up to four family members or friends to the individual Commencement appointment. The Commencement experience will be set up on both the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses to accommodate graduates from each campus.
In addition to the staged commencement photo, Spring 2021 graduates will be recognized in an online ceremony featuring remarks by WIU President Guiyou Huang, Provost Martin Abraham and other University leaders. The Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremony will air at 10 a.m. May 15 on WIU’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Additional details are below:
Photos
Photos will be taken on the Macomb (WIU Alumni House) and Quad Cities (Riverfront Hall Atrium) campuses between the weeks of March 24-April 18, and include weekday, and select evening and weekend times. Students must sign up for an appointment time, which is on a first come, first served basis. Face coverings will be required for all who attend, although students can remove their mask for the photo. Due to space restrictions, students may invite no more than four (4) family members or friends. Guests must complete a health questionnaire at wiu.edu/selfcheck before arriving on campus.
Graduates should check their WIU email for appointment information.
Caps & Gowns
Caps and gowns will be available for purchase at the University Bookstore beginning March 19; however, wearing commencement attire for the staged commencement photo is optional.
Graduate Hoods
Graduate students completing a degree in Spring or Summer 2021 who would like to purchase a master’s or doctoral hood may do so by submitting the request form provided in the email to the School of Graduate Studies. There will not be a formal hooding ceremony; however, graduate students are welcome to wear their pre-purchased hood for the photo session.
Honors Medallions
Students eligible for graduating with honors distinction should check their WIU email for instructions regarding picking up their Honors medallion(s).
Bookstore Specials
• 10 percent off: Cap, Gown & Tassel package; additional caps, tassels and souvenir tassels; graduation announcements.
• Free shipping for website orders over $20.
• 20 percent off all gifts and apparel (excluding cap & gown items) on the photo shoot dates (March 24 – April 18).
• 20 percent off all gifts and apparel (excluding cap & gown items) during May 3-14 finals/graduation weeks:
Information
More information and FAQs can be found at wiu.edu/commencement.
