Day of Instructions
Commencement is the live ceremony in which graduates celebrate the completion of a degree. There is no fee to participate in commencement ceremonies.
Dates and Times
For a full list of dates and times visit Event Schedules.
- Graduates should participate in the ceremony that is listed for your college/school, degree (graduate vs. undergraduate) and major (if applicable).
- Dual degree students are eligible to participate in one or both commencement ceremonies.
- Double major students are only eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony of their primary major.
- Doors open one hour prior to ceremony start times.
Location and Parking
All ceremonies are held in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center, 35 Circle Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62026.
- Graduates and guests should enter through the east entrance.
- Parking will be available in Lots A, F, and 12. Onsite staff and police will direct graduates and guests to parking,
Graduate Line Up
Graduates should arrive one hour before the start of their assigned ceremony. Upon entry, graduates should proceed to the Student Activity Center for check-in.
- SIUE staff will check in each graduate.
- Graduates will receive a marching card.
- Only graduates in attendance with a marching card will be announced during the ceremony.
- Graduates will be asked to line up in a certain order.
- Faculty marshals will assist with line up, and guide graduates through the processional, during the ceremony and the recessional.
- Secure storage is not available for personal items. Please leave belongings at home or with guests.
Regalia and Attire
Graduates order and pay for regalia through a third-party vendor partnering with the Cougar Store. Please refer to email communications from the Cougar Store for additional details.
All graduates participating in commencement are required to wear approved academic regalia.
- Students not in compliance with standards will NOT be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
- Military personnel are permitted to wear their dress uniforms in place of regalia.
Commencement is a formal occasion. Professional attire is recommended under the regalia.
- Slacks, skirts, dresses, blouses, collared shirt and tie are acceptable.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended, graduates will be walking and standing for long periods of time.
Guest Seating
- Commencement is not a ticketed event.
- Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Accessible seating is labeled on the lower level of the gym. Please contactcommencement@siue.edu for questions about accessible seating.
- We ask that you limit your group size to six guests so that all guests may be accommodated comfortably.
- Graduate seating is located in two sections on the gym floor.
- Graduates and their guests are not allowed to bring signs, poles, flags, noisemakers into the ceremony.
Livestream
All live in-person ceremonies will be livestreamed. Only graduates in attendance will be recognized as they cross the stage. Friends and family members who cannot attend the ceremonies are encouraged to watch the livestream online.
Photography
GradImages is the official photographer of SIUE commencement.
- Photographs will be taken of each graduate during each ceremony as they cross the stage and after crossing the stage with their diploma cover.
Proofs will be provided by GradImages to graduates after each commencement ceremony for the opportunity to purchase photos. You can also find proofs at gradimages.com.
Accessibility Needs
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, including alternate format media or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) at 618.650.3726 or email myaccess@siue.edu and contact the commencement coordinators at commencement@siue.edu in advance of your participation.
Pets
No animals are permitted in University buildings or facilities, with the exception of the following:
- Service animals for persons with disabilities.
- Animals used by law enforcement or emergency personnel in the exercise of their official duties.
- Animals approved pursuant to University Housing resident guidelines, including therapy animals for residents with disabilities. Approved therapy animals are not permitted in University buildings other than Housing units.
