December 2026 Convocation
December 2026 Gies Convocation Ceremony
Friday, December 18th, 2026
1:00-3:00 pm
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Regalia
Graduates must have custom University of Illinois regalia to participate in the ceremony. Place your cap and gown order online before November 27. There is an early discounted rate available until November 16. Additional details may be found online.
Photography
Each graduate will have their picture taken as they receive their diploma. Graduates will receive information on ordering proofs, directly from GradImages®, following the ceremony.
Livestream
The convocation ceremony will be livestreamed, for any guests unable to attend the ceremony in person to view. Link will be provided closer to date. Please note: Online participation or remote recognition during the ceremony is unavailable.
Guest Tickets
Due to the size of the venue, all graduates who are registered to participate in the ceremony must have tickets for their guests, including children. Graduates are eligible to request a maximum of 3 guest tickets to the Gies December Convocation Ceremony upon registration. Ticket pickup information will be provided in late Fall to all registered graduates. Graduates do not need a ticket to participate.
Accessibility Requests
Graduates: If you will need accessibility-related accommodations in order to participate, please indicate when registering for the ceremony.
Guests: If one of your guests will need accessibility-related accommodations, please contact our office at Gies-Convocation@illinois.edu. Additional information regarding accessibility at KCPA, please visit: https://krannertcenter.com/accessibility
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
PhD Candidates through Gies College of Business are invited to participate in the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony hosted by the Graduate College. For more information and to register, please visit their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for each convocation ceremony?
August and December 2026 Graduates are eligible to participate in the December 2026 Gies Convocation Ceremony. August and December 2026 and May 2027 Graduates are eligible to participate in the May 2027 Gies Convocation Ceremonies.
If you have academic-related eligibility questions, undergraduate candidates should contact the Office of Undergraduate Affairs at undergrads@business.illinois.edu or 217-333-2740.
Master’s, MBA, and PhD candidates should contact their respective degree program office with questions.
What is the difference between Gies Convocation and Universitywide Commencement?
During the Gies Convocation Ceremony, you will have the opportunity to have your individual name read along with the rest of the Gies graduates and you will walk the stage and receive your diploma cover.
During Commencement, all graduates from across the University are eligible to participate. Your degree program will be announced, and you will stand with the rest of your fellow graduates. Individual recognition does not occur at this ceremony. You are not required to attend the Commencement Ceremony to participate in the Gies Convocation.
If you intend on participating in either or both, please note there are separate registration processes for each. You will need to register for each ceremony separately.
Does applying for graduation also register me for the Gies Convocation?
No, applying for graduation does not automatically register you for either Gies Convocation or University-wide Commencement. There are separate registration processes for each.
For information regarding applying for graduation, please contact your academic advisor.
To register for the Gies Convocation Ceremony, please visit
For information on the Universitywide Commencement Ceremony and how to register, please visit https://commencement.illinois.edu/
When will I receive instructions for the day of the ceremony?
If you have registered to participate in the Gies Convocation Ceremony, you will receive a final confirmation email in early December with all the information and instructions needed for the day of. This email will be sent to the email address used at registration. This information will include arrival time, line up and name card instructions, ceremony details, and information on returning regalia, photography, parking, and venue policies.
Will I receive my diploma at Convocation?
All graduates participating in the Gies Convocation Ceremony will have their names read as they cross the stage. Everyone receives a diploma cover (only). Because it is not possible to process final grades and prepare degree lists by Convocation weekend, diplomas will be mailed approximately 9 weeks after your conferral date.
Here are additional details on your diploma.
Can I participate in the Gies Convocation Ceremony virtually?
We do not offer virtual participation for the Gies Convocation Ceremonies at this time. Only those students in attendance will be recognized during Convocation. The Gies Convocation Ceremonies will be livestreamed for all to view. The ceremonies will also be recorded and posted on the website for viewing at a later date. The link to the livestream will be available closer to the date of Convocation here on the Gies Convocation website.
I am receiving two degrees/dual programs, will I be recognized for both degrees?
Each graduate will cross the stage one time during the Gies Convocation Ceremony and have their name read in the department/degree area they used during the convocation ceremony registration.
I am receiving two separate degrees, both from Gies. Can I get a 2nd diploma cover?
Upon the conclusion of the in-person ceremony (AFTER the platform party has recessed out of the room), the graduate may approach the stage area and request a 2nd diploma cover from a Gies volunteer. Alternatively, graduates may order diploma covers from the Illini Union Bookstore https://bookstore.illinois.edu/