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Important DatesÌý& Deadlines

General Studies Graduation Application

• Graduation applications must be filed with the Graduation Department in the General Studies Office by October 18 2024, for names to appear in the commencement program.
• The convenient online graduation application is available at: http://www.wiu.edu/libraries/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 January 3, 2025, for Fall 2024, before diplomas are awarded.

CapÌý& Gown Orders

The University Bookstore is the sole source provider of officially licensed º£½ÇÆƽâ°æ graduation regalia. To ensure you receive the correct º£½ÇÆƽâ°æ commencement wear, please order your caps and gowns from the University Bookstore only.

• Caps, gowns and tassels are available from the University Union beginning October 28, 2024..
• The cost is $38.00, plus tax, for undergraduates. Orders may be shipped via UPS through December 2, 2024.

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 October 18, 2024, 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 FamiliesÌýand Friends

• List of majors by college
• The ceremony typically lasts less than 2 hours.

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

• University Parking Map:Ìýhttp://www.wiu.edu/public_safety/parking/map.php

Disability Information

• º£½ÇÆƽâ°æ staff will be available to assist family members and guests who need assistance.
• Disability parking information coming soon.

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 Western Hall.

The º£½ÇÆƽâ°æ Bookstore will have apparel and other items for sale in Western 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

• Western is a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus

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