FAQs


We hope these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will assist you in preparing for the Convocation Ceremony.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Convocation? How is it different from Commencement?
Commencement is the campuswide “graduation” ceremony for graduates. Because of the large numbers of graduates, the campus holds one commencement in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Graduates are assigned to a specific commencement ceremony by college. Graduates from the College of Fine & Applied Arts participate in the 2:00 p.m. commencement ceremony.
Convocation is the term describing individual departmental or School ceremonies. These smaller ceremonies are dubbed convocation to avoid confusion with the campuswide ceremonies. A+D’s convocation ceremony is scheduled so as not to conflict with the campus ceremony; thus, you and your guests may attend both ceremonies.
  • Do you have to graduate in May to participate in convocation?
A+D permits students who received their degrees in August or December 2008, or those who expect to receive their degrees in August or December 2009, to participate in the A+D convocation ceremony. Please check the campus commencement website for eligibility requirements concerning the campuswide ceremony.
  • Why do we need tickets for the A+D convocation ceremony?
Graduating students who are participating in the ceremony do not need tickets. However, your family and guests do. The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, where convocation will be held, requires tickets to all its events. However, tickets are free. A+D makes every effort to ensure that each student is able to get the tickets they need, and that no guest is turned away. But please pick up your tickets by Friday, May 15.
  • Both my parents and I received the Convocation Ceremony Form. Who should complete it?
Either you or your parents may complete the Convocation Ceremony Form. We send a hard copy of the form to both parents and students so that everyone has the same information. We encourage students, however, to consult with their family about their plans and complete the form themselves. We would prefer that you use the online version, but either one is acceptable. Either way, the form is due on Friday, May 1.
  • Why do we need to complete the Convocation Ceremony Form?
The School needs to know who is participating in the ceremony, to ensure that you will have a seat with your program on the stage, and to list you in the convocation’s printed program. Students who have not submitted a form may be omitted from the printed program and will be seated out of order, space permitting. We do not wish to disappoint family and guests by omitting a student’s name from the program. Graduates seated out of order may have to squeeze by their fellow students when their name is called. This detracts from everyone’s enjoyment of the ceremony.
  • Do I have to RSVP for the reception after the A+D convocation? Are tickets required?
You do not have to RSVP for the after-convocation reception, which will occur in the Link Gallery (which connects the A+D building and Krannert Art Museum) immediately after the ceremony. The reception is a relatively unstructured event that allows students and their guests the opportunity to mingle with fellow students, faculty, and staff. You may order box lunches if you choose, but it is certainly not required.
  • My parents and I both received the Box Lunch Order Form. Who should complete it; is it required?
Either you or your parents may complete the Box Lunch Order Form. We send a hard copy of the form to both parents and students so that everyone has the same information. We encourage students, however, to consult with their family about their plans and complete the form themselves. You do not need to order lunches if you do not wish them.
  • Can we complete the Box Order Form online?
No, the form is a hard copy form; Word and PDF versions may be downloaded, though. The form must be accompanied by a check made payable to the University of Illinois. You will receive a receipt by mail, so please include an address to which the receipt should be mailed, if the address differs from that on your check. If you do not receive a receipt, please contact the School to confirm receipt of your order.
  • What is the deadline for the Box Lunch Order Form? Can we order the food at the reception?
Orders must be received by Friday, May 1 to give the caterer sufficient notice to prepare the food. Because the food is delivered in advance, we are not able to accommodate on-site orders.
  • What about graduation attire—when and where do I order it?
Academic regalia must be ordered through Herff-Jones, either online or in person at select dates listed on the campus commencement website. The order deadline is April 20. A+D does not determine these dates, so you should consult the campus commencement website for up-to-date deadlines and procedures for late orders.
  • How do I get on stage?
Please arrive promptly at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 17 for procession instructions. Directional signs will be posted in the Krannert Center Lobby. Enter through the backstage area by taking the South Elevator to Level 2, and then make a left turn to the backstage of the Tryon Festival Theatre. As you enter the backstage area register with the Art + Design representative.
Locate your seat on the stage. Your name will be printed on a card and placed on your seat. Seating will be by program in alphabetical order.

Useful dates and deadlines

Mon., April 20: Regalia orders due to Herff-Jones per campus instructions

Fri., May 1: Convocation Ceremony Forms due to A+D
Fri., May 1: Box Lunch Forms due to A+D

Fri., May 15, noon: Graduates pick up convocation tickets from Melissa Madsen in 142 A+D.

Sun., May 17, 9:15 a.m. (sharp): Graduates arrive at Festival Theatre, KCPA, to be seated onstage
Sun., May 17, 10 a.m.: A+D Convocation Ceremony, followed by reception
Sun., May 17, 2 p.m.: (Campuswide) Commencement, Assembly Hall