University-wide Commencement Celebrations
March 9, 2021 10:01 AM

Dear students, faculty and staff,

As we quickly approach the halfway point of the spring semester, I write to announce our Commencement plans for celebrating Illinois graduates this spring. 2021 Commencement will include both an in-person individual, private Stage Crossing experience and an online celebration featuring a virtual conferral of degrees.

Commencement Stage Crossing Details

• 2021 and 2020 graduates will be invited to participate in the in-person individual, private Stage Crossing experience. This procession will be specific to each graduate.
• Stage Crossings will take place Monday, May 10 – Monday, May 17 at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
• Graduates will sign up for a 15-minute time slot on one of these days. During the time slot, the graduate’s name will be announced as they cross a stage.
• This celebration will not be college or unit-specific, offering graduates maximum flexibility to choose a timeframe most convenient for them.
• Two guests will be allowed to accompany each graduate. Guests will be allowed to photograph their graduate.
• Professional photographers will also be present to take formal portraits, and videographers will livestream and record the Stage Crossings.
• There will be mandatory COVID-19 safety protocols for all who participate, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing. Additional information about these safety protocols will also be shared directly with graduates as they are finalized.

This email is intended as a save-the-date notification. 2021 and 2020 graduates can expect to receive more details about the Stage Crossing and the online celebration via email. Please continue to check the Commencement website for additional information.

All of our decisions related to events continue to be guided by the directives from the Illinois Department of Public Health and advice of our local public health officials. Graduates who cannot or choose not to attend the Stage Crossings are welcome to participate in the online celebration and other virtual experiences for graduates. When it is safe to resume large, in-person gatherings, we still intend to invite graduates from 2020 and 2021 to participate in an on-campus ceremony at Memorial Stadium.

We absolutely understand the importance of Commencement at Illinois, and we are committed to doing everything we can to celebrate the success of Illinois graduates while working to maximize the health and safety of our community. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to create experiences that honor our graduating students.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Jones
Chancellor