Convocation
Congratulations on earning your degree! To mark this important accomplishment, you are invited to participate in the Undergraduate Physics and Astronomy Convocation. We hope you and your family will join us to celebrate your noteworthy efforts and achievements!
Who:
Physics and Astronomy Graduates of August 2023, December 2023, and May 2024, as well as their family, friends and loved ones
When:
Sunday, May 12th, 2024
Ceremony: 1:00 p.m. | Doors open at 12:00 p.m.
Reception: 2:00p.m.
Where:
Ceremony: Virginia Theatre (203 W Park Ave, Champaign, IL 61820)
Reception: Orpheum Theatre (346 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820)
Registration and Exit Form:
Registration is required to participate in the ceremony. Registration guarantees you tickets for your guests. Deadline to register is Friday, April 26th, 2024.
(Registration is now closed. Please email Irene if you have any concerns.)
In addition to Convocation registration we ask that you please also submit your answers for the following exit form questions. These questions are incredibly important in allowing the departments to keep in contact with you as well as determining the placement of our graduates. Note: if you have already completed the registration form for Physics, you have completed the exit form as well.
Filling out the Exit Survey does not register you for Convocation. Please email Irene for questions about registering for Convocation.
Physics Exit Survey Astronomy Exit Survey
Watch:
The ceremony will be streamed live. Here is the link to the livestream: https://ensemble.illinois.edu/Watch/PhysicsandAstronomy2024
Information for Guests:
Due to the current state of heightened security on campus and in our community, we will be taking extra steps to ensure the convocation ceremony goes smoothly. As this is an official university event, all guests will need a ticket to participate in convocation. Tickets can only be acquired by graduating students themselves. Tickets cannot be picked up by proxy. Graduating students who want to pick up their tickets day-of, must present a student ID.
Graduating students and guests should plan to attend the entire ceremony to celebrate all of the graduating students’ accomplishments. Participants should remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony, which is marked by the group pictures.
While graduation is a festive occasion, the ceremony itself is marked by dignity and a degree of formality. Courtesy and mutual respect for all those in attendance are critical for the enjoyment of this momentous occasion.
Cell phones and other electronic equipment should be silenced.
Additionally, for your safety and enjoyment, the following items are not permitted inside the venue:
- Laser pointers
- Banners/signs
- Coolers
- Containers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Weapons
- Noisemakers
FAQ:
What amenities will be available at the Virginia Theatre? Concessions will be available including bottled beverages, popcorn, and light snacks. Flowers will be available for purchase on the second floor. Both the main floor as well as the balcony will be open and available for seating. Seating is first come, first serve. Doors to the theatre will open at 12pm.
Do I need to register to participate in the ceremony? Yes.
How do I register? Each graduate will receive an email containing the registration link as well as an exit survey. If you have not received the email by April 1st please contact us via email.
Will the ceremony be available to watch online? Yes! The ceremony will be available for viewing online. Check back here for the link.
Will my family need tickets to gain entrance in to the ceremony? Yes. Ticket information will be emailed to graduates at a later time. Closer to the date of the ceremony they will be available for pick up at the Department of Physics. Extra tickets will be available the day of the ceremony. Graduates do not need a ticket to gain entry but may want one for commemorative purposes.
Will there be a bag check? Yes! Bags will be examined upon entry into the theatre.
How many tickets are given to each graduate? Each graduate will receive a minimum of 4 tickets per person for their friends and family. Any extra tickets needed can be obtained at the Virginia Theatre the day of the event. There is no charge for tickets.
What should I wear? If you are participating in the University-Wide commencement ceremony over the weekend and have a cap and gown feel free to wear it to Convocation. If you do not have a cap and gown most graduates as well as friends and family wear business casual attire.
What if I need disability accommodations? If you need disability accommodation, please let the Convocation organizers know as soon as possible and we will work with the Virginia Theater to coordinate the accommodation. Please note that there are several wheelchair accessible seats in the section for the graduates.
UNIVERSITY-WIDE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
For information on the University-wide Commencement ceremony, visit
http://commencement.illinois.edu/. If you have questions about Commencement, please contact the Committee on Commencement at 217.333.8834 or commencement@illinois.edu.