2026 Convocation Information
2026 Convocation Ceremony for the Department of Statistics
Sunday, May 17, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Doors open to guests at 4:30 p.m.)
201 E Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820
The Department of Statistics is excited to announce that our Convocation Ceremony for all of the Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students will be held in person. Names of all graduating students attending the ceremony will be read in order by degree.
Department Contact: Aaron Thompson (stat-marcom@illinois.edu)
Guest Information
The ARC Gymnasium will open for guests at 4:30 p.m., and doors will close to guests at 5:20 p.m. to allow graduates to enter the facility prior to the processional. We would like to remind guests to respect all of the graduates by holding applause until after all names are read, so that no names are missed. We also ask you remain in your seats during the ceremony. Professional pictures are available, and students will receive information by email.
Guest tickets will not be required for the ceremony.
Additional Information for Graduates
When/Where Should I Arrive?
Graduates should report to the ARC by 4:30 p.m. to check-in and line up. The check-in desk closes at 5:15 p.m.
Guests should arrive between 4:30 p.m.– 5:15 p.m. at the ARC.
What Should I Bring to the Ceremony?
Graduates should arrive wearing their regalia (including the white tassel, and not the souvenir orange and blue tassel) and will receive their reader card upon check-in.
*****All other personal items (backpacks, cameras, purses, etc.) should be left in your vehicle or with relatives or friends. We do not have a secure location for you to leave these items during the ceremony.*****
Note to Graduates
After you have registered to attend our ceremony, please complete the appropriate questionnaire prior to the ceremony.
Photographer
The Department of Statistics coordinates with professional photographers to take pictures during the ceremony. Following the ceremony there may be a photographer taking pictures of students with the graduation speaker, department head, and other staff outside of the venue.
Student Pictures: GradImages® will take pictures of all graduating students as they walk across the stage and receive their diploma cover. Students should ensure their contact information is on the back of their reader card, and GradImages® will send students an email with information on the pictures and a link to view. GradImages® pictures are for purchase.
***Due to high traffic and GradImages® taking photos, we encourage family and friends of graduates to remain seated during the entire ceremony. Anyone who tries to come up to the stage will be escorted back to his or her seat.***
University-wide Commencement Ceremony Information
The University-wide Commencement Ceremony will be held May 16, 2026, 9:30 a.m. at Memorial Stadium. Information about the University-wide Commencement Ceremony and other related information (including congratulatory ceremonies and special receptions) may be found on the Commencement website: commencement.illinois.edu.