CUPPA Commencement Spring 2025
Introduction
Graduation is a celebration of an ending and a beginning. It is a time to commemorate academic achievements and friendships built at UIC. Commencement is a special occasion, one with a long-standing tradition associated with dignified proceedings that surround the granting of degrees.
The 2025 CUPPA Commencement Ceremony
THE 2025 CUPPA COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs
Departments of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics and
Urban Planning and Policy
graduates, degree candidates, and guests are invited to:
CUPPA Commencement
Friday, May 9, 2025, 11 a.m.
UIC Dorin Forum*
725 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago
Graduate Registration Required for Graduates via Tassel.
Guest tickets are available to graduates via Tassel only.
THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT.
ENTRY REQUIRES A VALID TICKET.
Caps and Gowns
All graduates participating in the May ceremony must wear academic regalia.
Caps and gowns are for purchase from the UIC Bookstore, located on the first floor of Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted. You can also order online, shipping and in store pickup options are available.
- Bachelor candidates should receive a blue gown, blue cap, stole, and navy blue tassel with year.
- Masters candidates and graduates should receive a blue gown, blue cap, and masters hood, stole, and tassel with year.
- PhD candidates wear the same color regalia, regardless of specialization – red cap, red gown, hood lined with red and indigo, and gold tassel.
Frequently Asked Questions
For complete information regarding UIC Commencement Ceremonies, please see this website.
Does participating in the ceremony mean I graduate?
No, you officially graduate once all of your grades are submitted and you have met the expectations of the degree requirements.
Commencement is a ceremony students may participate in for the purpose of celebrating the completion of an academic degree program. Graduation occurs when the student has completed all requirements and is awarded a degree. Graduation can occur during any semester. Attendance at Commencement is not required for graduation.
Where is CUPPA commencement?
UIC Dorin Forum. Information on location and directions here.
How do I participate in commencement?
If you have filed your “intent to graduate” form, you will be sent more information from UIC on March 10 with instructions on participating/registering for the ceremony via the Tassel system. Registration is required for all ceremonies. The registration link will be emailed on March 10. The deadline to register will be April 13.
When do I need to arrive at commencement?
On the day of commencement, Friday, May 9, 2025, you must be present and fully dressed in your cap and gown and ready to be seated at 10:40 a.m.
What time can my guests begin to arrive?
The UIC Dorie Forum doors open at 10 a.m. The ceremony will start promptly at 11 a.m.
Do I or my guests need a ticket to attend the CUPPA commencement?
YES. Tickets are available to CUPPA graduates via Tassel only. No guest will be allowed entry without a ticket.
How long does CUPPA commencement last?
Approximately 90 minutes.
Do I or do my guests need to stay for the entire ceremony?
Yes. Commencement is a special occasion, one with a long-standing tradition associated with dignified proceedings that surround the granting of degrees. At the CUPPA ceremony, undergraduate, graduate and professional degree students will be individually recognized when degrees are conferred. Out of respect for all present, we ask that graduates and guests remain for the entire ceremony.
Do I have to wear a cap and gown?
Yes. All graduates participating in the ceremony must wear academic regalia, which can be ordered directly from the UIC Bookstore or online.
Will my name be announced during the ceremony?
Yes! Students will be individually recognized and will process across the platform when their name is announced in degree order.
May I use my PREFERRED FIRST NAME?
Yes! If you have a preferred first name on file with the university that is different than your legal first name and you would like your preferred first name used at the ceremony, please email commencement@uic.edu no later than April 1 to request the change.
Will I be able to obtain copies of the photographs taken of me during the ceremony?
Yes. Within 2 to 3 days following the ceremony, the photographs will be available via the photography company’s webpage. You will also receive proofs and order forms from the photography company 2 to 7 days following the ceremony.
Will commencement be webcast?
Yes. Find information here.
Will I be able to obtain a video of CUPPA commencement?
Yes. Videos are available on the UIC Commencement YouTube channel.
How do I qualify for Latin Honors?
Latin Honors are awarded to graduating students based on UIC grade point average. Students eligible for Latin Honors will receive an email notification from the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs. Please see this page for more information on how to qualify. Please note that because Spring 2025 grades will not yet be posted at the time of the Commencement ceremony, the determination of Latin Honors for potential Spring graduates will be based on grades reported through the end of the term prior to graduation. UIC will reserve the right to make permanent adjustments to the list of students receiving Latin Honors based on final UIC grade point average information.
Where do I pick up my honor cord?
Latin honor cords will be distributed in Student Center East, Room 713, on May 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on May 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where can I order announcements and/or diploma frames?
Please see the UIC Bookstore.
Who should I contact with questions about my diploma or to update the address my diploma will be sent to?
Please see the Office of Registration and Records at UIC for more information here.
When and how do I get my diploma?
Please see the Office of Registration and Records at UIC for more information here.
Who do I contact if I or my guests require special accommodations
Please complete this form or contact the UIC Commencement Staff at commencement@uic.edu.
Who do I contact for additional questions or concerns not addressed here?
Please see the UIC Commencement website here or contact jmwhite@uic.edu.