CUPPA Commencement Spring 2023
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 2023 CUPPA Commencement Ceremony Heading link
THE 2023 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 5, 2023, 1 p.m.
UIC Dorin Forum*
725 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago
Graduate Registration Required for Graduates via Marching Order.
NO Tickets issued for CUPPA Commencement.
Seating is unlimited, general admission.
Caps and Gowns Heading link
All graduates participating in the May ceremony must wear academic regalia.
Caps and gowns are available through the Josten’s website. Orders will be shipped directly to your home. The deadline to order is March 17. Caps and gowns will be available for purchase in the UIC Bookstore after March 17 for those who did not purchase from Josten’s. Graduates are encouraged to order through Josten’s. In store stock may be limited.
- Bachelor candidates should receive a blue cap, blue gown, stole, and white tassel.
- Masters candidates and graduates should receive a blue gown, blue cap, and peacock blue hood, stole, and tassel with the year.
- PhD candidates wear the same color regalia, regardless of specialization – red cap, red gown, hood lined with red and indigo, and gold tassel.
- Masks are required to be worn by all graduates, guests, and staff while in the UIC Dorin Forum. Graduates may remove their mask while crossing the stage.
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
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.
When do I need to arrive at commencement?
On the day of commencement, Friday, May 5, 2023, you must be present and fully dressed in your cap and gown and ready to be seated at 12:40 p.m.
What time can my guests begin to arrive?
The UIC Dorie Forum doors open at 12 noon. The ceremony will start promptly at 1 p.m.
Do I or my guests need a ticket to attend the CUPPA commencement?
NO. The College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs does NOT issue tickets to commencement. The number of guests at this ceremony is UNLIMITED, general admission.
(Please note this may NOT be the case for other colleges at UIC. Other ceremonies have different requirements so please contact the specific college for exact ticketing information. The full schedule of UIC commencement ceremonies can be found here.)
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 Jostens or in limited quantities from the UIC Bookstore. More information here.
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 9 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 2023 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?
Information coming soon.
Where can I order announcements and/or diploma frames?
Announcements and diploma frames may be purchased from Jostens. More information here.
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 contact the UIC Dorin Forum staff or email cuppa@uic.edu.
Who do I contact for additional questions or concerns not addressed here?
Please see the UIC Commencement website here or contact cuppa@uic.edu.