Commencement Instructions

May 16, 2027, at 2 pm
Peoria Civic Center, Arena | 201 SW Jefferson Ave., Peoria

The ceremony lasts approximately 3 hours. 

Before Commencement

  • Check to make sure you have a cap with a tassel.
  • Try on your cap and gown. Your cap is to be worn flat, not on the back of your head. The cap should be pulled down slightly on the forehead.
  • Honor cords are awarded to graduates who earn an associate degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher at the end of the fall semester. Honor cords will be provided to these graduates on the day of the ceremony.
  • Hang your gown. We recommend hanging up your gown as soon as you receive it or using a steamer to remove wrinkles. Do not iron.

Request Accommodations

If you, as the graduate, require special seating, are unable to negotiate steps, or need other arrangements, please contact the Events Office at (309) 694-5717 no later than Friday, May 7.  Service animals are welcome to participate in the ceremony. If you will be bringing a service animal with you, please notify the Events Office at (309) 694-5717 by Friday, May 7.

Planning Ahead

Dress Appropriately

Choose your attire and footwear wisely. You will be walking up and down stairs, walking to and from parking at the Peoria Civic Center, as well as walking through the processional and recessional.

Personal Items 

There will be no storage or security provided for purses, keys, phones, cameras, and other personal items. Plan accordingly.

Family

ICC values the safety of our graduates and their guests; therefore, graduates will not be allowed to have children sit with them during the ceremony. Please plan for your children to sit with family or friends in the guest audience as you receive your diploma.

Day of the Ceremony

Each guest will be allowed to carry in one clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or one 1-gallon clear plastic bag. In addition to a clear plastic bag, each guest will be allowed to carry in one small clutch that does not exceed 5” x 8”. Diaper bags (with a child age 3 and under) and bags carrying medically necessary items will be allowed after a visual inspection inside the bag is completed by security.

Arrive Early

Please be aware that there are multiple events occurring at the Peoria Civic Center the day of commencement. Parking may be limited, and there may be a charge. Use entrance near the Toyota Box Office.

Civic Center Parking Info


Check In Early

Check in no later than 1 pm. When you arrive at the Peoria Civic Center, locate Exhibit Hall D for check-in.

Name Card

Make sure you receive your name card at check-in. This is what you will hand to the announcer.

Commencement Program

A copy of the program will be on your chair inside the ceremony hall.

Line Up

You will not be seated alphabetically or by your program of study. You may line up with a friend if you wish. Stand in line in front of, or behind, the person you wish to sit by during the ceremony. You will follow the faculty processional into the Arena.

Remember to bring your name card with you. It is important for the ceremony to know how many graduates are in each line. As ICC staff begin counting, please be courteous and respectful.

Tassel

Your tassel should be on the right side of your cap. After all graduates have received their diplomas, the President will instruct when to flip it to the left side.

National Anthem

It is traditional for you to remain standing and place your right hand over your heart for the National Anthem, and men may remove their caps. Women are not expected to do so.

Get Your Diploma

The marshals will usher each row up to the announcer.

  • Present your name card to the announcer and offer proper pronunciation if needed.
  • Pause while the announcer calls your name, and then walk on to the stage toward the standing dignitaries to receive your diploma cover and shake their hands.
  • You’ll only receive your diploma cover at this time. Your official certificate or diploma will be mailed to you in four to six weeks.

Photos

A professional photographer will take two photos during the ceremony – one when you receive your diploma cover on stage, and one posed with a backdrop off stage. There is no obligation to purchase photos. A direct link will be sent to the email you provide.

Remain Standing

After you receive your diploma cover, return to your row. Remain standing until everyone in your row has returned. Then you may be seated.

Recessional

Your cap, gown, and tassel are yours to keep.

Print Article