School of MCB Graduation Information

Ceremony Details

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May Ceremonies
 

REGISTER HERE BY APRIL 9 AT 11:59 PM CT

The School of MCB May 2024 ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts beginning at 9:00 AM. We anticipate the ceremony lasting about an hour and thirty minutes. The ceremony will be live streamed for guests who are unable to attend. An informal reception in the Krannert Center lobby will follow the ceremony. Please note -- participating in convocation does require excessive walking, standing, and stair climbing.

Questions about the School of MCB Convocation ceremony can be sent to advising@mcb.illinois.edu. You may also call 217-333-6774. Should you need an invitation letter for families traveling internationally, you can download this Invitation to the May 12, 2024 Convocation Ceremony letter.

The university-wide Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 9:30 AM CT at Memorial Stadium. Information regarding this ceremony can be found at this website.

The Doctoral Hooding Celebration is scheduled for Friday, May 10 at the State Farm Center beginning at 10:00 AM. More information can be found at this website.

Graduates may participate in as many ceremonies and celebrations as they would like. However, separate registration is required for each ceremony and participants must order a cap and gown to wear for the ceremonies. The same cap and gown can be worn at all ceremonies and celebrations.
 

December Ceremonies

The College of LAS will host a winter convocation on Saturday, December 16th at 10:00 AM in the Krannert Center for Performing Arts for December 2023 and August 2023 graduates or who are unable or prefer not to return for May ceremonies. Information and registration for this ceremony can be found on the College of LAS website.

Additionally, The Graduate College will host a Graduate Hooding Ceremony for students earning a doctoral degree on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Details about this ceremony can be found on their website.

Tickets

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Each PhD or MS student participating in the School of MCB Convocation Ceremony is entitled to 7 total tickets. Each BS student participating in the ceremony is entitled to a total of 5 tickets. Graduates will not need a ticket. REGISTER AND REQUEST TICKETS HERE BY APRIL 9 AT 11:59 PM CT.  ALL guests, including infants, must have a ticket to attend the ceremony.

There may be a small number of additional tickets that can be requested via student lottery (2 maximum per student) in early May. If additional tickets are available, an email notification will be sent to registrants. Note: There is no guarantee that extra tickets will be available.

Tickets will not be distributed until May 2024 in the MCB Center for Advising, room 200 of Burrill Hall during business hours. Note: a photo ID is required to pick up tickets. Tickets will only be given to the graduate who registered for the ceremony unless alternate arrangements have been approved by Dara Lawyer (dpl@illinois.edu). Graduates who live off campus and are unable to pick up their tickets can request that tickets be held until Sunday morning. They will be available at the check-in table on level 2 in the Orchestra Rehearsal Room.

Academic Attire

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Information about ordering academic regalia (cap and gown) can be found on the campus Commencement academic attire website. To receive a discounted rate (a $20 savings on attire and the standard shipping charge of $15.95), regalia must be ordered BEFORE Tuesday, April 9 at 10:59 p.m. Regular pricing will be available online Wednesday, April 10 through Thursday, April 25 and will be shipped via 2nd-Day Air to ensure delivery ($24.95) A pre-paid return shipping label is included.

Day of Ceremony Instructions

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Day of ceremony instructions will be posted here in May 2024. Participants should plan to arrive at The Krannert Center for Performing Arts between 8:00 AM and 8:20 AM for check-in at the Orchestra Rehearsal Room on level 2.

Guests without accommodation requests will enter on level 5 and proceed to the Great Hall. Guests with accommodation requests will enter on level 2 and find a Krannert staff member for assistance.

Convocation Speaker

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The May 2024 School of MCB convocation speaker will be announced soon!

 

Eligibility for 2024 Convocation Participation

Students who have completed degree requirements in August 2023 or December 2023, or will complete degree requirements in May 2024 or August 2024 are eligible to participate in the May 12, 2024 ceremony.

Undergraduate Degree

  • Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
  • Bachelor of Science in LAS with major in MCB Honors Concentration
  • Bachelor of Science in LAS with major in MCB

Master's Degree

  • Master of Science from one of the following departments: Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Molecular & Integrative Physiology.
  • Master of Science from one of the following programs: Biophysics & Quantitative Biology or Neuroscience.
  • Master of Science from the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology.

Doctor of Philosophy

  • Doctor of Philosophy from one of the following departments: Biochemistry, Cell & Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Molecular & Integrative Physiology.
  • Doctor of Philosophy from one of the following programs: Biophysics & Quantitative Biology or Neuroscience.
    • PhD students must defend their thesis by April 5, 2024 and deposit their thesis by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 26, 2024.

University-Wide Ceremonies

View videos and programs from past MCB Convocation Ceremonies.

2023

Congratulations to our 2023 graduates! Click below to watch a video of the May ceremony or view the Convocation program.

School of MCB May 2023 Convocation video

School of MCB May 2023 Convocation program

 

 

2022

May 2022 Convocation Video

School of MCB Convocation Program, May 2022 (PDF)

 

2021

2020

2010s

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Contact

If you have any further questions regarding convocation, including accessibility concerns, please contact MCB Advising at advising@mcb.illinois.edu or call (217) 333-6774.