Questions?
Spring 2026 Graduates
Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Commencement ceremony will be held on May 9, 2026, in the Herrick Chapel at our Elgin Campus. Graduates may bring four guests, and tickets will be distributed to graduates with their cap and gown.
There will be two commencement ceremonies at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Doors will open for guests at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The ceremonies will also be live on the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Facebook and YouTube, the best way to be able to view these are by liking or following Â鶹¹ÙÍø on these platforms. Be sure to bring your cap, gown, and tassel (along with hood for Master and Doctoral students) to the ceremony.
Caps and gowns
All students are required to order their cap and gown online at by February 15, 2026. Students who do not order by this date will be assessed a $30 late cap and gown order fee. Late orders can contact [email protected]. Master students, please remember to order your hood with your cap and gown. Caps and gowns are yours to keep.
Elgin Campus Pick-up
Located in the Registrar’s Office (Lindner Tower, second floor)
Monday May 4 – Wednesday May 6 | 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Any student who has not picked up their cap and gown by 5 P.M. on Wednesday, May 6 will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.
Graduation Survey
You are invited to fill out the graduate survey for May 2026. This is a requirement for graduation, as the information provided in the survey helps Â鶹¹ÙÍø document and report first destination statistics (jobs) to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). You can find the survey
Please print or take a screenshot of the last page of the documentation to bring with you when you pick up your cap and gown. If you do not bring the documentation, you will not be eligible to pick up your cap and gown.
All Graduating Students
Please check your student account online and pay any balances. Log onto MyÂ鶹¹ÙÍø and select Student Information, then select the finances folder to check your account and make payments. If you are unable to pay your full balance, you must contact Student Accounts (see contacts below) to make payment arrangements and pay your first installment payment in order to pick up your cap and gown. You will be able to receive your transcripts and diploma once you have a $0 balance. If you have a $0 balance and there are no holds on your account, you are ready to pick up your graduation attire.
Financial Aid EXIT Counseling
If you have taken out student loans, note that you must complete Financial Aid Exit Counseling in order to receive your transcripts and diploma.
Student Financial Services
University Center, 2nd Floor, 1151 North State Street, Elgin, IL 60123
Student Accounts Office
Linda Newman
[email protected]
Michelle Haugh
[email protected]
Financial Aid Office
P: 847-628-2530
FAQs
General photos from commencement and individual photos of graduates walking across the stage will be available for purchase online.
To view graduation accessories please go to Jostens.com
Diplomas will not be given at Commencement. If there are no holds from student accounts, library or financial aid, diplomas will be mailed out 60 days after the commencement ceremony.
Holds must be cleared before diplomas can be released. Graduation fees must be paid regardless of whether you participate in the commencement ceremony. If you choose not to participate in the commencement ceremony you will need to notify Rebekah Palmquist at [email protected] by March 1.
The mission of the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Alumni Association is to unite and serve alumni from Â鶹¹ÙÍø and encourage alumni loyalty, support and involvement in the University. All Â鶹¹ÙÍø graduates automatically become lifetime members of the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Alumni Association (JUAA). No membership dues are charged to be part of the Alumni Association. As a member, you will receive regular communications about programs and the impact of Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s students and alumni, Alumni Connections, a monthly e-newsletter keeping you informed of everything happening for alumni, as well as invitations to various opportunities throughout the year.
There are several ways to stay connected with your alma mater:
- Join the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Mentoring Program (JUMP)
- Attend campus events like Homecoming, Choir Concerts, Theater Events, and Athletic Games
- Attend Â鶹¹ÙÍø regional gatherings in areas throughout the United States
- Participate in the annual spring break mission trip to Belize for alumni and current students with Dr. Crume
- Connect through Social Media with the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Alumni Facebook page and LinkedIn group
- Support the Alumni Phonathon
- Join the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Alumni Club
Are you looking for a way to make connections in your career field? Are you trying to figure out your next step post-grad? Are you seeking guidance or advice and would like to benefit from building your professional network through mentorship?
As soon-to-be Â鶹¹ÙÍø grads, YOU are invited to join the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Mentoring Program, aka J.U.M.P!
J.U.M.P is a professional development group led by Â鶹¹ÙÍø Alumni and spearheaded by members of the Alumni Career Mentoring committee and the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Alumni Board. This program’s mission is to provide mentoring and guidance to recent graduates and current students, and to connect students to Â鶹¹ÙÍø Alumni to help grow their faith, careers, relationships, leadership styles and more!
As a mentee, you will:
- Receive insight and career guidance from Â鶹¹ÙÍø alumni
- Develop and enhance professional and communication skills
- Connect your academics to your career goals
- Explore faith in relation to your work
- Gain exposure to career options, advice, and job search tips
- Build a professional relationship with your Alumni Mentor
To sign up simply visit:Â
To request a copy of your transcript, visit . You may also order a transcript for pick up by coming to the Registrar’s Office in the Lindner Tower building. There is a $12 charge per transcript.
Graduation
