Are students considered graduates of GovState before Commencement is held?
A: Yes. Your status as a graduate of GovState will not be affected. If you complete the requirements for a degree for Spring 2025 or Summer 2025, your official transcript will reflect that you've earned a degree, and you will receive your diploma in the mail six to eight weeks after grades have been submitted at the end of the respective term.
How can students, staff, and faculty members stay updated on what’s going on?
The best way to stay informed is to regularly check your GovState email. We frequently communicate via email and this is the most effective way to stay up to date with any new or changing information. You can also stay up to date by checking our COVID 19 Updates webpage.
Will the event be livestreamed?
A live webcast will be available through GovState's website www.govst.edu on Commencement Day.
What is the difference between graduation and commencement?
Graduation is a process where you complete an application in order to earn your degree. A $125 non-refundable processing fee will be placed on your account. A graduation application is required for each degree you earn at GovState. Commencement is a formal ceremony and participation is voluntary. Participating in the ceremony does not mean your degree has been earned.
What does the graduation fee cover?
The graduation fee covers the time and paperwork it takes to post your degree. The graduation fee also covers any items related to the commencement ceremony (e.g., student regalia, diploma covers, etc.).
Can I use my financial aid to cover the $125 fee?
Please consult with the Financial Aid Office to see if this is an option.
I walked across the stage, doesn't this mean I earned my degree?
No. Only December graduates from the previous year will have earned degrees by commencement. Since spring and summer graduation applicants are eligible to participate in the ceremony, their degrees will not be posted until after ceremony has taken place.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are usually mailed out six to eight weeks after final grades have been submitted.
I missed the deadline to turn in a graduation application, who do I contact?
If this happens, please consult with your Academic Advisor.
Where do I pick-up my regalia?
Regalia will be mailed directly to your home. If you miss the deadline for ordering and shipping to your home, please contact the Registrar.
REGALIA WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTED ON COMMENCEMENT DAY
When does Commencement take place?
Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026. There are two ceremonies, depending on your college:
- • 10 a.m. College of Education and College of Health & Human Services
- • 4 p.m. College of Arts & Sciences and College of Business
How will I know which ceremony I will attend?
Participants are grouped by Colleges. KNOW YOUR COLLEGE. Governors State University's colleges are the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Business (COB), College of Education (COE) and College of Health and Human Services (CHHS).
How early should I arrive at commencement?
Participants should arrive 90 minutes before the ceremony. Guests should arrive an hour before the ceremony.
Where should I park for the Commencement ceremony?
Parking is available in three locations and is very limited, so carpooling is strongly encouraged.
- • Tinley Park Convention Center 18451 Convention Center Dr.,Tinley Park (1 block east of Harlem)
- • Central Middle School 18146 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park (3 blocks east of Harlem)
- • 80th Avenue Metra Train Station 7760 Timber Dr., Tinley Park (4 blocks west of Harlem)
Do not park in the LA Fitness parking lot. Shuttle buses will be available
for transport between parking lots
and convention center
–near NORTH ENTRANCE.
Does my child need a ticket?
Children who are two and older are required to have a ticket.
How long is the ceremony?
The Commencement ceremony lasts approximately two and a half hours.
Where can I find more details about the Commencement Speaker and Singer application process?
Visit Jaguar Connection for more information.