COMMENCEMENT PARTICIPATION

RSVP

More information on registering for the Health Professions Commencement and Pinning or Arts and Sciences & Career and Technical Education Commencement Ceremony will be available in the coming months. 

Cap and gowns

Cap and Gown Rental

To participate in commencement on May 14, 2026, you must order your cap and gown through Herff Jones. The website for ordering will be available in the spring semester.  

The cost of cap and gown rental includes a tassel and a cap you may keep.

    • Cap and Gown Rental       $27.48
    • Souvenir Tassel                  $5.00

Cap and Gown Pick Up

Cap and Gown pick-up will be on Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in room U111. If you are unavailable during these times, please email Parklandgraduation@parkland.edu to make special arrangements.

Gown Return

Gown return is done immediately following the ceremony at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Failure to return gowns that evening will result in a $100 fee charge. 

Approved Regalia

Only approved regalia can be worn to the commencement ceremony. This includes, Parkland Green and Gold gown, Parkland Green cap, Parkland tassel, and approved honors regalia: gold honors cord, SALUTE cord, honors pin, Phi Theta Kappa stole, Psi Beta stole, and Athletic Academic All-American stole. 

Tickets

Tickets are required for your guests to be admitted into the Krannert Center Foellinger Great Hall. Graduates do not need a ticket. To ensure seating, guests are advised to arrive at least 10 minutes before the ceremony's start time. More information on the number of tickets students will be able to request will be available in the coming months. 


Announcements, diploma frames, and diploma covers
Commencement announcements and memorabilia may be ordered through Herff Jones. To order, visit their website at herff.ly/parkland

Padded diploma covers are complimentary for students who participate in the commencement ceremony. You will receive the padded cover as you cross the stage. 

Accessibility
To request accommodations for yourself or a guest attending commencement, please contact Accessibility Services at accessibilityservices@parkland.edu or by calling (217)353-2338.

Photography
If you are interested in portrait quality photos, a professional photographer will be available before the ceremony in the Krannert lobby. Please contact Memory Lane Photography at (217)351-1565 ahead of time to arrange an appointment.

The photographer also will be taking each graduate’s picture as diplomas are received. You will be able to view and order your pictures online within a couple of days. 


Questions:

Students who have questions regarding their graduation status, please contact Cyndy White at cwhite@parkland.edu or Megan Dallas at mdallas@parkland.edu or by visiting the Admissions Office.

If you need additional information regarding Commencement, please contact the Office of Student Life in room U111 or at parklandgraduation@parkland.edu.