Governors State University seniors planning to graduate this spring or summer are being reminded to complete required steps now to ensure they can participate in Commencement.

Students must apply for graduation to have their degree evaluated and to be eligible to walk in the ceremony. The deadline to apply for graduation for Spring and Summer 2026 graduates is Friday, Feb. 6.

Applying for graduation is required even if students have completed or are currently completing all degree requirements.

In addition, all graduating students who plan to participate in Commencement must order their cap and gown by the university’s deadline. The deadline has not been set, but the university will let students know as soon as it is established. Regalia will be ordered online and shipped directly to students. Cap and gown will not be distributed on Commencement Day, and students who miss the ordering deadline may not have proper attire to participate.

Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, and will include separate ceremonies by college. Graduates are encouraged to review ceremony details, arrival times and guest information in advance.

University officials also advise students to monitor their GovState email regularly for updates regarding tickets, rehearsal information and final instructions leading up to the ceremony.

All graduation deadlines, cap and gown ordering information, and Commencement details are available on the university’s Commencement website at www.govst.edu/commencement.

Missing a deadline could delay degree conferral or prevent participation in Commencement, officials said.