Governors State University will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr,, Tinley Park,.
The university will host two ceremonies recognizing graduates from different academic colleges. The morning ceremony, beginning at 10 a.m., will honor graduates from the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Health and Human Services. The afternoon ceremony, scheduled for 4 p.m., will recognize graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business.
University officials stated that graduates participating in the morning ceremony are expected to arrive between 8 and 9:30 a.m., while graduates attending the afternoon ceremony should arrive between 2 and 3:30 p.m. Officials emphasized that late arrivals will not be permitted to participate once the ceremonies begin.
Both ceremonies will be livestreamed for family members and supporters unable to attend in person, allowing loved ones to celebrate graduates remotely.
Students have been reminded to arrive fully prepared with their cap, gown and tassel, and to ensure regalia is wrinkle-free before arrival. Graduates are also encouraged to leave personal belongings with guests or at home, as they will not return to dressing areas during the ceremony.
All guests attending commencement must have tickets for entry, including children ages 2 and older. Guests are required to be seated before the ceremonies begin, and no entry will be allowed after the official start times.
To maintain safety and organization during the event, university officials announced that large bags, balloons and noise makers will not be permitted inside the venue. Flowers will be available for purchase onsite. In addition, backpacks, concealed weapons and firearms are prohibited inside the convention center and hotel facilities.
Following the ceremonies, graduates and guests are encouraged to meet outside in the parking lot area, as gathering inside the convention center will not be permitted after the event concludes.
As graduates prepare to walk across the stage, the commencement ceremonies will mark the culmination of years of academic dedication and the beginning of new professional and personal journeys for the GovState Class of 2026.