School of Integrative Biology Convocation
Graduating in May? Congratulations!
Next Steps:
Don't forget to sign up to participate in the graduation ceremonies.
SIB Convocation, Spring 2026
SIB 2026 Convocation will be at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Students are recognized individually, by name, at this ceremony and Ph.D. candidates are hooded. An informal reception in the Krannert Center lobby will follow the ceremony. Please note -- participating in convocation does require excessive walking, standing, and stair climbing.
For SIB convocation registration please register using the SIB Convocation Registration Form. Questions about the SIB convocation can be sent to sib@life.illinois.edu or by calling 217-333-3044.
The university-wide Commencement is at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Memorial Stadium.
The campus doctoral hooding event is at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, at State Farm Center.
Graduates may participate in as many ceremonies and celebrations as they would like. However, separate registration is required for each ceremony and participants must order a cap and gown to wear for the ceremonies. The same cap and gown can be worn at all ceremonies and celebrations.
When:
Sunday, May 17, 2026
1:00 p.m. | Doors open 12:00 p.m.
Keynote speaker:
SIB is pleased to welcome Dr. Adam Dolezal as our keynote speaker.
Who can participate:
Students who graduate in Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 are eligible to participate in the 2026 SIB Convocation.
Tickets:
Tickets will be required for this event. Tickets may be picked up in 286 Morrill Hall, Monday through Thursday, May 11- 14, between the hours of 1:00 - 4:30 p.m., but are initially limited to 6 per participant. Additional tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis on Friday, May 15, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Accessibility:
Building Accessibility form: Krannert provides accessibility via their accessibility site. Please used the listed form when it becomes available to request accommodations.
Accessibility-related accommodations: If you will need accessibility-related accommodations in order to participate, please contact the SIB Office at sib@life.illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
2026 Convocation Speaker: Dr. Adam Dolezal, Associate Professor of Entomology
Adam Dolezal is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology in the School of Integrative Biology at the University of Illinois. Originally from Illinois, Adam completed his bachelor’s degree in Integrative biology at the University of Illinois in 2006 – one of the first classes of what was then a brand new major. In addition to coursework, Adam worked in a research lab studying ant biology for over 2 years, where he experienced transformational mentorship and training that completely changed his career trajectory. He went on to complete a PhD at Arizona State University, and then joined the faculty at the University of Illinois in 2017. Built on the passion for entomology and animal behavior he developed in Integrative Biology, he developed a research program focusing on how bees and other beneficial insect respond to disease, chemical exposure, and habitat loss. Returning to the University of Illinois as faculty, he now teaches several courses that he took as an undergraduate, such as Physiology and Genes and Behavior.
Senior Checklist!
Don't forget you must register to participate in the university-wide Illinois Commencement ceremony at Memorial Stadium as well as the School of Integrative Biology Convocation ceremony. Please use links below for additional information.
Consider using the Senior Checklist below to guide you through preparing for graduation!
Past SIB Convocations
2025
Congratulations to our 2025 graduates!
2024
Congratulations to our 2024 graduates!