Non-Traditional Student Graduation Celebration

The Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub, and the Office for the Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will host SIUE's Non-Traditional Graduation Celebration in the Morris University Center on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 5 p.m.  

We encourage students to join us at the Graduation Celebrations for all the identities with which they align and feel affirmed.

Event Details

Friday, May 2, 2025 at 5 p.m., Conference Center at Morris University Center

Participation in the SIUE Non-Traditional Graduation Celebration is open to all non-traditional SIUE undergraduate students who will earn their degrees in the spring of 2025. Only students who register by are guaranteed to be listed in the program and to receive their recognition certificate and graduation cord.

Registration Information

Click to complete the registration form which opens March 1, 2025 and closes April 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. 

• Student Registration will close on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. No additional participants will be added after this date.  After registering, students will receive a confirmation e-mail from the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub with details/expectations for the event.   
• Faculty, staff and other guests can register to attend the event by completing the guest registration form. 

   *This is an in-person event in the Conference Center at the Morris University Center 

Who is a Nontraditional Student?

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has identified seven characteristics that are common to nontraditional students. To be considered a nontraditional undergraduate, you:

• Did not immediately continue your education after you graduated from high school
• Attend college only part time
• Work full time (35 hours or more per week)
• Are financially independent
• Have children or dependents other than your spouse
• Are a single parent
• Have a GED, not a high school diploma
• Are an undergraduate student who is 24 years or older

SIUE Non-Traditional Graduation Celebration is...

• An event for graduates to invite your family, close friends and those most important to you
• An opportunity to honor YOU and all you have accomplished at SIUE
• A special gathering you would ask a favorite professor or staff member to attend
• The event where you can receive your cord to wear at your SIUE Commencement Ceremony.

This is not a commencement ceremony.  It is a pre-commencement celebration honoring graduating non-traditional students and does not replace the formal SIUE Commencement ceremonies.