Class of 2024 Student Emails
June 6 - Sunday’s Commencement– Know Before You Go
Dear prospective graduate,
The time is almost here to recognize your achievement and we are excited to celebrate with you this weekend! Find key information below for you and your guests.
As a friendly reminder, please be sure to review the prohibited items list and freedom of expression guidelines before making your way to any of our ceremony venues. Attendees are limited to a small purse or personal bag up to 10x6x2 inches, which security personnel will inspect.
Commencement Timeline - Sunday, June 9
7:45 – 8:30am - GRADUATES taking a shuttle to the United Center should arrive at the shuttle loading station no later than 8:30am to ensure you are at the United Center by 9:30am for line up. The first shuttle will depart at 8:00am, and shuttles will depart continuously after that time once full.
7:45 – 9:30am - GUESTS taking a shuttle to the United Center should arrive at the shuttle loading station no later than 9:30am. The first shuttle will depart at 8:00am, and shuttles will depart continuously after that time once full. The last shuttle bus will depart campus at 10:00am for latecomers, and guests aboard this bus are NOT guaranteed to arrive in time for the processional. No shuttle transportation will be available after 10:00am. You are not required to take the same shuttle as your graduate.
Driving/Rideshare - Graduates and guests driving to the United Center or taking a rideshare should plan at least 45 minutes of travel time from the Evanston Campus. Please factor construction delays into your travel plans and remember that there may be lengthy wait times for rideshare vehicles during peak times.
9:00am Doors open at the United Center
9:30am Graduates should be in the United Center atrium for line up
10:30am Ceremony begins with student processional
12:30pm Anticipated ceremony end time
- For more detailed information and maps please see the Graduation Weekend app Guidebook, or the May 17 email “Getting to the United Center" below.
- Download and Transfer your Tickets. Remember, your guests must have tickets on a mobile device or a printout to enter each ceremony venue. Do this early so you don't forget to give them their tickets or have Wi-Fi issues at the last minute.
When the Commencement ceremony is over
- Wait for the Recessional. Graduates will leave seats in the same orderly fashion for the Recessional that you did for the Processional.
- Make sure you have a plan for where to meet up with your guests. Determine a gate, a landmark, or a car location and make sure everyone knows the plan.
We hope to see you back on campus for these Sunday afternoon activities. Please see Guidebook for maps:
- Baccalaureate, 4:00pm, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall (no tickets required)
- March Back Through the Arch, 6:00pm, Deering Meadow (undergraduate students and guests)
- Graduating Students Reception, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Lakefront Reception Tent (picnic-style dinner, no tickets required)
- Fireworks, 8:45pm, Lakefront
Congratulations on your accomplishments! We look forward to a safe and fun celebration with you and your guests.
Sincerely,
Matt Lengen
Executive Director, Graduation and Senior Year Experiences
(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2023 or Winter 2024, or have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Spring 2024, or non-TGS Summer 2024. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)
June 4 - Security procedures for Graduation Weekend
Dear members of the Northwestern community,
Graduation Weekend 2024 is nearly upon us. While always a treasured event for the Northwestern community, this 166th Commencement holds special meaning for many in the Class of 2024, whose in-person high school graduations were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graduation Weekend is a time to honor the achievements of our graduates and those who have supported them along their journeys — family, friends, faculty and staff. Student Affairs and colleagues across the University have planned an incredible lineup for graduates and their families, including an address by actress and alumna Kathryn Hahn at Commencement, the Graduating Students Reception followed by a fireworks display on the lakefill, and traditional events including the Baccalaureate and March Back Through the Arch.
We have been saddened to see similar celebrations disrupted and even canceled at other universities this spring, and Northwestern is committed to avoiding this path. A robust security and operations plan is in place to ensure the focus remains on graduates throughout Graduation Weekend activities.
Ticketing and security
Tickets are required for all family and guests to enter Commencement and convocations. Security staff and magnetometers will be positioned at all event entrances. Graduates’ robes must be unzipped while proceeding through security. Attendees are limited to a small purse or personal bag up to 10x6x2 inches, which security personnel will inspect. To promote efficient flow through security, please limit belongings to only items needed for the ceremony.
At all venues, prohibited items include: air horns and other artificial noise makers, including instruments; animals (excluding service animals); balloons; banners; bottles and cans; cameras with detachable lenses; confetti of any kind; coolers; ski or non-medical masks (medical masks are permitted); fireworks; flags; flyers and handouts; glitter; laser pens or laser products of any type; outside food and beverage of any kind (alcoholic beverages included); poles and sticks; projectiles; selfie sticks; signs; tents; umbrellas (any size); weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, ammunition, explosives, pepper spray and mace; and anything else that would interfere with another guest’s ability to see, hear and enjoy the ceremony.
The United Center has additional restrictions prohibiting GoPros, iPads, laptops and plastic bags, and it reserves the right to determine other items as unacceptable upon entry. Further, the United Center will not store any prohibited items for guests.
Guests will be asked to dispose of prohibited items before entering Commencement or convocation venues or to return those items to their vehicles. Security may deny access to any individual who does not comply.
Regalia
Proper regalia must be worn during Commencement and convocations. Regalia guidelines are available on the graduation website. Any adornments to the regalia should remain in good taste, fitting for a ceremonial occasion. Discriminatory, vulgar, threatening and hateful content is prohibited.
Freedom of expression
While the University supports freedom of expression, graduation ceremonies are not the time nor place for disruptive demonstrations. The University has designated a free speech area outside each venue and encourages anyone who wishes to engage in expressive activity to do so there. Any such activity inside the venue may not disrupt the ceremony or prevent others from enjoying it.
Community members who do not adhere to University policies will face discipline, and anyone who disrupts the ceremony could be asked to leave. All students, including those graduating, remain subject to the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of the Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion. Degrees will be held pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
Live streams will be available for Commencement and convocations on the graduation website, where answers to many Graduation Weekend questions also reside. Additional information regarding transportation, timing and other logistics will be shared with graduates soon.
Commencement is the culmination of graduates’ time at Northwestern — a time to reflect on the values and knowledge gained here, while looking ahead to new beginnings. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2024, all they have achieved and all they have yet to achieve as they set out into the world.
Congratulations!
Susan M. Davis
Vice President for Student Affairs
Kathleen Hagerty
Provost and Professor
Read this and other community messages at Leadership Notes.
May 30 - To Do Items for Graduation Weekend
Hello 2023-24 Graduates!
Graduation Weekend is quickly approaching and there are some final plans you need to make with your guests. Here is a list of action items for you as we get close to our celebrations.
Distribute Your Tickets
- Log into the ticket system and distribute your tickets to your guests’ email or mobile devices (US and Canadian numbers only). For transfer instructions please see the Tickets page of the Graduation Weekend website.
- Keep a spreadsheet or list of which tickets you send to whom. We recommend documenting four fields: Order Number, Ticket Number, Name, and phone number or email sent to.
- Your identifying information is on the tickets you distribute. Tickets are intended for your personal guests and you are responsible for your guests.
Plan Your Where, When, and How
- Download Guidebook, the Graduation Weekend information app, and make your schedule of the events you plan to attend. The app has ceremonies, celebrations, receptions, maps, parking and shuttle information, reminders, and other helpful resources.
- Discuss transportation with your guests. Use Guidebook to help determine where you will park or pick up a shuttle.
- Look for messages from your school with additional convocation instructions.
Additional planning
- If you have guests with Accessibility needs, visit the Accessibility page for answers to common questions.
- For those relatives who cannot join the festivities, send them the livestream link for a school-wide convocation or Commencement. All livestreams will link off the main Graduation Weekend page on the day of the ceremony: www.northwestern.edu/graduation
- Pre-register with Dynamic Photo Systems so you can view your stage crossing photos when they are available.
- Travel lightly. Leave big bags and oversized purses at home, as well as items prohibited in our venues and the United Center: air horns or any other artificial noise makers, including instruments; animals (excluding service animals); balloons; banners; bottles or cans; cameras with detachable lenses; confetti of any kind; costume masks; fireworks; flags; flyers and handouts; glitter; laser pens or laser products of any type; outside food or beverage of any kind (alcoholic beverages included); poles or sticks; projectiles; selfie sticks; signs; umbrellas (any size); weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, ammunition, explosives, pepper spray and mace; anything else that would interfere with another guest’s sight lines or enjoyment of the ceremony. All guests will pass through magnetometers upon entry to the ceremonies, and all bags will be checked.
- Make sure you have all your regalia pieces. If you have misplaced anything, individual pieces can be purchased from the Norris bookstore.
- If you have other questions check out our Graduation Weekend FAQ page.
Specifics for Commencement
- Graduates should plan to arrive at the United Center no later than 9:30 am.
- You must wear regalia to participate in the ceremony.
- Graduates will enter at the Atrium on the east side of the building and guests will enter at the main gates on the north and south sides of the building (see maps in Guidebook).
- While there will be a processional into the United Center arena, it will not be organized by school. Make a plan to meet up with your friends at the United Center before the processional so you can sit together.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You are going to be walking and standing for long periods of time as you gather and process in.
Commencement transportation
- If you have access, we continue to recommend driving to the United Center. Parking is free.
- All Commencement shuttles will leave from the lot at Sheridan and Haven, and accessible shuttles will leave from Sheridan and Library Place. This is different from the shuttle locations to Welsh-Ryan Arena during Graduation Weekend. Please see Guidebook for maps and more information.
- There will be an additional lane closed on the inbound Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) on Sunday morning June 9th. Please factor construction delays into your travel plans, check map apps for the most up-to-date traffic information, and allow extra time to get to the United Center.
- If you are planning on using ride shares, please anticipate lengthy wait times for cars in Evanston and increased driver cancellations. This is typical of any event with a high volume of requests coming from the same location at the same time.
- For detailed transportation and United Center arrival information, please see the email sent to graduates and families on May 17th. (on this page)
If you don’t find the answers to your questions on the Graduation Weekend website or our FAQs page please contact the Graduation Office.
We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests in June.
Thank you,
Matt Lengen
Executive Director, Graduation and Senior Year Experiences
(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2023 or Winter 2024, or have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Spring 2024, or non-TGS Summer 2024. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)
May 17 - Getting to the United Center
Dear Future Graduate,
Tickets and regalia have been ordered, and now it is time to start thinking about how you and your guests will get to the United Center for Commencement.
Driving to the United Center
If you have access to a vehicle, we encourage you to drive to the United Center. This option will give you the most flexibility should you wish to stay downtown for lunch after the ceremony. Parking is FREE and you will be directed to park in Lot C (Lots A and B are overflow). Graduates will enter the building through the North and South Atrium entrances, and your guests will enter through Gates 2 and 3.
Accessible parking is in Lot G South, and an accessible tag must be displayed to park in this lot.
More specific driving directions and public transportation information can be found on our website. Please note, personal vehicles must exit the United Center parking lots post ceremony and cannot be left on site.
If you are driving to the United Center, please click here to view a parking map.
Rideshare
If you take a rideshare to the United Center, you will be dropped off in the Uber Zone on the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street. Graduates will enter the building through the North and South Atrium entrances, and your guests will enter through Gates 2 and 3.
If you are taking a rideshare to the United Center, please click here to view the location of the Uber Zone at the United Center (depicted in yellow).
Shuttle Service from the Evanston Campus
When you ordered your tickets, you were asked how many people you thought would be using the shuttles to the United Center. Limited shuttle service will be available for guests traveling from the Evanston Campus to the United Center.
Shuttle buses will pick up graduates and guests from the Noyes/Haven/Sheridan Parking Lot #132. Please note, there will be NO PARKING in this lot or on the surrounding streets. As a reminder, if you have access to a vehicle, we encourage you to drive to the United Center.
- Graduates – you need to be at the United Center by 9:30am to line up for the processional. If you are taking a shuttle, you will need to arrive to this lot between 7:45am and 8:30am. The first shuttle will depart at 8:00am, and shuttles will depart continuously after that time once full. Graduates will need to be on a shuttle that departs no later than 8:30am to ensure your arrival to the United Center in time for line up.
- Guests – the ceremony begins at 10:30am. If you are taking a shuttle, you will need to arrive to this lot between 7:45am and 9:30am. The first shuttle will depart at 8:00am, and shuttles will depart continuously after that time once full. Guests will need to be on a shuttle that departs no later than 9:30am to ensure your arrival at the United Center for the start of the ceremony. The last shuttle bus will depart campus at 10:00am for latecomers, and guests aboard this bus are NOT guaranteed to arrive in time for the processional. No shuttle transportation will be available after 10:00am.
Please note: graduates and guests may ride the shuttle together but are not required to do so. Graduates need to arrive to the United Center by 9:30am, and guests may wish to arrive closer to the start of the ceremony.
When the shuttle buses arrive to the United Center, they will drop you off on the south side of the building in Lot K. Graduates will enter the building through the North and South Atrium entrances, and your guests riding the shuttles will enter through Gates 6 and 7.
If you are taking one of our shuttle buses to the United Center, please click here to view a map of the on-campus pickup location and the United Center drop-off location.
Accessible Shuttle Service from the Evanston Campus
Graduates and guests requiring accessible transportation to the United Center will load onto accessible buses from the Library Place/Sheridan Road Lot #130. There WILL BE LIMITED parking available in this lot, and this parking is restricted to those graduates and guests who are planning to take an accessible shuttle to the United Center. Each accessible bus has space for several guests using wheelchairs and their families.
- Graduates – you need to be at the United Center by 9:30am to line up for the processional. If you are taking an accessible shuttle, you will need to arrive to this lot between 7:45am and 8:30am. The first shuttle will depart at 8:00am, and accessible shuttles will depart continuously after that time once full. Graduates will need to be on a shuttle that departs no later than 8:30am to ensure your arrival to the United Center in time for line up.
- Guests – the ceremony begins at 10:30am. If you are taking an accessible shuttle, you will need to arrive to this lot between 7:45am and 9:30am. The first shuttle will depart at 8:00am, and shuttles will depart continuously after that time once full. Guests will need to be on a shuttle that departs no later than 9:30am to ensure your arrival at the United Center for the start of the ceremony. No accessible shuttle transportation will be available after 10:00am.
Please note: graduates and guests may ride the shuttle together but are not required to do so. Graduates need to arrive to the United Center by 9:30am, and guests may wish to arrive closer to the start of the ceremony.
When the accessible shuttle buses arrive to the United Center, they will drop you off on the south side of the building in Lot K. Graduates will enter the building through the North and South Atrium entrances, and your guests riding the shuttles will enter through Gates 6 and 7.
If you are taking one of our accessible shuttle buses to the United Center, please click here to view a map of the on-campus pickup location and the United Center drop-off location.
Traveling Back to the Evanston Campus from the United Center
We hope you will all make your way back to the Evanston Campus after Commencement for an evening of fun and celebration! As a reminder:
- Baccalaureate begins at 4:00pm in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall (tickets are not required)
- March Back Through the Arch for undergraduate students begins at 6:00pm on Deering Meadoww
- Graduating Students Reception featuring a picnic style dinner from 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the Lakeside Tent with fireworks honoring the Class of 2024 at 8:45pm over Lake Michigan
Shuttle buses (including accessible buses) will depart the United Center from the same place you were dropped off – in Lot K. Buses will leave continuously immediately after the ceremony. There will be three drop off points on the Evanston campus: Weber Arch, Technological Institute, and Patten Gym. No additional stops will be made.
If you are taking one of our shuttle buses (including accessible buses) back to the Evanston campus, please click here to view the on-campus drop off locations.
Questions?
After reading this email and reviewing the transportation information on our website, if you have any further questions, please contact graduation@northwestern.edu.
We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests in June!
Thank you,
Matt Lengen
Executive Director, Graduation and Senior Year Experiences
(This letter is being sent to students who reserved tickets for the 2024 Commencement ceremony at the United Center. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)
April 8 - Last Chance to Order Regalia Before Grad Fair
April 8, 2024
Dear Prospective Graduate,
We hope that you and your guests are getting excited about Graduation Weekend. We wanted to keep a few key things in front of you so you can plan and so you don’t miss any deadlines.
Regalia – Last chance to order for pick-up at Grad Fair
Order your regalia by Friday, April 12 for pick-up at Grad Fair. We are expecting about 1000 graduates to stop by this year and meet representatives from the Alumni Association, Senior Class Gift, the Graduation Office (ticket questions), and register for the Campus Inclusion and Community events. Our graduation photographer will also be on-hand to do a free photo of you in your regalia, or you can wear something nice and get a free professional head shot. Depending on when you stop by, you may even get a photo with Willie! Drop-in Wednesday, April 17 from 2 pm – 6:30 pm, and/orThursday, April 18 from 10 am – 2 pm, Norris Bookstore, Evanston campus.
If you can’t order for Grad Fair, don’t forget these other regalia deadlines:
Order your tickets, if you haven’t already
Ticket ordering is still available if you have not yet ordered. Waitlist requests can also be made through the system if you need more tickets, but please do not reserve additional tickets unless you know that you need them. Requests will be filled through May 23 based on availability and waitlist tickets are not guaranteed. Please access the ticketing portal through the Northwestern Graduation Weekend Tickets page.
The wait list is open for Commencement and for the school convocations. If you have confirmed guests beyond the number of tickets that you currently hold, you may request additional tickets via the waitlist.
If any of your guests’ plans have changed and they can no longer attend, please email the Graduation Office with the name of the ceremony and the number of tickets that you would like to return. The office will be able to share them with someone else.
President’s Reception and Fireworks
All graduates and their guests are welcome for a picnic-style dinner at the President’s Reception on Sunday, June 9. This event is free and does not require tickets or advance reservations. The reception tent will be near the north entrance to the lakefill and will begin at 7:00 pm with a fireworks show over the lake anticipated to start about 8:45 pm.
If you have any questions, please contact the Graduation Office. Once again, congratulations on your pending achievement. We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests in June!
Thank you,
Matt Lengen
Executive Director, Graduation and Senior Year Experiences
(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2023 or Winter 2024, or have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Spring 2024, or non-TGS Summer 2024. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)
March 26 - Graduation Ticket and Regalia Updates
March 26, 2023
Dear Prospective Graduate,
We hope that you and your guests are getting excited about Graduation Weekend. We wanted to keep a few key things in front of you so you can plan and so you don’t miss any deadlines.
Commencement Tickets – Round 2 opens Tuesday, March 26
Round 2 ordering begins today. If you know that you have additional guests who will attend you may order up to 2 additional tickets for Commencement (taking place at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 9 at the United Center). Please do not reserve additional tickets unless you know that you need them. Please access the ticketing portal through the Northwestern Graduation Weekend Tickets page.
The wait list opens today for Commencement and for the school convocations. If you have confirmed guests beyond the number of tickets that you currently hold, you may request additional tickets via the waitlist. Requests will be filled through May 23 based on availability and waitlist tickets are not guaranteed.
If any of your guests’ plans have changed and they can no longer attend, please email the Graduation Office with the name of the ceremony and the number of tickets that you would like to return. The office will be able to share them with someone else.
Regalia – Last chance to order for Grad Fair
Order your Bachelor’s or Master’s regalia by Friday, April 12 for pick-up at Grad Fair on April 17-18. Get your regalia early for photos, or just to cross it off your “to do” list. If you can’t order for Grad Fair, don’t forget these other regalia deadlines:
- Order by April 26 all PhD regalia
- Order by May 10 for Bachelor’s and Master’s ship to home (additional shipping fees apply) or pick-up at bookstore
Visit the Regalia webpage to order.
Grad Fair
Mark your calendars for our Grad Fair on April 17-18 at the bookstore in Evanston Norris Student Center. Besides picking up your pre-ordered regalia, drop in any time during the two days to see representatives from the Alumni Association, Class Gift, the Graduation Office (ticket questions), and register for the Campus Inclusion and Community events. Our graduation photographer will also be on-hand to do a free photo of you in your regalia, or wear something nice and get a free professional head shot. We hope to see you there! Wednesday, April 17 from 2 pm – 6:30 pm, and Thursday, April 18 from 10 am – 2 pm, Norris Bookstore, Evanston campus
Senior Celebration Events
As you’re planning your activities for Graduation Weekend, be sure to join us for these special celebrations:
- Baccalaureate – Join this interfaith service from 4 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. This ceremony incorporates the many traditions of the University through diverse readings of scripture, inspiring student reflections and musical interludes.
- March Back Through the Arch – March Back Through the Arch, beginning at Deering Meadow at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 9. Invite your family and friends to watch this symbolic bookend to your Northwestern experience. This event directly precedes the President’s reception. March Back Through the Arch is an undergraduate student event.
- President’s Reception – You and your guests are invited join President Schill any time between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 for a celebration honoring all of this year’s graduates. Enjoy a picnic dinner on the lakefill with a special fireworks show honoring the Class of 2024, beginning at 8:45 pm.
- Campus Inclusion and Community Senior Congratulatory Events – A number of additional cultural and identity-based celebrations will take place in the coming weeks, including the Native American and Indigenous Community Celebration (May 19), APIDA Senior Send-Off (May 31), Lavender Graduation (June 5), Latinx Congratulatory (June 7), and The JOY: NU’s Black Congratulatory (June 7). Registration is required for these events by April 21.
If you have any questions, please contact the Graduation Office. Once again, congratulations on your pending achievement. We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests in June!
Thank you,
Matt Lengen
Executive Director, Graduation and Senior Year Experiences
(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2023 or Winter 2024, or have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Spring 2024, or non-TGS Summer 2024. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)
March 2 - And Your Commencement Speaker Is...
Dear Class of 2024:
We’re thrilled to announce the speaker for Northwestern’s 166th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 9 at the United Center.
Better yet, we decided to let this 1995 graduate of Northwestern, a Screen Actors Guild and Emmy nominee who will star in her own Marvel/Disney+ limited series later this year and has been seen in “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and "WandaVision,” speak for herself:
If you’re having trouble viewing this video, please click here to view it directly on YouTube.
The Graduation Weekend website is your primary source of information for schedules, tickets, family and guest content, accessibility information and frequently asked questions about the 2024 Commencement Ceremony.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Sincerely,
The Graduation & Senior Year Experiences Team
(Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)
February 26 - Graduation 2024: Regalia and Ticket Ordering is now LIVE
February 26, 2024
Hello 2023-24 Graduates,
It’s time to order your regalia and tickets for Graduation Weekend! Donning your purple gown and inviting guests is an excellent way to mark your achievements, and we look forward to celebrating with you in June.
Regalia
Regalia ordering opens today, Monday, February 26. Visit the regalia page on the Graduation website to find ordering instructions, along with guidelines and further details.
Bachelor’s and Master’s candidates have three ordering options:
- Order between 2/26/24 and 4/12/24 for pick-up at Grad Fair, April 17-18
- Order between 2/26/24 and 5/10/24 for ship to a residence ($15.95 shipping fee applies)
- Order between 4/13/24 and 5/10/24 for Bookstore pick-up after Grad Fair (rolling basis)
Doctoral candidates have two ordering options:
- Order RENTAL regalia between 2/26/24 and 4/26/24 for Bookstore pick-up on or after 5/28/24
- Purchase FINE QUALITY regalia between 2/26/24 and 3/22/24 to ship to a residence
Undergraduate Students with Financial Need
The office of Undergraduate Financial Aid, in partnership with Student Enrichment Services, covers the cost of the Bachelor’s Degree regalia package for graduating undergraduate students receiving a certain level of financial aid. Students who qualify will receive a separate email from Undergraduate Financial Aid with additional information.
Graduate Students with Financial Need
For graduate students with financial need, the Office of Graduation & Senior Year Experiences may provide financial assistance toward your regalia rental/purchase. Please email the Graduation Office for information.
Tickets for the all-University Commencement ceremony
You may reserve guest tickets for the 2024 Commencement ceremony at the United Center beginning today on the NU Graduation Tickets website.
- Log in with your NetID and password.
- Please only request the number of tickets you need. You can donate back remaining tickets during the checkout process or share with friends who need additional tickets.
- You DO NOT need to reserve a ticket for yourself – only your guests.
- Children 3 years of age and under who will sit in a caregiver’s lap do not need a ticket.
Commencement tickets are distributed in 3 rounds:
- Round 1: Request up to 4 tickets (Feb 26 – March 25)
- Round 2: Request up to 2 additional tickets (March 26 – April 29) and waitlist turns on for additional requests
- Round 3: Graduation Office is fulfilling waitlist requests only (April 30 – June 6)
- Waitlist ticket requests are not guaranteed and are subject to ticket availability
Tickets for your school convocation
You will be able to order convocation tickets at the same time as you order Commencement tickets. Please see the NU Graduation Tickets website for more specific ticket information about each convocation ceremony. If you have questions about the ordering process or the ticketing system, please contact the Graduation Office.
Accessibility Accommodations
- All tickets to all ceremonies are general admission. When ordering tickets, the system will prompt you to enter how many guests in your party require accessible seating for a guest who uses a wheelchair. Please note: every wheelchair space has one companion seat included. Because these spaces are limited and in high demand, we are not able to seat entire parties.
- If your guests have other accessibility needs besides wheelchair seating, please visit the Guests with Accessibility Needs webpage for additional information.
Grad Fair
We invite you to stop by the Grad Fair on April 17 from 2:00pm-6:30pm and/or April 18 from 10:00am-2:00pm in the Northwestern Bookstore in the Norris University Center. Order your regalia for pick-up at the event! Grad Fair will include representatives from the Alumni Association, Class Gift, Campus Inclusion & Community, Multicultural Student Affairs, and others to help answer your questions about graduation celebrations.
The Graduation website is a great resource for information. If you have more specific questions please contact the Graduation Office at graduation@northwestern.edu. We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments during this year’s Graduation Weekend.
Thank you,
Matt Lengen
Executive Director, Graduation and Senior Year Experiences
(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2023 or have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Winter 2024, Spring 2024, or non-TGS Summer 2024. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)
February 21 - To Do Items for Ticket and Regalia Ordering
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Hello 2023-24 Graduates, As we get ready to open the ticket and regalia portals next week (February 26) there are a few key actions that you need to take to be prepared for ordering. Tickets – Information to Know
Tickets – Action Items
Regalia – Information to Know
Regalia – Ordering Options
Specific ordering instructions for tickets and regalia will be coming to you next week. In the meantime, please check out our FAQs and let us know if you have additional questions. We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests in June. Thank you, Matt Lengen (This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2023 or have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Winter 2024, Spring 2024, or non-TGS Summer 2024. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.) |
February 8 - Weinberg College Graduation Weekend Ticketing Process
Dear 2024 degree candidates,
We look forward to celebrating your achievements with family and friends at Northwestern’s 2024 Graduation Weekend! In the interest of providing the best service for our graduates and their guests, please review the following information about our ticketing process, new for this spring’s ceremonies.
The Graduation Weekend ticketing portal will open Monday, February 26. At that time, all eligible graduates will receive a message to their Northwestern email with detailed instructions about how to log into the system and how to order tickets for their school convocation and the all-Northwestern Commencement ceremony. Please note: Only students are able to order tickets and will be responsible for transferring them to their guests. Self-ordering will end on April 29 and only waitlist requests will be filled after that.
Weinberg College convocation will take place Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. CT in Welsh-Ryan Arena on Northwestern’s Evanston campus, and the 166th annual Commencement ceremony will be held Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT at the United Center in Chicago. While we anticipate ample capacity based on historical attendance numbers, graduates should order only the number of tickets they need.
Graduates may order up to a total of six tickets for the all-university Commencement ceremony at the United Center. Those participating in Weinberg College convocation may order up to a total of six tickets for their convocation ceremony at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Please note: Students in other schools may have a different ticketing process, due to class size and venue capacity.
Please have your guests’ email addresses and/or phone numbers at hand when you place your order so you can send them their tickets. If at any time your guests’ plans change and you are not going to use a ticket, you may share it with a friend or return it to the waitlist pool through the ticketing system. Selling Commencement or convocation tickets is strictly prohibited.
Weinberg College convocation and Commencement will both use the same ticketing platform and process. Ticketing for Weinberg College convocation and Commencement will be held in two rounds this year. Round 1 will begin February 26, and graduates may reserve up to four tickets for each ceremony. Round 2 will open March 26, and graduates who need more than four tickets will be able to reserve up to two additional tickets for each ceremony. During Round 2, graduates may also join the waitlist if they have more than six guests and would like to request additional tickets to either ceremony, subject to availability. If students order only the number of tickets they plan to use, more waitlist tickets will be available to those who have larger parties.
All ticket ordering will end April 29, but graduates will continue to have access to the system to distribute their claimed tickets to guests or request additional tickets through the waitlist. Beginning April 29, any unreserved tickets will be added to the waitlist pool for distribution.
Weinberg College and Commencement Ticketing Process
| Round | Date | # Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 26 | Up to 4 for each ceremony |
| 2 | March 26 | Up to 2 additional for each ceremony |
| 3 | April 29 | Waitlist requests only |
If you have questions about the ticketing process, please contact the Office of Graduation and Senior Year Experiences.
(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2023 or have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Winter 2024, Spring 2024, and non-TGS Summer 2024. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)
February 8 - College Graduation Weekend Ticketing Process (Bienen, School of Communication undergraduates, The Family Institute, McCormick, Medill, SESP, School of Professional Studies, The Graduate School)
Dear 2024 degree candidates,
We look forward to celebrating your achievements with family and friends at Northwestern’s 2024 Graduation Weekend! In the interest of providing the best service for our graduates and their guests, please review the following information about our ticketing process, new for this spring’s ceremonies.
The Graduation Weekend ticketing portal will open Monday, February 26. At that time, all eligible graduates will receive a message to their Northwestern email with detailed instructions about how to log into the system and how to order tickets for their school convocation and the all-Northwestern Commencement ceremony. Please note: Only students are able to order tickets and will be responsible for transferring them to their guests. Self-ordering will end on April 29, and only waitlist requests will begin to be filled after that.
Graduates may order up to a total of six tickets for the all-university Commencement ceremony at the United Center. Those participating in the following school convocations may order up to 10 tickets for their convocation ceremony: Bienen, School of Communication (undergraduates only), McCormick, The Family Institute, The Graduate School, Medill, SESP, and the School of Professional Studies. Please note: Students in other schools may have a different ticketing process due to class size and venue capacity.
Please identify your guests and collect their email addresses and/or phone numbers before February 26 so you can distribute the tickets to them when you order. If at any time your guests’ plans change and you are not going to use a ticket, you may share it with a friend or return it to the waitlist pool through the ticketing system. Selling Commencement or convocation tickets is strictly prohibited.
Commencement Tickets
The 166th annual Commencement ceremony will take place Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT at the United Center in Chicago. While there is ample capacity for an audience that could exceed our historical attendance numbers, we encourage graduates to order only the number of tickets that they need, so tickets are available for the guests of other graduates.
Commencement ticketing will be held in two rounds this year. Round 1 will begin February 26, and graduates may order up to four tickets. Round 2 will open March 26, and graduates who need more than four tickets will be able to order up to two additional tickets. During Round 2, graduates may also join the waitlist if they have more than six guests and would like to request additional tickets, subject to availability. If students order only the number of tickets they plan to use, more waitlist tickets will be available to those who have larger parties.
All ticket ordering will end April 29, but graduates will continue to have access to the system to distribute their claimed tickets to guests or request additional tickets through the waitlist. Beginning April 29, any unreserved tickets will be added to the waitlist pool for distribution.
Commencement Ticketing Process
| Round | Date | # Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 26 | Up to 4 |
| 2 | March 26 | Up to 2 |
| 3 | April 29 | Waitlist requests only |
If you have questions about the ticketing process, please contact the Office of Graduation and Senior Year Experiences.
(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2023 or have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Winter 2024, Spring 2024, and non-TGS Summer 2024. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)