Convocation Ceremony, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

When is the Northwestern School of Professional Studies in-person Convocation?
The Northwestern School of Professional Studies in-person Convocation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. CT.

When is the Northwestern University Commencement Ceremony?
University-wide Commencement will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. CT.

When is the Northwestern School of Professional Studies virtual Convocation?
The virtual convocation site will go live on the evening of Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Are Commencement and Convocation the same event?
No, Commencement is a university-wide ceremony for all graduates of Northwestern University and Convocation is a ceremony held by each individual school of Northwestern University.

Can I attend both Commencement and Convocation?
Yes, graduates may participate in either or both events.

Will graduates be acknowledged during Convocation?
Yes, graduates will have their names announced as they walk across the stage at the in-person convocation.

Who is eligible to participate in Convocation (in-person and virtual) and Commencement?
Undergraduate and graduate students who complete their degree in the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 quarters may participate.

Can I participate if I graduated last year and was not able to attend?
Yes, and students should reach out to spsconvocation@northwestern.edu to inquire about being added to the graduation list.

Will I be acknowledged during the virtual ceremony?
Personalized content will be created for each graduate. Students will receive communication and an invitation to personalize your graduate slide.

Can I share my graduate slide on social media?
Yes. You will receive a complimentary graduate slide that you can download and share on social media. Graduates can submit a photo and personal note.

Will graduates be seated by academic program?
Yes, graduates will be seated by academic program.

Will guests be seated together?
Tickets are general admission, so seating is on a first come first served basis.

How many tickets will be available for the in-person Convocation?
Each graduate can order up to 8 tickets for the in-person convocation. If you need more than 8 tickets, please utilize the waitlist function on or after April 29.

Can another student who has extra tickets give them to me?
Yes, if you have ordered your allotment, another student can share extra tickets with you and your guests. Alternately, if you have tickets you no longer need, you can also release them through the ticketing site.

Do children need a ticket?
Children that are three and under who will sit in a caregiver’s lap do not need tickets; everyone else needs a ticket.

If I need special seating arrangements due to a disability or health issues. What should I do?
If accommodation is required, please indicate this when ordering tickets for either ceremony.

I am completing my program this year, but do not have access to order tickets. What should I do?
If you plan to participate in the SPS Convocation and/or the University-wide Commencement, you must submit your program completion form. Find "Application for Degree" on the Forms and Documents page. You will gain access to order tickets 1-2 weeks after submitting your application.

Should I order regalia for the virtual convocation?
Regalia is not necessary to participate in the virtual convocation. If you would like to order regalia for your own photographs, please visit the regalia site.

Is regalia required at the in-person ceremony?
Regalia is required if a graduate chooses to attend the in-person Convocation and/or the University-wide Commencement.

Can someone else pick up my regalia for me at the Norris Center?
Yes, they can. The student would need to forward the pickup confirmation email to that person, and that person would need to have that available when picking up.

Can I walk in convocation if I haven’t finished my degree program?
The June graduation ceremonies celebrate the students who have completed their degree program since last June (in the summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters of this past academic year). Students who plan to complete their degree this summer can attend Convocation and walk across the stage, once your academic adviser confirms that you are on track to graduate and enrolled in the necessary courses to complete your program this summer. If you would like to attend Convocation but are not going to graduate until the upcoming summer term, please contact your academic adviser to confirm your eligibility.

How will I receive my diploma?
Participation at Convocation is not required to receive your diploma. Diplomas are mailed to the graduate at the address they list on the Graduation Application form after the quarter they graduate.

How will I receive my ASL honor cord, veteran cord, or student leader stole?
These items will be available at Convocation for those who are eligible.

I plan to participate in Convocation or Commencement, but my NetId is expired. What should I do?
Please contact us at spsconvocation@northwestern.edu for assistance.

I plan to participate in Convocation or Commencement and need a letter of participation for my visa. What should I do?
Please contact us at spsconvocation@northwestern.edu for assistance.