Convocation Ceremony
The 2018 ceremony is Friday, June 22, at 2 p.m.
The School of Professional Studies Convocation Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 22, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre. The ceremony is expected to last 1.5 hours. If you have questions regarding SPS Convocation, you may inquire at spsconvocation@northwestern.edu. Please continue to check this web page for updates as additional information will be available in the coming months.Convocation Ceremony
Auditorium Theatre (downtown Chicago)
50 E. Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL 60605
(Map It)
*Admission by ticket only (for all guests, excluding degree candidates)
Convocation Schedule
Auditorium Theatre doors open for guests at 1 p.m.
Graduates arrive by 1 p.m.
Procession line up to begin at 1:30 p.m.
Convocation program and online streaming promptly begins at 2 p.m.
Travel Information
CTA, Metra & PACE
Auditorium Theatre Parking
Parking & Driving Directions
Diplomas
Diplomas are mailed to the address listed on the form you submitted to apply for graduation. Please expect to receive your diploma by mail approximately eight weeks after graduation.
Who is eligible to participate in the School of Professional Studies Convocation Ceremony?
Undergraduate and graduate students who complete their degree program during the 2017-18 academic year.
What is the difference between commencement and convocation?
Commencement is the all Northwestern ceremony at Ryan Field where the Class of 2018 is commemorated as a whole. During the ceremony, student, faculty and guest speakers will address graduates and their families.
Convocation is an individual school ceremony that awards the graduate with their diploma. Students walk across the stage and are individually recognized at their school's Convocation ceremony.
160th Northwestern University Commencement Ceremony Tickets
Students can reserve Commencement Ceremony tickets online. Questions regarding commencement tickets can be directed to commencement@northwestern.edu.
Convocation Recorded Event
This event was recorded on June 22, 2018.
Convocation Ticket Information
Students will obtain Convocation tickets base on how you ordered your cap and gown.
Option 1: (Only) for students picking up cap and gown on campus.
Your cap and gown package, which will include your Convocation ticket order, must be picked up at Wieboldt Hall, located on the Chicago campus. SPS staff will be at Wieboldt Hall with your order on the following dates:
Wednesday, June 20, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 21, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Note: Your cap and gown package will include guest tickets (including any extra tickets requested) and a name card for the Convocation Ceremony. Please remember to bring these items with you on the day of Convocation.
Beginning Monday, June 18, through Thursday, June 21, students who chose to have their cap and gown shipped, your Convocation tickets must be picked up from the Auditorium Theatre Box Office. The box office will be open from noon to 6 p.m. during the designated days. Please make plans to obtain your tickets prior to Convocation.
The Box Office at the Auditorium Theatre is located at 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60605.
If you are unable to pick up your tickets during the designated days, you will be able to pick up your Convocation tickets starting at noon on Friday, June 22, 2018. Students are urged to obtain their Convocation tickets before Friday, June 22, 2018.
Please remember to bring tickets and name card with you on the day of Convocation.
Cap and Gown Rentals
Students may rent a cap and gown for use at Commencement and Convocation ceremonies from Herff Jones. This year SPS graduates may choose to have their cap and gown shipped domestically (international shipping is not available). Caps and gowns must not be altered or adorned when worn for the ceremonies. Ordering information is available online. All orders must be placed by Wednesday, May 16, 2018. After May 16, additional fees will be incurred. For questions regarding regalia, please contact NUregalia@gmail.com.