SPS Convocation 2024

SPS Convocation 2026

 In-person Convocation

The in-person SPS Convocation ceremony will take place Saturday,  June 13, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m, inside the Ryan Fieldhouse on the Northwestern campus in Evanston. Ticketing and regalia are required for this in-person event. 

Livestream

For those who cannot or choose not to travel, this event will be available to livestream for remote viewing. If the livestream page remains black after 3:30 p.m. on June 13, try refreshing your browser. 

Virtual Convocation

The SPS Virtual Convocation will go live on the evening of Saturday, June 13, 2026. The Virtual Convocation is a rich experience designed for all students. Each graduate will have the opportunity to personalize their graduation page. The site will feature an address from SPS Dean Thomas Gibbons, Convocation speakers, in addition to personalized content to commemorate your achievement. This is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to celebrate with you, no matter the distance. Students will receive messaging regarding the virtual event in early 2026.

Northwestern University-wide Commencement

Northwestern recognizes the entire graduating class from across all Northwestern schools at the University-wide Commencement. The 168th Annual University-wide Commencement will take place in-person on Sunday,  June 14, 2026, at the United Center (1901 W. Madison Street) in Chicago. Home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, the United Center served as the venue for the Class of 2025’s Commencement last June, and will again this year as work continues to rebuild Ryan Field, which historically has been the University’s Commencement venue.

A livestream of the event will be available at the Commencement home page.

Ticketing and regalia are required for this in-person event.

The University-wide Commencement website remains the key source of information for the graduation weekend schedule, family and guest content, accessibility information and other frequently asked questions.

Regalia

Graduation attire, also called regalia, is required for the in-person Convocation and Commencement. Regalia orders are now closed.

If a graduating student does not have their regalia yet, they must purchase it in-person at the Norris University Center Bookstore:

Norris University Center Bookstore
1999 Campus Dr.
Evanston, IL 60208
Store hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 11am - 3pm

Visit the regalia page of the Commencement website to order and read about the guidelines and details of your Northwestern regalia.

For questions regarding regalia, contact the Graduation Office at graduation@northwestern.edu.

How to Wear Your Regalia

Bachelor cap and gown

Master's cap and gown

Ticketing

If you still need to reserve guest tickets for SPS Convocation, email spsconvocation@northwestern.edu as soon as possible. 

Tickets are required for each event. Separate ticket orders are required for each: the in-person SPS Convocation and the University-wide Commencement. Ticket ordering serves as a student's RSVP for the in-person SPS Convocation and/or university-wide Commencement. 

Only students are able to order tickets and will be responsible for transferring them to their guests. Self-ordering will end on May 30, and waitlist requests will begin to be filled after that.

Event Details

Convocation is a separate ceremony where students are recognized by their individual Northwestern school. During the ceremony, student, faculty, and keynote speakers will address graduates and their families, and each graduate will be given recognition.

SPS Convocation takes place on Saturday, June 13 at 3:30 p.m. CT in the Ryan Fieldhouse.

Commencement is the all Northwestern University-wide ceremony where the graduating class is commemorated as a whole. During the ceremony, student, faculty, and guest speakers will address graduates and their families.

Northwestern Commencement takes place on Sunday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. CT at the United Center.

 

SPS Convocation Details

  • Ryan Fieldhouse (2333 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208)
    June 13, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. CT
  • Graduates and guests will enter the Ryan Fieldhouse through the northwest entrance.
  • Doors open for graduates and guests at 2:30 p.m. 
  • Students should arrive no later than 3:15 p.m. to ensure there is time to join their program.
  • The processional will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m. 
Venue Expectations
  • All graduates and guests pass through magnetometers upon entrance check.
  • Large bags are not permitted and all bags will be inspected.
  • Any prohibited items will not be permitted in the building, with security staff at entrances instructing guests to dispose prohibited items or return them to a personal vehicle.
  • Prohibited items at all graduation venues include: noisemakers, instruments, balloons, confetti, glitter, food or drinks, long lens cameras, signs, flags, fliers, handouts, weapons, or anything else that would interfere with another guest’s sight lines or enjoyment of the ceremony. See full list of prohibited items.
  • Orderly conduct befitting the ceremony is expected. Disruptive acts are prohibited, including:
    • Engaging in behavior that objectively prevents a student or group of students from benefiting from a class, program, or activity.
    • Significantly interfering with the functioning of the University.
    • Causing or allowing excessive or disruptive noise.
Parking
  • Parking is free Graduation Weekend and there are two parking lots near the venue.
  • The North Campus Parking Garage (2311 N Campus Drive Evanston, IL 60208) is located next to Ryan Fieldhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

View FAQ's

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 their 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 a 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. Alternatively, if you have tickets you no longer need, you can also release them through the ticketing site.

Do children need a ticket?
Children who 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 I 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?
Yes, regalia is required if a graduate chooses to attend the in-person Convocation and/or the University-wide Commencement. Regalia online ordering is now closed. If you still need regalia, you must purchase it in-person at the Norris University Center Bookstore. You must purchase it before Convocation.

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 their academic adviser confirms that they are on track to graduate and enrolled in the necessary courses to complete their 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 in 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.

Questions?

Questions regarding the School of Professional Studies Convocation can be directed to spsconvocation@northwestern.edu.

Questions regarding Northwestern University Commencement can be directed to the Office of Graduation and Senior Year Experiences - graduation@northwestern.edu.

 

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