Convocation Ceremony
The 2019 ceremony is Friday, June 21, at 2 p.m.
The School of Professional Studies Convocation Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 21, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Chicago Symphony Center. The ceremony is expected to last 2 hours. If you have questions regarding SPS Convocation, you may inquire at spsconvocation@northwestern.edu. The Northwestern University Commencement and SPS Convocation invitation can be found here.Convocation Ceremony
Chicago Symphony Center
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604
(Map It)
*Admission by ticket only (for all guests, excluding degree candidates)
Convocation Schedule
Chicago Symphony Center 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
Chicago Symphony Center 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 between Summer Quarter 2018 through Summer Quarter 2019.
What is the difference between commencement and convocation?
Commencement is the all Northwestern ceremony at Ryan Field where the Class of 2019 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.
161st Northwestern University Commencement Ceremony Tickets
- Please contact SPSConvocation@northwestern.edu regarding ticket availability.
Convocation Recorded Event
This event was recorded on June 22, 2018.
Convocation Ticket Information
2019 School of Professional Studies Convocation Ceremony Tickets
Students can now RSVP and reserve convocation guest tickets using the following link. A maximum of four guest tickets may be reserved. Please note that degree candidates do not need a ticket.
The deadline for reserving tickets has passed. Please contact SPSConvocation@northwestern.edu regarding extra ticket availability.
Tickets will be available for pick up with regalia on the Chicago campus at the Abbott Hall Bookstore during the following days and times:
- Monday June 17, from noon - 8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday June 18 and Wednesday June 19, from 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Abbott Hall
710 N Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
Cap and Gown Rentals
Degree candidates who plan to participate in the commencement and convocation ceremonies must order a cap and gown; this regalia must be worn to both ceremonies. Cap and gown purchases can be made online up until Saturday, June 1, 2019.
Orders placed between now and June 1, 2019 will incur a late fee.
All SPS regalia orders will be available for pick up on the Chicago campus at the Abbott Hall Bookstore during the following days and times:
- Monday June 17, from noon - 8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday June 18 and Wednesday June 19, from 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Abbott Hall
710 N Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
Order Regalia with Oak Hall
Further information for caps and gowns can be found at the commencement website.
Questions?
Questions regarding Northwestern University Commencement can be directed to commencement@northwestern.edu.Questions regarding the School of Professional Studies Convocation can be directed to spsconvocation@northwestern.edu.