SPS Convocation 2024
In-Person Convocation
The in-person SPS Convocation ceremony will take place Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. CT inside the Ryan Fieldhouse (2333 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208) on the Northwestern campus in Evanston. For those that cannot or choose not to travel, this event will available to live-stream for remote viewing.
Ticketing and regalia are required for this in-person event.
Virtual Convocation
The SPS Virtual Convocation will go live the evening of Saturday, June 8, 2024. 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 the Dean of SPS, 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 uploading content and access.
Ticketing and regalia are not required for the virtual event.
Northwestern University-wide Commencement
Northwestern recognizes the entire graduating class from across all Northwestern schools at the University-wide Commencement. The 166th Annual University-wide Commencement will take place in-person on Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT. at the United Center (1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612) in downtown Chicago. The home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks will serve as the backdrop as Northwestern celebrates the Class of 2024 with speeches from President Schill, the Commencement speaker, and student speakers.
A livestream of the event will be available at the Commencement home page.
Ticketing and regalia are required for this in-person event.
The Graduation 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 ordering is open. Visit the regalia page of 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 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)
For questions regarding regalia, contact the Office of Graduation and Senior Year Experiences.
Ticketing
Visit the NU Graduation Tickets website to reserve tickets for the in-person SPS Convocation and the university-wide Commencement.
Tickets are required for each event students and guests plan to attend. You will be able to order convocation tickets at the same time as you order Commencement tickets.
Only students are able to order tickets and will be responsible for transferring them to their guests. Self-ordering ended on April 29. Waitlist requests continue to be collected and potentially filled.
Graduates may order up to 10 tickets for the in-person SPS Convocation. Those participating in the university-wide Commencement ceremony at the United Center may order up to a total of six tickets.
- Log into the NU Graduation Tickets website 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.
- Reserve a ticket for yourself if you are attending the in-person SPS Convocation, but not expecting guests, as this will serve as your RSVP for the ceremony.
- If you are expecting guests, you do not need to order a ticket for yourself. The ticket order for your guest(s) will serve as your RSVP for the ceremony.
- Children 3 years of age and under who will sit in a caregiver’s lap do not need a ticket.
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.
If you have questions about the ordering process or the ticketing system, please contact the Graduation Office.
Terms and Events
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.