Students
Here students can find all they need to know about ordering caps and gowns and memorabilia for Commencement as well as information about the procession and ticket ordering.
How and Where to Obtain Tickets
Tickets are available to candidates at the time of cap and gown distribution in the Louis Room at Norris University Center. Each candidate will receive 10 tickets for admission to Commencement at Ryan Field and two tickets for the severe weather location in Welsh Ryan Arena.
To obtain tickets, candidates must personally present WildCARD or other photo ID and sign for receipt of tickets.
Caps and Gowns
Ordering Caps and Gowns
Caps and Gowns may be ordered through the Herff Jones website.
THE DEADLINE FOR STUDENT REGALIA ORDERS IS: FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013
Undergraduate rental fee is $51.17 (retain cap, tassel, and stole). Advanced degree rental fee is $62.81 (retain cap and tassel). Doctoral rental fee is $80.18 (retain velvet tam and tassel). Candidates ordering after May 11th (date subject to change) must make a direct rental based upon availability at the time of distribution and will be charged a $20 late fee. Both rental fee and late fee are payable in cash only. Checks and credit cards will not be accepted.
Candidates receiving degrees from two schools must select one degree and may arrange for a second tassel or hood at the time of cap and gown distribution. View a list of degrees awarded by school on the General Information page.
Academic Dress
Custom purple rental gowns designed for Northwestern that feature the University crest are the regalia standard and must be worn by all participating candidates.
- Tassels feature the Northwestern seal signet and are worn on the left side at all times.
- Candidates may not alter or decorate their regalia in any way or wear additional articles not directly related to academic merit. Doing so may interfere with their ability to participate.
- Bachelor degree regalia includes a souvenir stole.
- Advanced degree candidates wear hoods.
- The lining of the Northwestern hood is purple and gold, and the color of the velvet border of the hood indicates the academic area.
- Candidates from The Graduate School wear black tassels.
- All other degree candidates wear tassels indicating the color of their academic area.
- All degree candidates may retain their cap and tassel. Bachelor degree candidates may also retain their souvenir stole.
- PhD candidates may elect to purchase official Northwestern regalia and should contact NUregalia@gmail.com to make arrangements.
Distribution and Return of Caps and Gowns
Cap and gown as well as ticket distribution occurs in the Louis Room at Norris University Center during Commencement week.
Cap and gown pickup dates: (subject to change)
Tuesday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for undergraduate students
Wednesday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for graduate students
Locations and times for cap and gown return are outlined on the information sheet provided at cap and gown distribution. All degree candidates may retain their cap and tassel. Bachelor degree candidates may also retain their souvenir stole. The distribution of diplomas may be dependent upon the return of rental gown and hood.
Ordering Commencement Merchandise
Announcements, Thank You Notes and Memorabilia
- The Herff Jones Web site offers Northwestern University graduation announcements, custom thank you notes and related memorabilia.
- The Norris University Center Bookstore features school spirit merchandise, books and other gift items. For information call 847-491-3990.
- The Northwestern Alumni Association offers special access to high-quality products and class rings.
Commencement DVD
Orders for DVDs of the June 21, 2013, Ryan Field Commencement ceremony may be placed using the form below, are accepted by mail and can be purchased at cap and gown pickup at the Norris Center. DVDs are Domestic $35.00 USD and International $40.00 USD with shipping and handling fee per DVD.
Your order for the Northwestern Commencement DVD may be placed now.
Arrival and Assembly for Academic Procession
Candidates must present themselves in cap and gown promptly at 8:45 AM, Friday, June 21, at the assembly points listed below. Assembly points are also indicated on the map. University marshals will help direct candidates to the appropriate line-up areas and lead the procession onto Ryan Field. Seats cannot be held for candidates who arrive late. Graduates are prohibited from using mobile phones or other communication devices during the procession and ceremony. There is no rehearsal prior to the ceremony. Complete assembly instructions are given to candidates at the time of cap and gown distribution.
The Graduate School, Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Continuing Studies : Assemble at Trienens Hall, west of McGaw Memorial Hall
All other schools: Assemble under the east stands of Ryan Field at Gate E
Services for Students with Disabilities
Degree candidates with special needs are asked to contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at 847-467-5530 (TDD 847-467-5533) for special arrangements.
Baccalaureate and Commencement Tickets and Seating
Baccalaureate Seating
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
Tickets are not required. Candidates and their guests will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis to the Baccalaureate Service. Candidates do not wear caps and gowns at these services. Pick-Staiger Concert Hall is fully accessible.
Commencement Tickets and Seating
Tickets are required for all seating at the outdoor ceremony at Ryan Field and will be available at the time of cap and gown distribution at Norris Center. Each participating candidate will receive 10 tickets for Commencement at Ryan Field. Ceremony participants do not need tickets.General seating is accessed only at ground level through west side gates as indicated below. Upper deck seating and elevator service to general seating on the mezzanine level are not available.
| Gates | Audience Type |
|---|---|
| Gate K | Guests arriving in wheelchairs |
| Gates M-N | General seating |
| Gate P | Special Guest Ticket Required |
| Gates Q-R-S-T | General seating |
PLEASE NOTE: Lower-level seating for guests with ambulatory limitations, which is monitored by University staff and requires no advance reservation, is available at both Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Individual school convocation ticket information is sent to candidates by the appropriate school offices. Questions concerning convocations should be directed to the individual school offices (see the list of school phone numbers).
Hometown News Release Information
Attention Graduating Senior, send news of your graduation to your local newspaper via the Web!
The Department of University Relations prepares hometown news releases about seniors who will receive degrees at Commencement. The news releases are sent to students' local newspapers. Many newspapers will print the stories as part of their coverage of news about local residents. You must be a graduating senior with a valid NetID to fill out the Hometown News Release form.