GRADUATION

Dear prospective graduate,

We are almost at the end of the Spring Quarter – less than two weeks away from Graduation Weekend! Please take these important steps to ensure your weekend goes as smoothly as possible:

Pick Up Your Regalia

You've ordered the regalia, and now it’s time to pick it up from the Northwestern Bookstore in the Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, through June 10. Please see the Commencement website for the pickup schedule. If you did not order your regalia by the May 13 deadline, the Northwestern Bookstore has limited supplies for sale.

Download and Transfer Your Tickets

To enter Commencement or school convocations, all guests must have an e-ticket displayed on a device. You should have received an email titled Mobile Graduation Tickets from NU Athletics with your tickets attached. Please check your spam folders if you have not received them. Follow the instructions in the email to transfer your tickets to your guests or visit the NU Sports website for detailed instructions. Contact the Athletics Department about issues with downloading or transferring tickets at cat-tix@northwestern.edu or 888-GO-PURPLE (888-467-8775). Contact the Commencement office if you forgot to order tickets or with other ceremony questions.

Plan your Weekend with Your Guests

Get the latest information about Commencement, school convocations, celebrations and events by visiting the Northwestern Commencement website. It includes details about events, travel and more. Keep your guests updated on Commencement and convocation, including where to park and how to get around using transportation.

Note Key Times

Graduates must be at Ryan Field on Central Street for Commencement and in your lineup areas at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, June 13. Shuttles start at 7:30 a.m. Plan travel time accordingly -- shuttles take longer on Commencement day due to heavier traffic. A shuttle loop from campus to the stadium can take as long as 45 minutes.

Download the Commencement App

Guidebook, the mobile app for Graduation Weekend, is live. Enable push notifications so you can get up-to-date information about events and ceremonies, as well as start time reminders. See our website for instructions on how to download the app on your Apple or Android device.

March Back Through the Arch

Join your 2022 classmates at a new time - Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m. CT - for a reimagined experience. Just as March Through the Arch is a symbolic start to a Northwestern career, March Back Through the Arch is the bookend. March the reverse of the original path with your friends and classmates, then join your class in “Spirited Conversations” in Parkes Hall 122. Question prompts will have you waxing nostalgic about your time at Northwestern. Snacks, beer and wine will be available. This event is open to all graduates who want to participate.

Share your Graduation Weekend

Download fun GIF stickers and share on social media with #NU2022.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Graduation Office at commencement@northwestern.edu.

Good luck with finals and final projects. We look forward to celebrating with you soon!

 

Sincerely/p>

Kelly Schaefer and Jeremy Schenk, Commencement Co-chairs

 

(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 and have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Spring 2022, and non-TGS Summer 2022. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)

Dear Prospective Graduate,
 
We are looking forward to Graduation Weekend and celebrating with you and your loved ones. Below are important dates and reminders to keep your planning on track.
 
Tickets for Guests – deadline Friday, May 20
Students should reserve guest tickets by the deadline of Friday, May 20. Please note, only Northwestern University students may reserve tickets for the commencement ceremony and convocations. You will receive your tickets via email about two weeks before Graduation Weekend. Watch for an email from cat-tix@northwestern.edu and instructions on how to transfer these electronic tickets to your guests.
 
Guidebook
Guidebook is the app for Graduation Weekend. It includes maps, ceremony times, shuttle routes, parking information and other information to help your weekend run smoothly. Guidebook will be launching soon and we encourage you to download the app on your smartphone and plan your activities.
 
Regalia
The regalia ordering deadline has passed but beginning June 6 the Northwestern Bookstore will have a limited number of regalia sets available for purchase while supplies last. The Northwestern Bookstore also will make extra tassels and other accessories available for purchase.
 
COVID-19 Guidelines
Consistent with public health guidelines and the campus visitor policy, masks are encouraged but not required. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available for all guests at our ceremony venues. Northwestern closely monitors the health landscape on campus and in our surrounding communities, and we will communicate any changes in our guidelines.
 
Graduation Weekend Events

• School Convocations – Your school or department should have communicated to you about the school’s convocation plans. If you have questions about convocation activities, please contact your school.
• March Back Through the Arch – Just as March Through the Arch was a symbolic start to your Northwestern career, March Back Through the Arch is the bookend. March the reverse of the original path, beginning at Deering Meadow at 3 p.m. Friday, June 10.
• Baccalaureate – Attend this interfaith service at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11 in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. This ceremony precedes the President’s Reception and incorporates the many traditions of the University through diverse readings of scripture, inspiring student reflections and musical interludes.
• President’s Reception – You and your guests are invited to join President Schapiro on the east lawn of Norris Student Center at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 11 for a celebration honoring this year’s graduates.

If you have any questions, please contact the Graduation Office or visit the Commencement website. Once again, congratulations on your pending achievement. We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests in June!
 
Thank you,
 
Kelly Schaefer and Jeremy Schenk, Commencement Co-chairs
 
(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2021 and have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Winter 2022, Spring 2022 and non-TGS Summer 2022. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)

Dear Prospective Graduate,

We once again want to congratulate you on your expected graduation! You’ve worked hard on this achievement, and we want your graduation experience to be positive, celebratory and memorable for you and your guests. To assist with your planning, please review the following information.

Regalia – May 4 Order Deadline

Visit the Regalia webpage to order your cap and gown by 11:59 p.m. May 4.

Commencement and Convocation Guest Tickets – May 20 Order Deadline

Students must reserve guest tickets by Friday, May 20 for Commencement and school convocations. To order tickets to Commencement (taking place at 9 a.m. Monday, June 13 at Ryan Field on Central Street) please see the instructions from March 21 in the archived Class of 2022 Student Emails. Each school will also host its own celebratory convocation during which students will be individually recognized. Refer to the email you received directly from your school(s) to order school convocation tickets. Please note these other important details about tickets:

• Only Northwestern University students may reserve tickets for the Commencement and convocation ceremonies.
• Tickets are electronic and are general admission.
• All tickets will be delivered via email on or about June 1, and will include directions for electronically transferring to your guests.
• Students ordering tickets will receive the maximum allotted for each event and are welcome to share any extras.
• If you are unsure about which events you should attend, please contact the Graduation Office.
• If you have trouble logging in to order tickets, please contact the Athletics Department at cat-tix@northwestern.edu, 847-491-2287 or 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775).

Graduation Weekend Events – No Tickets Required

• Multicultural Student Affairs Senior Congratulatory Events – A number of additional cultural and identity-based celebrations will take place in the coming weeks, including the Native American and Indigenous Community Celebration (May 15), Lavender Graduation (June 9), Latinx Congratulatory (June 9), APIDA Senior Send-Off (June 10) and The JOY: NU’s Black Congratulatory (June 10). Registration is required for these events by April 29.
• March Back Through the Arch – Just as March Through the Arch was a symbolic start to your Northwestern career, March Back Through the Arch is the bookend. March the reverse of the original path, beginning at Deering Meadow at 3 p.m. Friday, June 10.
• Baccalaureate – Attend this interfaith service at 4 p.m. June 11 in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. This ceremony precedes the President’s Reception and incorporates the many traditions of the University through diverse readings of scripture, inspiring student reflections and musical interludes.
• President’s Reception – You and your guests are invited join President Schapiro on the east lawn of Norris Student Center at 5 p.m. June 11 for a celebration honoring all of this year’s graduates.

If you have any questions, please contact the Graduation Office. Once again, congratulations on your pending achievement. We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests in June!

Thank you,

Kelly Schaefer and Jeremy Schenk, Commencement Co-chairs

(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2021 and have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Winter 2022, Spring 2022, and non-TGS Summer 2022. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)

Hello graduating Undergraduate and Graduate students,

It’s time to order your regalia and tickets for Graduation Weekend! Donning your purple gown and inviting guests is an excellent way to mark your achievements, and we look forward to celebrating with you in June. 

Graduation Attire  

Ordering for graduation attire, also called regalia, opens today, Monday, March 21. Place your order by May 4 at 11:59 p.m. to ensure that it arrives on time. Arrange pickup at the Norris Center in Evanston in June or have your order shipped to you for an extra cost, except for Doctoral regalia which must be picked up and cannot be shipped. Visit the regalia page of the Commencement website to read about guidelines and further details about your Northwestern regalia. You can also find the link to order on this page.

Undergraduate Students with Financial Aid

The Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid, in partnership with Student Enrichment Services, covers the cost of the bachelor’s degree regalia package for graduating undergraduate students receiving financial aid. Students who qualify will receive a separate email today from the Commencement Office with additional information.

First-Generation Undergraduate College Students

Undergraduate students who identify as first-generation college students are eligible to receive a first-generation stole from Student Enrichment Services (SES). Please note that if you choose to purchase your first-generation stole elsewhere, SES cannot reimburse you. Please visit the SES website to sign-up to receive a stole.

Graduate Students with Financial Need

For graduate students with financial need, please email the Commencement Office for information about the application process. All applications must be finalized by Wednesday, May 4 by 11:59 p.m.

Tickets

You can reserve your block of 10 guest tickets for 2022 Commencement beginning today, March 21 from the Commencement tickets website. The link to order tickets for school convocations will be distributed by individual schools. For both the Commencement tickets website and school convocation tickets website, log in with the following promotion code:

COMM22+StudentID 
(Example: if your seven-digit student ID/Emplid = 1234567; then your promotion code = COMM22+1234567)

• All orders for Commencement and/or convocations will be issued the maximum number of tickets allowable per ceremony. All seats are general admission.
• Place ticket reservations by May 20. Tickets will be emailed to you about two weeks before Graduation Weekend to distribute to your guests.
• For login issues or questions about your ticketing account, please contact the Athletics Department at cat-tix@northwestern.edu or 847-491-2287 or 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775).

To learn more about the differences between Commencement and convocations please visit the Celebrations & Events page on the Commencement website.

Accessibility needs

• If any of your guests will use a wheelchair or has limited mobility, please note that during the ticketing process. These seats will count toward your ticket allotment for Commencement and convocations.
• If your guests have other accessibility needs besides seating, please visit the Guests with Accessibility Needs webpage for additional information about accommodations.

The Commencement website is regularly updated, but if you have specific questions, please contact the Commencement Office at commencement@northwestern.edu or by phone at 847-491-3600. We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments during this year’s Graduation Weekend.

 

Thank you,

Kelly Schaefer and Jeremy Schenk, Commencement Co-chairs

 

(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2021 and have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Winter 2022, Spring 2022, and non-TGS Summer 2022. Receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)

Dear Prospective Graduate:

On behalf of Northwestern University, we want to congratulate you on your expected graduation! You’ve worked hard, and we want to make sure your graduation is a positive, celebratory and memorable experience for you and your guests.

To assist with your planning, please read the following helpful information:

Graduation Weekend Overview: Your graduation weekend will consist of the University Commencement, school convocation(s), and any number of receptions and other celebrations.

Caps and Gowns: Graduates may place regalia orders beginning Monday, March 21. You will receive an email with specific instructions closer to that date. In partnership with Student Enrichment Services, financial aid will cover the cost of a cap and gown for undergraduate students with financial need. Students who qualify will receive the funds directly to their student account.

Tickets: Each graduate may order guest tickets for the June 13 Commencement ceremony at Ryan Field and the convocation(s) for which they are eligible. Tickets will be available beginning Monday, March 21. Details about the number of tickets available for each event is forthcoming.

Graduation Weekend Plans: Visit the Commencement website for information on travel, the many celebratory events, and frequently asked questions about Graduation Weekend.

• Travel: Begin working with your guests about travel plans to Evanston.
• School Convocations: Each school hosts a convocation ceremony during which students are individually honored. Schools will contact their students about these events soon.
• Graduation Weekend Celebrations: Northwestern has several celebratory events over Graduation weekend. More information will come soon about these exciting events.

Please visit the Commencement websitefor more information about this exciting weekend, including copies of prior communications. If you have additional questions, please contact the Commencement Office at commencement@northwestern.edu. Once again, congratulations on your upcoming graduation. We look forward to celebrating with you in June!

Sincerely,

Kelly Schaefer & Jeremy Schenk, Commencement Co-Chairs

(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2021 and have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Winter 2022, Spring 2022 and Summer 2022. It is important to understand that receipt of this letter does not confirm your eligibility to graduate.)

Dear 2022 Degree Candidates:

I am pleased to announce that Northwestern University will hold its One Hundred and Sixty-Fourth Annual Commencement at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022 at Ryan Field. We look forward to welcoming you, your family members, and friends who have supported you while at Northwestern, to celebrate together your achievements.

As you plan for the 2022 Graduation Weekend, I want to make you aware of a few things:

Each participating degree candidate will be allocated 10 guest tickets for the ceremony held at Ryan Field. Guest tickets will be available for you to obtain beginning March 21, 2022.
Please note: In case of severe weather, the ceremony may be altered. This could include a delay in the start time, moving the ceremony to a different time in the weekend schedule, or some other accommodation. More information concerning severe weather plans for Commencement will be available on the Commencement website.

I invite you to attend the President's Reception, scheduled for Saturday, June 11, at 5:00 p.m., and the Baccalaureate Service preceding the reception, from 4 to 5 p.m. No tickets are required for these events.
Individual school convocations, where graduates are recognized by name, will be held at various times between Saturday, June 11, and Monday, June 13.  Convocation information will be sent to you by your school, and questions concerning convocations should be directed to individual school offices. 
While we cannot predict the course the pandemic will take by June, please know that our plans and activities will be informed by the latest guidance from public health agencies and Northwestern’s own medical experts.
The Commencement website offers more details and helpful information. If you have specific questions regarding Commencement, please contact the University Commencement Office at commencement@northwestern.edu or by phone at 847-491-3600. 

I look forward to seeing you at this year’s Commencement.

Sincerely,

Morton Schapiro
President and Professor

(This letter is being sent to students who earned degrees in Fall 2021 and have been reported to the Office of the Registrar as potential candidates for degrees in Winter 2022, Spring 2022 and Summer 2022. It is important to understand that receipt of this letter does not imply confirmation of your eligibility to graduate.)