Congratulations to all May 2023 graduates!
Please continue to monitor your NEIU email address for Commencement-related information delivered through Constant Contact or commencement@neiu.edu.
May 2023 Commencement Ceremony
4 p.m. Friday, May 12
Credit Union 1 Arena
525 S. Racine Ave.
Please see the Student Reminder for more information, including directions and a map for parking.
Not receiving Commencement Emails?
Please contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@neiu.edu to ensure all of your graduation paperwork has been submitted and you are on the approved list(s) to participate in the May 2023 Commencement ceremony.
If you have not applied, submit your graduation application immediately! The bachelor's and master’s graduation applications and additional information including important deadlines is available within the Registrar Services page under Applying for Graduation.
The final date to be added as a late-add to participate in the May 2023 Commencement Ceremony is Monday, April 24, 2023.
Caps and Gowns
The deadline to order caps and gowns online via the Jostens website is Friday, March 31, 2023. All orders placed online will be mailed directly to your home address, not to NEIU.
ALL INQUIRIES REGARDING CAP AND GOWN ORDERS MUST BE DIRECTED TO JOSTENS.
If you still need to purchase a cap and gown after Friday, March 31, please visit the Student Union Office in Room SU 207. Due to a very limited supply, not all sizes or hood colors are guaranteed to be in stock.
No caps and gowns will be available for purchase after Friday, May 5, 2023, so do not wait until the last minute!
TICKETS
Each student will be able to pick up their four (4) tickets during the Commencement Resource Fair being held on the Main Campus in Alumni Hall from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2023, and 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Graduates will have the opportunity to place their name on a waiting list to receive an additional two (2) tickets only should there be any remaining tickets available. After these dates tickets will be available for pickup in Room SU 207 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, April 3-May 5, 2023.
Any lost or stolen guest tickets will not be replaced. Children under 2 years of age will not require a ticket.
ACADEMIC HONORS
The Academic Honors Ceremony will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2023, (depending on RSVPs received) in the NEIU Auditorium. Invitations will be sent Monday April 10, 2023.
If you are unable to attend the Academic Honors Ceremony, medallions will be available for pickup in the Student Union Office in Room SU 207 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday until May 11, beginning Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
MASTER'S HOODING CEREMONY:
The Master Hooding Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in the NEIU Auditorium. For more information, please check out our webpage.
Day of Commencement
Graduates should begin arriving at the Credit Union 1 Arena at 2 p.m. checking in at Gate 2 right off Harrison Street. There, you will receive your Name Card and be directed to your seating section in the arena. Be sure to hold on to your Name Card at all times, as you will give that card to the name reader as you cross the stage
Please plan your travel times accordingly and allow enough time for traffic and parking.
Graduates should arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. to check in and be seated for the 2 p.m. ceremony.
Guests
All ticketed guests will enter the Credit Union 1 Arena at Gate 3 (corner of Racine and Harrison).
Doors open at 3 p.m. for guests.
Guests will not be required to show proof of vaccination status.
Seating is general admission with no assigned seats. We ask that all guests please be respectful of one another's personal space and allow for social distancing between families when possible.
Credit Union 1 staff will be available for guests needing mobility assistance or wheelchair seating.
Seating for deaf and hearing impaired will also be available in Section 103.
No balloons, confetti, noisemakers or strollers will be allowed in the Arena.
