Congratulations to all May 2025 graduates!
Please continue to monitor your NEIU email address for Commencement-related information delivered through Constant Contact or from commencement@neiu.edu.
may 2025 Commencement Ceremony
2:00 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025
Credit Union 1 Arena
525 S. Racine Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Caps and Gowns
Caps and gowns are required to participate in the ceremony. The deadline to order caps and gowns is Friday, April 4, 2025. This is a hard deadline from Jostens, Northeastern’s official cap and gown manufacturer, to ensure students receive their orders before the ceremony. All orders placed online will be mailed directly to the address provided with the order, not to Northeastern.
Order your cap and gown today!
All inquiries regarding cap and gown orders should be directed to Jostens at (800) 854-7464 or via their customer service help center.
Please note: Commencement is a formal event. Caps and gowns are required to participate. In keeping with the formal nature of academic regalia, robes and hoods must be fully visible; caps may be decorated; and graduates may wear stoles, chords or medallions signifying academic honors, University clubs/organizations and veteran status with their regalia.
TICKETS
Each student will be able to pick up their eight (8) tickets during the Commencement Resource Fair being held on the Main Campus in Alumni Hall from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, and 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025. There will not be a waiting list. No exceptions will be made. It is strongly suggested you attend the Commencement Resource Fair.
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 6:00-9:00 p.m. Monday, May 12 (depending on RSVPs received) on the Main Campus in the Auditorium. Invitations will be sent via email to students who are eligible.
MASTER'S HOODING CEREMONY
The Master's Hooding Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. on the Main Campus in the Auditorium.
Day of Commencement
Graduates should begin arriving at the Credit Union 1 Arena between noon-1:30 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 1:30 p.m. to check in and be seated for the 2:00 p.m. ceremony.
Guests
All ticketed guests will enter the Credit Union 1 Arena at Gate 3 (corner of Racine and Harrison).
Doors open to guests at 1:00 p.m.
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 be available in Section 103.
No balloons, confetti, noisemakers or strollers will be allowed in the Arena.
Questions
Questions about Commencement can be directed to the Student Union office at (773) 442-4630 or commencement@neiu.edu.
