Graduation Information

2026 Commencement Ceremony 

Monday, May 18, 2026 @ 7:30 p.m.

Northern Illinois University Convocation Center

1525 West Lincoln Highway

DeKalb, IL  60115

General Information

• New for 2026: Northern Illinois University requires guest tickets as a security and safety measure to ensure that only invited guests attend the ceremony. Each graduate will receive an allocation of 10 guest tickets at no cost. Tickets are required for all guests ages 3 and older.

• Graduates who do not plan to use all of their tickets are encouraged to share them with classmates who may need additional tickets. 

• If your family is in need of additional tickets beyond the initial allocation, you may request to be placed on a waitlist by completing the attached form by May 14. Extra tickets will be handed out to the graduate student at Graduation Practice on May 15th.

• Audience doors will open at 6:30 p.m. (one hour before)

• The ceremony usually lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• Bags will be checked as you enter the venue. Review the bag policy linked here. 

• Please note that NIU staff will send you back to your vehicle if you bring a bag that does not comply with their policy. 

• Review the NIU Convocation Center Prohibited Items list linked here. 

• No outside food or drink is permitted. 

• Guests and graduates may bring in one unopened 20 oz or smaller bottle of water. 

• The ceremony will be live-streamed on the D303 YouTube channel. 

• Grad Images will be on hand to take pictures of each graduate as they receive their diploma.

• Only graduates are permitted on the lower-level gym floor and the arena floor. Guests will not be permitted to access these areas.

• Plan to meet your graduate outside of the Convocation Center after the ceremony.

• Please click here for a larger overview of NIU's Convocation Center Policies