Graduation Information
Class of 2024-Commencement Ceremony
Monday, May 20, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Northern Illinois University Convocation Center
1525 W. Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
Graduation Program
Entrances Map
Student Seating Map
Class of 2024-Important Dates to Remember
General Information
There is ample seating and tickets will not be required.
The Class of 2024 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.
NIU Policies:
Guests are asked to NOT bring in large bags. If a bag is needed, it needs to be CLEAR and not to exceed 12" x 12" x 6" or a small hand size clutch purse not to exceed 5.5" x 8.5" and no more than 2" thick. NIU Bag Policy
An exception will be made for made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the door.
Unauthorized items must be returned to vehicles.
Purses, diaper bags, laptop bags, camera bags, backpacks, duffels, and fanny packs (see NIU Bag Policy)
Wrapped gifts and gift bags
Helium Balloons
Laser pointers of any kind
Coolers, bottles, cans, containers, or projectiles
Weapons, flammables, or other potentially dangerous items
Aerosol containers or any pressurized container
Horns, noisemakers, or whistles
Any illegal substances
Posters, banners, or signs on sticks
Golf Umbrellas
Tripods, monopods, & selfie sticks
Outside food & beverages (including Starbucks, Dunkin’, and other coffee brands)
Strollers are not permitted in the arena.
Guests & Graduates may bring in (1) unopened 20 oz. or smaller bottle of water into the Convocation Center.
Graduates and guests are asked to exit the Convocation Center immediately after the conclusion of the ceremony.
For Students
Caps and Gowns
Seniors are required to complete this survey prior to the end of September to provide us with your measurements so we can order your cap and gown.
Pick up dates are May 13 and 14 during lunch periods in the Main Foyer.
The caps and gowns are "Keepers" and do not need to be returned after the ceremony.
Students must have an ID and all fees and fines must be paid.
MANDATORY Graduation Group Meeting - Tuesday, May 14, 2024, @ 2:30 p.m.-Room Assignments TBD
Students will receive programs, and information specific to their participation in the ceremony at this time.
Convocation Center Interior Map-includes student seating information
Convocation Center Parking Map
MANDATORY Graduation Practice - Friday, May 17, 2024, @ 7:30 a.m. - Main Gym
Commencement Ceremony - Monday, May 20, 2024, @ 7:30 p.m. - NIU Convocation Center
Arrive at the ceremony at 6:30 p.m. You cannot enter the Convocation Center before this time. You may enter any door.
Do not bring cell phones, cameras, or purses.
Please have a plan to reunite with parents/guests outside the Convocation Center or parking lot after the ceremony.
--Updated 4/22/24 --
Graduation Speakers
There will be three student speakers at the Commencement Ceremony. The class president will give an address and there will be two at-large speakers. The at-large speeches are open to any member of the class in good standing. Students wishing to speak at the Commencement Ceremony need to submit their speech no later than April 8 at 7 am. Click here for detailed information on being a graduation speaker.
Academic Recognition
Historically, graduates have been honored with Latin designations based upon placement in the top five, ten, or twenty-five percent of the graduating class with the Latin designations of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude respectively. Beginning with the Class of 2025, graduates will be assigned the Latin designations based upon both weighted and unweighted grade point averages (GPA) according to the scales below. Students whose GPA's fall into different categories based on either weighted or unweighted calculations will receive the higher honor.
For the Class of 2024 only, students’ GPAs will also be reviewed under the percentage-based system, and they will be recognized for the highest level of achievement. Top 5% = 5.472, 10%=5.306, 25%=4.98
