Graduation Information

2027 Commencement Ceremony 

Monday, May 24, 2027 @ 4:00 p.m.

Northern Illinois University Convocation Center

1525 West Lincoln Highway

DeKalb, IL  60115

General Information

• Grad Group meetings will be held on Tuesday, May 18th after school. At this meeting, Seniors will receive a manilla folder containing: graduation programs, tickets, immunization records, a notice of record destruction, and a packet with important graduation 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, please have your student stop by the CCR Office no later than May 20th to pick up more tickets. Students can also obtain more tickets at Graduation practice. Additional tickets are first come, first serve. 

• Audience doors will open at 3:00 p.m. (one hour before)

• The ceremony lasts approximately 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