Graduation Information
Commencement Ceremony
Monday, May 20, 2024 @ 4:00 p.m.
Northern Illinois University Convocation Center
1525 West Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, IL 60115
Google Maps Driving Directions
There is ample seating and no tickets are required
Audience doors open at 3:00 p.m.
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
No outside food or drink is permitted. Guests and graduates may bring in one unopened 20 oz or smaller bottle of water.
Senior Communications
Click the links below for Senior Communications (links will be posted when we get closer to the date)
Guests with Special Needs
Our commencement is general admission. The Convocation Center has ample seating space for those in wheelchairs. One family member will be able to sit next to the guest in a wheelchair, while the rest of the family will be able to sit in the rows just in front of this area.
Guests will be responsible to bring any special equipment (wheelchair, walker, etc.) they may need.
The Convocation Center is an arena where all the seating (except for ADA) is accessed via at least one step.
To aid in understanding the setup of this venue, please consult the West End Stage seating info.
Special Needs Parking
Permanent spaces are designated for persons with disabilities. If you have a person that would like to be dropped off near the entrances, please let the parking staff know as you enter the drive of the Convocation Center. They will then direct you.
After the ceremony, graduates will exit the Convocation Center by Door #2. Please make your arrangements to reunite with your graduate ahead of time.
Livestream
The Class of 2024 ceremony will be live-streamed on the D303 YouTube channel. Click the link to watch the ceremony in real-time.
Pictures
Grad Images will be on hand to take pictures of each graduate as they receive their diploma.
Once the photos are ready, students will be emailed and/or mailed their proofs. Students can also visit the website at gradimages.com and type in their last name, school, and graduation year to see their proofs. Students can also call the Grad Images Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576 or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net
For Students
Graduation Group Meeting - Monday, May 13, 2024 @2:30 p.m. Click here for Room Assignments.
Caps and gowns will be distributed between May 14, May 15 & May 16, 2024 in the Main Gym Lobby.
Graduation Practice - Friday, May 17, 2024 @ 7:30 a.m. in the Sports Complex.
Arrive at the ceremony at 3:00 p.m. You cannot enter the Convocation Center before this time.
Do not bring cell phones, cameras, or purses.
No outside food or drink. You can bring one unopened bottle of water no larger than 20 oz.
Students whose last names begin with letters A-Le will be seated on the left side facing the stage.
Students whose last names begin with letters Li-Z will sit on the right side facing the stage.
Guests and graduates are asked to exit the Convocation Center immediately after the ceremony. Please follow Convocation Center staff directions for exiting.
Have a plan to reunite with parents/guests outside the Convocation Center or parking lot after the ceremony.
Academic Recognition
Students finishing the 7th semester with a 5.5 weighted or a 5.0 unweighted GPA will be recognized as Summa Cum Laude and will receive a gold cord to be worn at the Commencement Ceremony.
Students finishing the 7th semester with a 5.25 weighted or 4.9 unweighted GPA will be recognized as Magna Cum Laude and will receive a white cord to be worn at the Commencement Ceremony.
Students finishing the 7th semester with a 5.0 weighted or a 4.7 unweighted GPA will be recognized as Cum Laude and will receive an orange cord to be worn at the Commencement Ceremony.
Ceremony Archive
2023 Ceremony:
The 2023 ceremony can be viewed here.
2022 Ceremony:
The 2022 ceremony can be viewed here.
2021 Ceremony:
The 2021 ceremony can be viewed here.
2020 Ceremony:
The 2020 Virtual Graduation Ceremony can be viewed here.
2019 Ceremony:
The 2019 ceremony can be viewed here. (Pictures of our graduates precede the ceremony. The ceremony begins at roughly the 22:30 mark of the video.)
2018 Ceremony:
The 2018 ceremony can be viewed here.
