Commencement Ceremony 

Monday, May 18, 2026 @ 4:00 p.m.

Northern Illinois University Convocation Center

1525 West Lincoln Highway

DeKalb, IL  60115

General information

• Tickets are required for the graduation ceremony.  Each graduate will receive an allocation of 10 guest tickets. 

• Audience doors will open at 3:00 p.m.

• The ceremony usually lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• Bags will be checked upon entry to 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.