Click this link to view the MARCHING LIST which includes RED/BLUE; ROW & SEAT numbers!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AI3YRd4rnuQl97rJsBy1y39l-xoGgnq-/view?usp=sharing

Frequently Asked Questions about Commencement

• WILL THERE BE A COMMENCEMENT PRACTICE? No. Due to grouping restrictions and capacity limitations, we are not able to run a commencement practice.

• HOW WILL GRADUATES KNOW WHERE TO SIT? Graduates will be sent an email with specific seating assignments for Commencement. Staff will also be on hand when Graduates arrive NIU to tell them their exact seat location.

• ARE ADDITIONAL TICKETS AVAILABLE? No. You may or not be aware that the State of Illinois will be entering the Bridge To Phase 5 in the Restore Illinois plan on Friday, May 14. Under the new guidelines, Northern Illinois University – Huskie Stadium capacity will increase to 60%, allowing each graduate to receive 10 tickets for Commencement. Please note, social distancing of 6 feet between families is strongly encouraged in the stands. Because of the increased allotment of tickets, there will be no ticket lottery. If a graduate is in need of additional tickets, they should seek out other graduates for unused tickets. There will be a LIVE stream of the event for those who are not able to be in attendance.

• MASKS are required to be worn for all guests when entering the facility and walking around the concourse. Guests may remove their masks only while seated and socially distanced. Graduates MUST wear their mask on the field. A Class of 2021 mask will be provided to all graduates in their ticket envelope.

• CARE OF CAPS & GOWNS: Graduates should immediately hang up their gown. Do not hang caps and gowns in the sunlight. Do not wash or dry clean. It is not proper to wear caps and gowns on the street unless going to or from a commencement program or a special church service for seniors. It is not proper to wear flowers, ornaments, or decorations on your gown. Graduates are not permitted to decorate their caps.

• HOW TO WEAR YOUR CAP & GOWN: The Commencement Ceremony is a serious occasion and should be regarded as such by you. Each individual can contribute to that dignity through the proper wearing of his/her apparel and the guarding of his/her conduct. The caps should first be places well down over the forehead and then pulled firmly down in the back. Only a small part of the forehead should remain uncovered. CAPS SHOULD ALWAYS BE WORN STRAIGHT, AND NOT ON THE SIDE OR BACK OF THE HEAD.

• TASSELS: The tassel should always be draped over the RIGHT TEMPLE, until after you receive the signal at Commencement, to place the tassel over the LEFT TEMPLE. Students who are members of the National Honor Society, National Vocation Technical Honor Society, French Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, AFJROTC Kitty Hawk Honor Society, or National Art Honor Society may wear the tassel symbolic of their membership in that organization. Students who are members of multiple Honor Societies may only wear multiple tassels if the cap permits. Graduates will receive their Honor Tassels on Friday, May 21 in their ticket envelop. Honor cords are not permitted.

• COMMENCEMENT ATTIRE (students will be walking on turf, no heels/wedges of any kind!!!)

  • Boys - Short sleeve collar shirt with pants or shorts. Tennis shoes are acceptable to wear.

  • Girls - Dress, skirt, shorts, or pants under their robes. (no heels or wedges) Flat slip-on shoes, sandals, or tennis shoes are acceptable. Girls should NOT remove their caps at any time during the services. Corsages are NEVER WORN on the graduation robe. PURSES SHOULD BE LEFT AT HOME, there is no place to secure them.

• PICTURES: It is impossible to accommodate each parent or relative who wants to take a close-up picture of the graduate. We request that parents/relatives take pictures from their seats. A professional studio has been contracted to take a picture of each graduate as he/she receives his/her diploma cover. Each graduate will receive, by mail, a color-proof picture that may be kept plus an order form for additional pictures.

• FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS: Seniors must take care of ALL financial responsibilities prior to Commencement. Tickets will be withheld until all fees have been paid. Questions - please call the Bookkeeper at 630-301-5524 or email lboyd@sd129.org

• GENERAL INFO FROM NIU:

  • • • Guests must sit in the seating section noted on the tickets. Seating within your section is general admission. Please respect distancing rules and sit apart from other groups in your section. Guests sitting too close to other groups will be asked to move. Guests may have their tickets checked at any time and will be moved if they are sitting anywhere other than their assigned section.

      • Guests, Graduates, Faculty & Staff may bring in (1) unopened 20 oz. or a smaller bottle of water into the stadium. Please have them refrain from bringing in any other outside beverages (including Starbucks, Dunkin’, and other coffee brands).

      • Florists / Flower sales will not be permitted inside the facility.

      • Graduates and Staff should not wear heels on the turf; there is potential for injury.

      • CLEAR BAG POLICY:

        • • Guests are encouraged to not bring bags into the arena, however, the following are permitted:

          • Bags that are clear and do not exceed 12" x 6" 12"

          • Small clutch bags, without a handle or strap, which do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approx. the size of a hand).

          • An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the door.

      • PROHIBITED ITEMS:

        • • Bags, backpacks, duffels (see Clear Bag Policy)

          • 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

          • Helium Balloons

          • Posters, banners, or signs on sticks

          • Golf Umbrellas

          • Tripods, monopods, & selfie sticks

          • Outside food & beverages (including Starbucks, Dunkin’, and other coffee brands)

          • Strollers