Key Details & FAQs
Key Details
When and Where
Convocation at Ryan Field begins at 9:00 a.m., June 11, 2023. There is some parking at Ryan Field. In addition, shuttles from the main campus start at 7:30 a.m. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Graduates will check-in at Trienens Hall at Ryan Field to receive your reader card (how our readers will call your name on stage). Guests will enter through gates S, T, M, N, and Q. Please arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. to ensure you are there in time for the start of the celebration.
Prepare for the Weather
The celebration is in Ryan Field, which is an outdoor venue. You and your guests should prepare for the weather by bringing sunscreen or rain gear. In the case of rain, we remain outside. In case of severe weather, we will communicate through the Weinberg College convocation website and/or at site locations.
Emergency Messaging
To opt-in to the RAVE system to receive emergency messaging, text “AlertNU” to 226787. This will subscribe you for 365 days. You can opt out at any time by texting “STOP” to the same number. The RAVE emergency messaging system will alert you to any campus emergencies.
Stage-crossing
Graduates will cross the stage and hear their name read as they are congratulated by the Dean. Professional photographs will be taken of each student on stage. Photography information will be emailed and posted to this page after the event.
Diploma
Diplomas will not be available on June 11. Graduates will be given a diploma cover at the ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed in August to the graduate's permanent address as it is listed in CAESAR. Please check CAESAR to ensure your permanent address is correct.
Speaker
The 2023 Convocation Speaker will be announced in the Spring.
Reception
All graduates and their guests are invited to the Weinberg College Graduation Reception immediately following Convocation from 1-3pm at the Norris East Tent.
Live Stream
For those students and guests unable to join us in person, we will be live streaming the ceremony. You will soon receive a personalized link to your graduation page to share with others which will include the live stream. We will also make the live stream available at our convocation website.
Ceremony Logistics
Will I need tickets for Convocation?
Yes, each student is allotted 10 tickets to the Convocation ceremony. Note that these tickets are separate from the 10 tickets students are allotted for the University's Commencement ceremony on Monday, June 12.
How do I order tickets?
Each graduate is responsible for ordering tickets for their guests. Students should reference their email to access the Convocation ticketing portal.
What if I need more than 10 tickets?
Please contact the Weinberg Events office at wcas-events@northwestern.edu.
What time is the ceremony over?
The ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours.
Is there air-conditioning at the ceremony?
No, the ceremony will be held outdoors. If you have a guest who is heat-sensitive, we recommend that they watch the live broadcast of the Convocation ceremony in the Technological Institute, which is an air-conditioned space.
Preparing for Convocation
I won't finish my coursework until August. Is it possible for me to attend Convocation?
Yes, if you are an undergraduate student finishing your degree requirements in August, you may still participate in the Convocation ceremony. However, you will not receive your diploma until you have completed your summer coursework. Your degree will be audited and the diploma will be mailed to you.
If I completed my coursework in December 2022 or March 2023, is it possible for me to attend the June Convocation?
Yes, if you completed your degree requirements in December 2022 or March 2023, you are welcome to participate in the Convocation ceremony.
Is it absolutely necessary to wear a cap and gown at the ceremony?
Yes, all participants must wear a University-approved cap and gown. Rental arrangements for caps and gowns must be made online by the deadline (May 21). More information on regalia can be found on the Commencement website.
Can someone else pick up my gown for me?
Yes. They will need to bring a copy of your order confirmation with them.
What is a reader card?
A reader card is presented to the faculty reader as you prepare to walk across the stage. The card indicates your name and its phonetic spelling, the major you have chosen to be affiliated with during Convocation. You will receive your reader card when you arrive at Trienens for the Convocation ceremony.
In addition to a cap and gown, what is appropriate attire for the ceremony?
The weather in June is often quite hot. Please be sure that the shoes and clothes worn under your gown allow you to be comfortable while still preserving the dignity of the ceremony.
Day of Convocation
When should graduates arrive for Convocation?
Graduates must arrive at Trienens Hall, which is adjacent to Ryan Field, by 8:30 a.m., where they will be directed to the registration tables to pick up their reader cards and be seated on the field.
When should guests arrive for Convocation?
Ryan Field opens to guests at 8:00 a.m. However, because this area is the site of several Convocation ceremonies, guests are encouraged to use the shuttle bus to avoid heavy traffic and parking difficulties.
Will I receive my diploma at Convocation?
No, diplomas will be mailed to graduates after Convocation. Students who participate in Convocation will receive a diploma cover when they cross the stage. See Diplomas FAQs.
I am being granted a degree from another school at Northwestern University, but since I have a major in Weinberg College, I would like to participate in Weinberg's Convocation too. Is this possible?
Yes, as a courtesy, we allow all Northwestern University students with majors in Weinberg College to participate in our Convocation.
What happens in case of rain?
The celebration is in Ryan Field, which is an outdoor venue. You and your guests should prepare for the weather by bringing sunscreen or rain gear. In the case of rain, we remain outside. In case of severe weather, we will communicate through the Weinberg College convocation website and/or at site locations.
Diplomas
When will I receive my diploma?
Assuming your coursework has been completed and all fees have been paid, you will receive your diploma in the mail in August, and it will be sent by the Office of the Registrar. If your graduation date is not June 2023, your diploma will be mailed after your graduation date.
Where will my diploma be mailed?
Your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address, as it is listed in CAESAR. It is important that you update your permanent address in CAESAR as soon as possible in order to ensure correct delivery of your diploma.
What if I need proof of graduation before I receive my diploma in the mail?
Contact the Registrar to request a degree verification letter.
What will I receive when I cross the stage?
Weinberg College students participating in Convocation will receive a diploma cover as they are congratulated on stage. This is yours to keep.
What will my diploma read?
All Weinberg College students receive a Bachelor of Arts diploma. The diploma does not indicate major or minor.
If I am being granted a degree from another school at Northwestern University, but have received a major or minor in Weinberg College, will I receive a diploma from Weinberg College?
No, you will only receive a diploma from the school granting the degree.