NCE’s 2023-2024 fiscal year, illustrating how the College is following through with our commitment to the betterment of education on both a local and national level.
Dear Graduate,
We are excited to celebrate your accomplishments at National Louis University's upcoming Commencement ceremonies! Please review the important information below to ensure a smooth and memorable graduation experience. Important: ● As you know, the lakefront is a busy area. There are other events on the same day. Give yourself enough time to get there and enjoy the event ! ● The procession begins 20 minutes before the ceremony's scheduled start time. Late arrivals, both guests and graduates, will not be seated until after the procession ends. Quick Links ● What to Wear ● Arrival Time & Ceremony Schedule
● Parking Information ● Graduate Check-In ● Guest Check-In ● ADA Accommodations ● Processional & Ceremony Instructions
● After the Ceremony ● Need Assistance? ● Live Stream
● Graduate Quick Reference Guide QR ● Guest Quick Reference Guide QR
What to Wear ● Regalia Required : Please arrive wearing your full academic regalia, including your gown, cap, tassel, and hood.
● Cap Security : Use bobby pins to secure your cap, especially if it fits loosely. A limited number of bobby pins will be available at the check-in desk.
● Travel Light : There is no storage at the venue. We strongly recommend leaving personal belongings in your vehicle.
● Formal Attire : Wear formal or business attire underneath your gown.
Arrival Time & Ceremony Schedule Arriving early ensures a stress-free experience and allows time for parking, check-in, and lining up.
College
Ceremony Date & Time
Arrive By
Procession Start Time
NCE
Friday, June 5 – 3:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:40 PM
Combined Colleges *
Saturday, June 6 – 10:00 AM
8:30 AM
9:40 AM
UGC
Saturday, June 6 – 3:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:40 PM
*Combined Colleges include: Kendall College, Accelerate U, PACE, College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, and School of Business and Leadership. Note: All students should plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before the ceremony begins to allow time for entry and seating. The procession will begin 20 minutes before the start time of the ceremony. Important: The procession begins 20 minutes before the ceremony's scheduled start time. Late arrivals may not be seated until after the procession ends. Parking Information Parking: Lot C (Lakeside Center Underground Garage) ● Address: 2227 Fort Dearborn Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 ( Look for the Parking Lot C sign )
● Parking Rate: Up to 16 hours: $27
● Entrance : All graduates and guests will enter through the front lobby of the venue.
Parking QR Code Instructions – Parking Lot C Entrance Instructions: 1. Upon arriving at the ticket dispenser, press the button to receive a ticket.
2. Take the ticket; the gate will open.
3. Enter the lot and park in an available space. ADA-designated accessible parking spaces are located near the accessible entrances. 4. Important: Please hold onto the parking ticket you received — you will need it to exit the garage. Exit Instructions: 1. At the exit verifier lane, scan your ticket under the scanner. The parking rate will appear on the screen.
2. Scan your QR code under the same scanner. The system will beep to confirm the scan.
3. The gate will open.
4. Exit the parking facility.
Graduate Check-In ● Location : Lower Lobby – accessible via stairs or escalator at the theater entrance.
● Elevator Access : Available for anyone with mobility needs.
● Check-In Process :
○ There will be check-in tables in the lower lobby , each marked with large signs indicating alphabetical ranges by last name (e.g., A–E, F–J).
○ Check in at the table corresponding to your last name .
○ Pick up your graduate card , which will be scanned when your name is called on stage. ( You will need this card to walk across the stage. DO NOT LOSE IT )
○ Proceed to your assigned line (A–E) as indicated on your graduate card. Marshals will guide you from there.
Processional & Ceremony Instructions ● Procession :
○ The procession will begin 20 minutes before the start time of the ceremony. ○ Follow instructions from the marshals during the procession. Please stay in an orderly line.
● Seating : Fill all seats completely — do not leave empty seats or skip rows.
Crossing the Stage : ● You will be in line waiting for your turn to cross the stage.
● A staff member will stop you at a certain point and let you know when to begin walking.
● When prompted, hand your graduate card to the staff member on stage so it can be scanned.
● When your name is called:
○ Walk across the stage.
○ Shake hands and receive your diploma cover .
○ Doctoral students will be hooded on stage .
○ Pause briefly for a photo at the end of the stage. (You will be directed by a photographer)
○ Return to your seat (please note: this may not be the same seat you started in).
Reminder: Please remain seated until the ceremony has ended to honor and respect all graduates
Guest Check-In
● Plan to Arrive Early: Please arrive at least 60 minutes before the ceremony start time to allow time for parking and venue entry. ● Guest Tickets are Required: Tickets will be scanned at the door. Your graduate should have shared their reserved guest tickets by printing them or sending them electronically. Graduates do not need a ticket.
● Security: All guests must pass through a metal detector. Please limit what you bring to speed up the entry process.
ADA Accommodations National Louis University is committed to ensuring all graduates and guests enjoy a comfortable and accessible commencement experience. For Graduates: ● If you are a graduate in need of accommodations, please check in at the designated ADA table upon arrival. A member of the team will assist you with any specific arrangements you may need.
● Please note: We do not provide mobility equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers. If needed, please make arrangements to bring your own.
For Guests: ● Guests who require ADA drop-off may be dropped off at the front entrance of the venue. After drop-off, vehicles must be parked in Parking Lot C (Lakeside Center Underground Garage).
● ADA-designated parking spaces are available within the garage near accessible entrances.
● To ensure smooth entry and seating, we highly recommend that guests requiring ADA access arrive early.
After the Ceremony ● Recessional : Marshals will guide the back rows to exit first.
● Exit Location : Graduates will exit to the outer lobby.
● Celebrate : Meet up with your guests for music, photos, and celebration!
Need Assistance? Look for volunteers in blue shirts — they are happy to help and provide directions. You can also email us at Commencement@nl.edu
Live Stream ● The ceremony will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person: Live Webcast
For a quick-reference version of the Graduate and Guest Guide, scan the QR code provided below Graduate Guide
Guest Guide
We can’t wait to celebrate you!
Commencement FAQ: Commencement Inquiry Form
Commencement Planning Committee www.nl.edu/commencement
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