Spring Convocation 2008

General Information

College graduate

Convocation is a formal academic ceremony instituted in 1893 at the close of the University's first quarter. Unlike many other institutions, graduates of the University of Chicago are presented with their diplomas individually.

Convocation Information for Candidates

Candidate Marching Requirements

Degree candidates participating in Convocation must have successfully satisfied all curriculum requirements and passed all prescribed examinations by the deadlines published by the Registrar. No exceptions will be made.

Special Needs

Candidates with disabilities who need special accommodations and candidates who need special arrangements for religious or cultural reasons should contact the Convocation Coordinator in the Office of Special Events. Please telephone (773) 702-2513 or email ose-convocation@uchicago.edu before May 19.

Appropriate Academic Attire

A degree candidate wears the robe and cap (but not the hood) that is appropriate for the degree he or she is to receive at the Convocation, regardless of previous degrees he or she has received. Doctoral candidates are not hooded at the University's ceremony. No adornment of any kind is worn outside the robe or cap and no item (i.e., purse or backpack) may be carried. Please be aware there is no secure place to leave any personal and/or valuable items. The University is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Academic Attire Pick-up

See below for instructions specific to your degree for obtaining your attire at the University Bookstore, 970 E. 58th Street, (773) 702-7558. June 9 to 15, the Bookstore will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  • Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. Your attire will be available for purchase at the Bookstore ($35 for bachelor's degrees; $40 for master's degrees). To ensure a proper fit and to avoid long lines, please purchase your cap and gown between May 26 and June 6. Attire will be sold until June 15, but we strongly suggest that you do not wait until the week of Convocation. You will be able to retain your cap and gown as a keepsake.
  • Doctoral Degrees and J.D. Your attire will be available for rent at the Bookstore for a cost of $50. The Registrar's Office will mail an academic attire rental card the week of April 28. Please place your order by May 23. If you do not receive a card by May 5 or if you miss the deadline, please contact the Bookstore as soon as possible. Rented academic attire will be available for pickup at the Bookstore beginning Wednesday, June 11, and must be returned to the Bookstore immediately after Convocation.

    Academic attire for Ph.D.s and J.D.s may also be purchased through the Bookstore, (773) 702-7558. The costs are: gown $565; tam $69; hood $148; and shipping $12.50 Ground; $40.00 Second-Day Air; $50.00 Next Day Air. If you would like to purchase any of these items, please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Candidates from schools that have their own hooding ceremonies would not need to purchase a hood.

Photography and Videography

Chappell Graduation Images will record the ceremony and photograph candidates receiving their diplomas. Approximately two weeks after the ceremony, students will receive by mail, directly from Chappell, a passport-size, full-color proof of the photo of them receiving their diploma, as well as information about purchasing DVDs and photographs. There is no obligation to purchase. Chappell will mail them to your current address listed with the University. If this is not correct, please update your file by June 2. Chappell offers 100% guarantee with the purchase of a DVD or photograph package. Orders can be placed by calling (800) 424-3686, or through their website at www.chappell.com.

Graduation Announcements & Class Rings

To order class rings, please visit Balfour online at www.balfour.com or call 877-BALFOUR (225-3687).

To order graduation announcements, visit www.CBgrad.com or call 800-433-0296

Resources

For general information, please contact:

  • Office of Special Events: Adam Nemec, (773) 702-2513
  • Office of the Registrar: John Plampin, (773) 702-7882

For details specific to your education program, please contact:

  • Biological Sciences: (773) 834-2105
  • Pritzker School of Medicine: (773) 702-1939
  • The College: (773) 702-8615
  • Divinity: (773) 702-8218
  • Graduate School of Business: Campus MBA, IMBA, and PhD program students: (773) 702-8197; Evening and Weekend students: (312) 464-8660
  • Graham School of General Studies: (773) 702-1726
  • Harris School of Public Policy: (773) 702-8401
  • Humanities: (773) 702-8498
  • Law School: (773) 702-3164
  • Physical Sciences: (773) 702-8789
  • Social Sciences: (773) 702-8414
  • Social Service Administration: (773) 702-1135

Other information is available from:

  • Alumni Association: (773) 702-2150
  • Chappell Graduation Images: (800) 247-3435
  • University Bookstore: (773) 702-7558

For additional information, please refer to your specific convocation session.