About the University-wide Convocation Ceremony
Convocation is the University-wide ceremony during which degrees are officially conferred to all degree candidates. The 539th Convocation will be held on the Main Quadrangle on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. CDT.
The ceremony will include the presentation of honorary degrees and an address from the Convocation speaker. Convocation Addresses consistently focus on the pursuit of knowledge and the power of ideas. The University president, A. Paul Alivisatos, will then verbally confer degrees on degree candidates by division and school. To learn more about the Convocation ceremony and its history at the University of Chicago, please visit our traditions page.
Academic Regalia and Attire
All degree candidates must wear the proper academic regalia that is appropriate for the degree they receive at Convocation, regardless of any previous degrees received. Convocation is a formal and traditional ceremony, and we ask that any attire or adornment worn by candidates be appropriate for the occasion. More information about Academic Regalia will be released in the coming weeks. Please check the Convocation website periodically for updates.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Please review the accessibility and accommodations page for options available to candidates and guests with accommodation needs.
Arrival Information
Several thousand attendees are expected at the University-wide ceremony. It is strongly recommended that all attendees plan to arrive on campus early and allow extra time for travel and parking. The Main Quadrangle will open for general seating at 7:00 a.m. Guests are asked to be in their seats by no later than 8:45 a.m. so that they can watch the procession. The main entrance for guests is locatied at 5801 South Ellis Avenue. Please see Plan Your Visit for additional guest information.
Candidates should report to their lineup location by no later than 8:45 a.m. to guarantee participation in the procession. Please see additional lineup directions below.
Candidate Lineup Directions:
ALL CANDIDATES
Candidate Arrival: 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Procession begins: 9:00 a.m.
Please arrive to your designated lineup location dressed in academic regalia. To guarantee participation in the procession, be your line by 8:45 a.m.
The College
Candidates of the College will lineup inside Barlett Quadrangle.
Ride Share Users: If coming by ride share, the recommended drop off locations are 1100 East 56th Street or 1131 East 57th Street
Divisions and Schools:
Division and School candidates will lineup inside Harper Quadrangle. Once inside Harper Quadrangle please locate your division and school within the East and West lineup tents.
Candidate ONLY Entrance for Lineup: Harper Memorial Library, 1116 East 59th Street
Ride Share Users: If coming by ride share, the recommeded drop off location is Woodlawn and East 59th Street. You will then walk west down 59th Street to the candidate entrance for lineup at Harper Memorial Library. You will walk through the building and be directed to enter into Harper Quadrangle.
College and Divisions and Schools Ceremonies and Activities
Separate ceremonies and other activities hosted by the College and each division and school take place in addition to the University-wide Convocation Ceremony. Please visit Ceremonies and Activities and locate your school or division or see the full schedule of events as dates, times, and locations for events will vary.
