The University of Chicago Convocation

The 538th Convocation, during which degrees are officially conferred to all graduates, will be held on the Main Quadrangle on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. CDT.

This is a University-wide ceremony involving degree candidates from all divisions and schools. It 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 verbally confer degrees on candidates by division and school. Each division and school will host a separate ceremony where degree candidates will be honored individually through the presentation of diplomas or hoods.

538th Convocation (University-wide ceremony) Location and Ticket Information 

The 538th Convocation will take place on the Main Quadrangle at the University of Chicago campus. The main entrance is located at 5801 South Ellis Avenue. Tickets are not required for the University-wide Convocation ceremony or the College diploma ceremonies, although they may be required for the division and school ceremonies. The Main Quadrangle will open to general seating at 7:00 a.m. Seating is first-come, first-served, and the ceremony will take place rain or shine.

Graduate Divisions and Schools

Each division and school will hold their own ceremony. Depending on the division or school in which you are graduating from, ceremonies will take place beginning on Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2, 2024.  

The College (Undergraduates)

Following the University-wide Convocation ceremony, graduates of the College and their guests break off to attend a lunch, diploma ceremony, and reception that is pre-assigned by their residence hall. These lunch distributions, ceremonies, and receptions all take place simultaneously in various locations throughout campus.