Class Day is a College tradition, bringing together students, friends, and family on the day before Convocation. The celebration begins with a reception before a program featuring keynote speaker, student speakers and the presentation of College awards. Melina Hale, dean of the College, invites students and their family members to join this special occasion before attending the College Class of 2026 Dessert Reception at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Friday, June 5, 2026
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Bartlett Quadrangle, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
Light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be served to our graduating students and their families.
Friday, June 5, 2026
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Main Quadrangle, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
Friday, June 5, 2026
7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
The College invites all members of the College’s Class of 2026 and their parents and families to join us at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Parking at the MSI is free for this event and tickets are not required. Enter parking garage from the 57th Street & Cornell Drive entrance.
The 540th Convocation, during which degrees are officially conferred to all graduates, will be held on the Main Quadrangle on Saturday, June 6, 2026, 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 to candidates by division and school. More information about the 540th Convocation can be found on the University-wide Convocation Ceremony page.
Saturday, June 6, 2026
9:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Main Quadrangle, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
Following the University-wide Convocation ceremony, graduates of the College and their guests break off to attend lunches, diploma ceremonies, and celebration giveaway distribution. The lunches, ceremonies, and giveaway distributions take place simultaneously in various locations throughout campus. Locations are pre-assigned based on final house assignments.
For questions, please contact College Programming and Orientation at seniors@uchicago.edu.