The University of Chicago Convocation

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. Tickets are not required for the University-wide Convocation Ceremony. 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.

Convocation is the 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.

The 540th Convocation of the University of Chicago: University-wide Ceremony