Hello SESP 2024-2025 Graduates, 

You are cordially invited to the SESP community’s biggest celebration of the year – graduation. This year, SESP graduation (known as Convocation) will be Monday, June 16 from 2:30pm-4:30pm at Ryan Fieldhouse (2333 Campus Dr.) on Northwestern’s Evanston campus.

You can expect to hear from us regularly from this email address with updates and next steps to ensure that this day is enjoyable and runs smoothly for you and your guests. You will be able to find more information regarding convocation on the SESP website. We encourage you to bookmark this website, as well as the University graduation website for future reference.

Today we have important updates regarding tickets for SESP’s convocation and the University-wide Commencement, accessibility needs, and regalia.

Tickets 

Earlier today, you received an email from the Office of Graduation and Senior Year Experiences (GYSE) including information around ticketing. If you did not receive this email, please email us. The ticketing platform will open on February 27. You will be able to reserve up to 8 tickets for SESP Convocation in Ryan Fieldhouse and 4 first-round tickets for the 167th Annual Commencement at the United Center. SESP convocation is where you will cross the stage and hear your name read; no one crosses the stage at Commencement. You need separate tickets for these ceremonies since they are two separate events

Please note that you DO NOT need to log in on February 27 to secure your first round of tickets. As long as you claim your first round tickets by March 25 (before the second round opens) you will be guaranteed 4 tickets for Commencement. 

Accessibility needs 

If any of your guests are using wheelchairs or have limited mobility (no stairs, limited walking) please indicate that during the ticketing process. Please have conversations with your guests before ordering so you will know if you need any wheelchair seats or mobility access seats. 

If you or your guests have other accessibility needs besides seating, please visit the Guests with Accessibility Needs webpage for additional information about accommodations.  

Regalia 

Regalia is your cap, gown, and all the other accessories for your degree. Regalia must be worn by all graduates participating. Bachelor’s degree regalia includes a souvenir stole. Advanced degree candidates wear hoods. The lining of the Northwestern hood is purple and gold, and the color of the velvet border of the hood indicates the academic area.

This year we are offering Bachelor’s and Master’s candidates the opportunity to order regalia between February 27 and April 11 for pick-up at Grad Fair on April 16-17. Get your regalia early and check it off your list! If you are planning to schedule private graduation photos we strongly recommend this option.  

For more information about regalia, including financial aid information, check out the Graduation website. 

For any questions, please email SESPConvocation@northwestern.edu.

We look forward to celebrating you all and sharing the #SESPLove in June!

 

Sincerely,

The SESP Graduation Planning Team

Please note that the ability to participate in convocation is presumptive evidence of graduation but should not be regarded as conclusive. Students who complete their degree between December 2024 and December 2025 are invited to participate in the June 2025 celebrations. However, September and December 2025 graduates’ names will appear in the programs for 2026 SESP Convocation and University Commencement.