Hi there, SESP Grads!

We hope that winter quarter is wrapping up well. We're reaching out today to put some upcoming deadlines and events on your radar. As always, feel free to reach out to SESPConvocation@northwestern.edu with any questions. 

Student Speaker Auditions for Commencement Accepted in March 

Video submissions for students auditioning to speak at Commencement are being accepted until March 31. This opportunity is open to both graduate and undergraduate students. 

Applications can be submitted at bit.ly/NU2025speaker. 

Audition guidelines can be found at bit.ly/NU2025speakerguide. 

More information about speaking roles at SESP Convocation will come during Spring quarter. Stay tuned! 

Grad Fair

We invite you to stop by the Grad Fair on April 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. and/or April 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Northwestern Bookstore in the Norris University Center. Grad Fair will include representatives from the Alumni Association, Senior Class Gift, and more! 

Tickets for SESP Convocation and Commencement 

The ticketing portal is now open! The ticket system can be accessed through the Graduation Ticketing website. 

• Log in with your NetID and password.

• Please only request the number of tickets you need. You can donate back remaining tickets during the checkout process or share with friends who need additional tickets.

• You DO NOT need to reserve a ticket for yourself – only your guests.

• Children 3 years of age and under who will sit in a caregiver’s lap do not need a ticket.

You will need separate tickets for convocation and commencement as they are separate events. All SESP grads may receive up to 8 tickets for SESP convocation. Commencement tickets are distributed in three rounds:

• Round 1, today-April 1: Request up to four tickets.  

• Round 2, April 2 – 28: Request up to two additional tickets. The waitlist also turns on for additional requests.

• Round 3, April 29 – May 30: The Graduation Office fulfills waitlist requests only during this round.  

• Waitlist ticket requests are not guaranteed and are subject to ticket availability.

Accessibility accommodations

• All tickets to all ceremonies are general admission. When ordering tickets, the system will prompt you to enter how many guests in your party require accessible seating for a guest who uses a wheelchair or a mobility scooter. Please note: every wheelchair space has one companion seat included. Because these spaces are limited and in high demand, we are not able to seat entire parties.  

• If your guests have other accessibility needs besides wheelchair seating, please visit the accessibility webpage for additional information.

Regalia

The regalia ordering portal is also now open! Visit the regalia page on the Graduation website to find ordering instructions, along with guidelines and further details.  

Bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates have three ordering options:

1. Order before April 8 for pick up at the Northwestern Bookstore in Evanston during Grad Fair, April 16-17 (details below).

2. Order by May 16 to ship to a residence ($15.95 shipping fee applies).

3. Order between April 18 and May 18 for pick up at the Northwestern Bookstore on or after June 2.

Undergraduate students with financial need

The office of Undergraduate Financial Aid covers the cost of the bachelor’s degree regalia package for graduating undergraduate students receiving a certain level of financial aid. Students who qualify will receive a separate email from Undergraduate Financial Aid with additional information.

Graduate students with financial need  

For graduate students with financial need, the Office of Graduation & Senior Year Experiences may provide financial assistance toward your regalia rental/purchase. Please email the Graduation Office for information.

With SESPLove, 

The SESP Graduation Planning Team