• Regalia Required: Please arrive wearing your full academic regalia, including your gown, cap, tassel, and hood.
• Cap Security: use bobby pins to secure your cap, especially if it fits loosely. A limited number of bobby pins will be available at the check-in desk.
• Travel Light: There is no storage at the venue. We strongly recommend leaving personal belongings in your vehicle.
• Formal Attire: Wear formal or business attire underneath your gown.

Arriving early ensures a stress-free experience and allows time for parking, check-in, and lining up.

*Combined Colleges include Kendall College, Accelerate U, PACE, College of Psychology and Behavior Sciences, and School of Business and Leadership.

Note: All student should plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before the ceremony begins to allow time for entry and seating.

The procession will begin 20 minutes before the start time of the ceremony.

Important: The procession begins 20 minutes before the ceremony's scheduled start time. Late arrivals may not be seated until after the procession ends.

Parking: Lot C (Lakeside Center Underground Garage)

• Address: 2227 Fort Dearborn Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 (Look for the Parking Lot C sign)
• Parking Rate: Up to 16 hours: $27
• Entrance: All graduates and guests will enter through the front lobby of the venue.

Entrance Instructions:

1. upon arriving at the ticket dispenser, press the button to receive a ticket.
2. Take the ticket; the gate will open.
3. Enter the lot and park in an available space. ADA-designated accessible parking space are located near the accessible entrances.
4. Important: Please hold onto the parking ticket you received — you will need it to exit the garage.

Exit Instructions:

1. At the exit verifier lane, scan your ticket under the scanner. The parking rate will appear on the screen.
2. Scan your QR code under the same scanner. The system will beep to confirm the scan.
3. The gate will open.
4. Exist the parking facility.

• Location: Lower Lobby – accessible via stairs or escalator at the theater entrance.
• Elevator Access: Available for anyone with mobility needs.
• Check-in Process:
  • There will be check-in tables in the lower lobby, each marked with large signs indicating alphabetical ranges by last name A–E, F–J).
  • Check in at the table corresponding to your last name.
  • Pick up your graduate card, which will be scanned when your name is called on stage. (You will need this card to walk across the stage. DO NOT LOSE IT)
  • Proceed to your assigned line as indicated on your graduate card. Marshals will guide you from there.

• Procession:
  • The procession will begin 20 minutes before the start time of the ceremony.
  • Follow instructions from the marshals during the procession. Please stay in an orderly line.
• Seating: Fill all seats completely — do not leave empty seats or skip rows.

Crossing the Stage:

• You will be inline waiting for your turn to cross the stage.
• A staff member will stop you at a certain point and let you know when to begin walking.
• When prompted, hand your graduate card to the staff member on stage so it can be scanned.
• When your name is called:
  • Walk across the stage.
  • Shake hand and receive your diploma cover.
  • Doctoral students will be hooded on stage.
  • Pause briefly for a photo at the end of the stage. (You will be directed by a photographer)
  • Return to your seat (please note: this may not be the same seat you started in).

Reminder: Please remain seated until the ceremony has ended to honor and respect all graduates

• Plan to Arrive Early: Please arrive at least 60 minutes before the ceremony start time to allow time for parking and venue entry.
  
  
• Guest Tickets are Required: Tickets will be scanned at the door. Your graduate should have shared their reserved guest tickets by printing them or sending them electronically. Graduates do not need a ticket.
  
  

Security: All guests must pass through a metal detector. Please limit what you bring to speed up the entry process.

These are venue rules. Please review them to make the best of this wonderful moment.

• Prohibited Items: Balloons, helium products, confetti, and streamers are not allowed.
  
  
• Stroller Policy: Strollers are not permitted in the lobby or seating area; please plan accordingly.
  
  
• Personal Bags: Guests may bring personal bags without restrictions as long as they fit within their seating area.
  
  

Accessibility: If you need assistance, notify an usher upon arrival. Elevator access is available.

National Louis University is committed to ensuring all graduates and guests enjoy a comfortable and accessible commencement experience.

For Graduates

If you are a graduate in need of accommodations, please check in at the designated ADA table upon arrival. A member of the team will assist you with any specific arrangements you may need.

Please note: We do not provide mobility equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers. If needed, please make arrangements to bring your own.

For Guests

Guests who require ADA drop-off may be dropped off at the front entrance of the venue. After drop-off, vehicles must be parked in Parking Lot C (Lakeside Center Underground Garage).

ADA-designated parking spaces are available within the garage near accessible entrances.

To ensure smooth entry and seating, we highly recommend that guests requiring ADA access arrive early.

• Recessional: Marshals will guide the back rows to exit first.
• Exit Location: Graduates will exit to the outer lobby.
• Celebrate: Meet up with your guests for music, photos, and celebration!

Look for volunteers in blue shirts — they are happy to help and provide directions.

You can also email us at Commencement@nl.edu

The ceremony will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person: Live Webcast