Graduation Ceremonies at
McCormick and Northwestern University

Events for Undergraduate Students:

• Commencement is the main graduation ceremony, which is attended by undergraduate and graduate students from all the schools at Northwestern and is where the official conferring of degrees occurs. Commencement typically takes place (weather permitting) at Ryan Field. Arrangements for Commencement ceremonies are made by the Office of Special Events (Scott Hall, Room 106, 847-491-3600). If you are a graduating senior with questions about Commencement or the ordering of caps and gowns, please contact that office or visit their web site.
• Convocation is McCormick’s own graduation ceremony. At Convocation, each individual student graduating from McCormick is recognized by name, with their degree and/or certificates announced. Diplomas are also handed out here to those who have completed all their requirements. McCormick Convocation takes place at Welsh-Ryan Arena the day after Commencement. The ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m., though graduates are asked to arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. to line up. Tickets are required for guests attending this event. If you are a graduating senior with questions about Convocation, please contact the Undergraduate Engineering Office, Tech L268 or 847-491-7379.
• Baccalaureate is an interdenominational religious ceremony coordinated by the University Chaplain. It takes place in Alice Millar Chapel at 9:30-11 a.m. on Friday, June 19.
• Order of the Engineer is the ceremony where graduating seniors take an official oath promising, as an engineer, to proceed with integrity and honesty. Graduates receive a ring that is to be worn on the small finger of their writing hand. The ceremony is held on Friday at 2:15 p.m. in Ryan Auditorium in the Technological Institute. There is a $30 charge for the ring and accompanying certificate. If you are a graduating senior and would to participate in this event, please contact the Undergraduate Engineering Office, Tech L268 or 847-491-7379.
• In addition, many departments sponsor celebrations for graduating students and their families, and other social events take place as well. Students will be notified of those events by their specific department.

Events for Graduate Students:

• PhD Hooding and Master’s Degree Recognition is the ceremony where McCormick master’s degree students, including students in the Master of Science in Engineering Design and Innovation program, are recognized, and doctoral candidates are hooded. Each group of graduates is honored by department. The ceremony takes place on Friday at 9 a.m. in the Ryan Auditorium in the Technological Institute. Graduates are asked to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to line up.
• Master’s Degree Recognition is the ceremony that recognizes graduates of McCormick’s professional master’s programs, including: Master of Engineering Management, Master of Science in Information Technology, Product Development, Project Management, Biotechnology, and the MMM program. The ceremony takes place on Friday at noon in the Ryan Auditorium in the Technological Institute. Graduates are asked to arrive no later than 11:30 a.m. to line up.
• Commencement is the main graduation ceremony, which is attended by undergraduate and graduate students from all the schools at Northwestern and is where the official conferring of degrees occurs. Commencement typically takes place (weather permitting) at Ryan Field. Arrangements for Commencement ceremonies are made by the Office of Special Events (Scott Hall, Room 106, 847-491-3600). If you are a graduating senior with questions about Commencement or the ordering of caps and gowns, please contact that office or visit their web site.