What to know about Northwestern graduation 2025

Northwestern University is just days away from celebrating the Class of 2025. The 167th annual commencement ceremony is Sunday, June 15. But graduation weekend brings a lot more — a long list of celebratory events, receptions, ceremonies and even fireworks.

To help navigate your way through all of the action, Northwestern Now has gathered questions and answers about tickets, transportation and parking, United Center policy, schedules and more. Here’s what to know.

Who marches in this year’s ceremonies?

Undergraduate, graduate and PhD students who earn their degree this month will participate in school convocations and the main commencement ceremony. Some master’s programs do not participate in a school-wide ceremony and instead hold their own departmental ceremonies, including School of Communication master’s programs and Graduate School/Feinberg master’s programs.

When is commencement?

This year’s main commencement ceremony is on Sunday, June 15, at the United Center in Chicago. Comedian, actor and devoted father Steve Carell will address graduates and receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts at the ceremony, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. United Center doors open at 9 a.m. Those unable to attend in person can follow along via livestream.

Where can I see a list of all graduation weekend events?

The graduation website has a list of all events across the weekend, including the Baccalaureate celebration, a graduating students reception and fireworks on the lakefront.

In addition to the main commencement ceremony, individual schools will host their own convocations from June 13 to 16 at various locations around campus, including Welsh-Ryan Arena and Ryan Fieldhouse.

Are tickets required?

Yes, all guests must have tickets on a mobile device or a printout to enter each ceremony venue — whether at the United Center or on campus. Guests without tickets will be turned away. Learn more about how to download and transfer your tickets.

What can I bring in?

Be sure to review the prohibited items list before making your way to any ceremony venue. Attendees at all ceremonies are limited to a small purse or bag up to 10x6x2 inches, which will be inspected by security personnel. To promote efficient flow through security, please limit belongings to only items needed for the ceremony.

Any tips on getting around?

Graduates and guests who are driving to the United Center from the Evanston campus or taking a rideshare should plan for at least 45 minutes of travel time. Factor construction delays into your travel plans and remember there may be lengthy wait times for rideshare vehicles during peak times.

No parking permits will be required in Evanston campus surface lots. Free parking will be available in both the North and South campus garages. For detailed parking options, please refer to the Evanston campus parking map.

On Monday, June 16, there will be no campus shuttle service at the Central ‘L’ station, Central/Jackson or Ryan Field stops. All other stops remain in service. Northbound shuttles from Chicago will end at the Patten Gym stop. And, southbound shuttles from Evanston will begin at Noyes ‘L’ Station stop. Check the campus shuttle routes for your best option.

On Sunday morning, Sheridan Road will be closed from Lincoln Avenue to Dempster Street for the YWCA’s annual Race Against Hate. Cars parked east of Sheridan Road will be blocked until after the race ends at approximately 1 p.m. Get Guidebook, the official app for graduation weekend, to see details and other information.

When driving to Welsh-Ryan Arena for convocations, visit the City of Evanston parking website for maps, parking restrictions and more.

Who will receive special honors this year?

Steve Carell is joined by three other honorary degree recipients. They are poet Toi Derricotte, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti ’85, and pathbreaking biochemist and cell biologist Marc Kirschner ’66. Each year, the University invites students, faculty and staff to submit nominations for deserving individuals worthy of an honorary degree.

Additionally, Northwestern pays tribute to four special high school teachers with Morton Schapiro Distinguished Secondary School Teacher Awards for their work inspiring Northwestern graduates inside and outside the classroom.

Who is speaking?

In addition to Carell, school convocations will feature keynotes by distinguished actors, broadcasters, artists and business leaders.

Are there special United Center policies during commencement?

The United Center has additional restrictions prohibiting GoPros, iPads, laptops and plastic bags, and it reserves the right to determine other items as unacceptable upon entry. The United Center will not store any prohibited items.

Guests will be asked to dispose of prohibited items before entering commencement or convocation venues or to return those items to their vehicles. Security may deny access to any individual who does not comply.

Are accommodations made for guests with accessibility needs?

Northwestern is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all events and programs. Visit the graduation website for details about mobility accommodations, transportation, hearing accommodations and related United Center policies.

Is there a policy regarding freedom of expression?

While Northwestern supports freedom of expression, graduation ceremonies are not the time nor place for disruptive demonstrations. The University has designated a free speech area outside each venue and encourages anyone who wishes to engage in expressive activity to do so there. Any such activity inside the venue cannot disrupt the ceremony or prevent others from enjoying it.

Community members who do not adhere to University policies will face discipline, and anyone who disrupts the ceremony may be escorted from the venue. All students, including those graduating, remain subject to the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of the Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion. Degrees will be held pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.

For further details or information on other topics related to Northwestern’s graduation weekend, visit the graduation website for a list of FAQs.