Kellogg Convocation FAQs

What time is the Gala at the Field Museum?

The evening will begin at 7:00 pm and end at 10:00 pm.

Who can attend the Gala at the Field Museum?

Only registered grads and guests aged 21+ are invited to the Gala. Any unregistered guests or underaged friends or family will be turned away. There is no cost for the registrations/tickets for entry. Each guest must have a ticket. Ticket registrations open in Spring Quarter.

Can we bring alcohol into the Field Museum before, during, and at the end of the Gala?

No alcohol or outside beverages are allowed on the grounds or in the museum. The Field Museum staff will be observing a strict no-tolerance policy. Any guests caught trying to bring in any beverages or narcotics will be escorted out and items will be confiscated.

What is the dress code for the Gala?

The dress code is evening cocktail attire and black-tie optional. Many guests choose to wear long gowns or cocktail dresses; formal jackets/suits or black-tie.

How do we register for the Gala at the Field Museum?

The registration will be available in CampusGroups later in the year, around the beginning of Spring Quarter. Look for the Convocation Countdown Newsletter for more information.

Will there be food and drinks served at the Gala?

Enjoy a dinner reception and open bar/beverages. Most food sensitivities will be accommodated.

Is parking available at the Field Museum for the Gala? What if a guest has mobility restrictions?

Yes, parking is available at the Soldier Field customer parking garage for a fee. More parking information can be found here: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/directions-parking. General accessibility information can be found here: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/page/visit/accessibility. If you or your guests have mobility restrictions, please email the special events team here: events@kellogg.northwestern.edu no later than Friday of the event at noon to make arrangements for handicap parking and building access.

Who can attend the Open House at the Hub?

Bring by as many family and friends as you please to the Open House. Drop-in at anytime between 1-5pm. No registration is required.

What is the dress code at the Open House?

The dress code is casual, as you please, for photos and picture-perfect moments.

Will there be food or beverages available at the Open House?

Small snacks and light beverages will be available in the hallways for guests.

Where is parking available at the Global Hub during the Open House?

Free parking will be available on the adjacent surface lot next to the building or the North Parking Garage adjacent to the Henry Crown athletic center off of Lincoln Avenue. Parking map is available here.

Do graduates need tickets for the Kellogg Convocation Ceremony at Welsh-Ryan Arena?

No, graduates do not need tickets for themselves for the Kellogg Convocation Ceremony. They will secure tickets for their guests (friends and family) through the ticketing portal and distribute the tickets to each guest. Tip: Make sure to not give the same ticket to two different guests. The QR code for each ticket can only be scanned once at the entrance of the arena.

What time should graduates arrive at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, 2705 Ashland Ave?

Given the construction at Ryan Field, 2705 Ashland Ave, Evanston, IL 60208, please plan for additional time entering and exiting Welsh Ryan Arena.

Graduates arrive at 1:30 pm.
Doors open for guests at 1:30 pm.Ceremony begins at 3:00 pm sharp.

Grads, please find your seating block by last name on the arena floor, and please make sure you are seated by 2:30 pm. Graduates will enter through the doors located on the east side of the arena. Guests entrance to arena is located on the south side of the arena.

What is the dress code for the Kellogg Convocation ceremony?

The dress code for the Kellogg Convocation Ceremony is business casual. Many grads and guests choose to dress up for photos.

What are the security restrictions for Welsh-Ryan arena?

Guests and grads will go through security to enter the arena. All bags will be inspected by security personnel. If you must bring items in a purse or bag, please allow extra time to proceed through the designated security lines. Bags that have passed inspection must be able to fit comfortably at your feet. Guests are encouraged to leave all bags at home in order to expedite entry into the facility.

EMPTY water bottle are allowed EXCEPT for glass bottles. Factory sealed plastic bottles are allowed. Limited concession stands will be open in the arena and there are available water fountains.

Will there be any food or beverages at Welsh-Ryan arena?

Concession stands will be open in the arena to serve food and some light beverages.

Where is parking at Welsh-Ryan arena?

Parking is available in the arena lot. Parking and shuttle information can be found on the GUIDEBOOK Graduation App. Download it here, and ask your guests to download it too: https://builder.guidebook.com/g/#/guides/nugrad2026/details. If parking at Welsh-Ryan Arena fills up, attendees are NOT ALLOWED TO PARK ON THE SIDE STREETS due to a new ordinance. Please follow directions to the Sheridan and Haven lot, where there is a shuttle pick-up spot that will bring you to the arena.

Where is the accessible parking and accessible seating at Welsh-Ryan arena?

ARRIVAL: The ADA drop-off is located at the end of Walker Way on Ashland. Handicap parking is available in the West Parking lot - handicap placards are required. Inside the arena, go to the Wilson Club entrance located on the west side of Welsh Ryan Arena.

INSIDE THE ARENA: Enter through Wilson Club Entrance on the west side of Welsh Ryan Arena. There is an elevator at his entrance. Accessible seating is available throughout the arena. Please find an accessibility map here, which includes the alpha blocks where grads are seated.