Kellogg Convocation Ceremony

Sunday, June 14, 2026

June 14 | 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Convocation Ceremony

The Kellogg Convocation Ceremony will take place at Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, IL.

Welsh-Ryan Arena
2705 Ashland Ave
Evanston, IL.

Tickets required for ALL GUESTS.
No ticket is required for GRADS.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

CEREMONY GUIDELINES for University Events

While the University supports freedom of expression, graduation ceremonies are not the time nor place for disruptive demonstrations.

Community members who do not adhere to University policies will face discipline, and anyone who disrupts the ceremony could be asked to leave. 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.

  • Do graduates need tickets for the Kellogg Convocation Ceremony?

    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?

    Given the construction at Ryan Field, 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.
    The 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 the arena is located on the south side of the arena.

  • What is the dress code?

    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 the 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?

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

  • Where is parking at the 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.

  • Accessible parking and accessible seating at the 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 the 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.