Dear College of Law Class of 2023,
On behalf of the entire DePaul community, congratulations! We are excited to celebrate your many achievements at the College of Law commencement ceremony at The Chicago Theatre and via live-stream on Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
To help you plan for your ceremony, please read the following important reminders and instructions closely.
Commencement Pickup
Plan to attend College of Law Commencement Pickup on either Wednesday, May 17 or Thursday, May 18, anytime between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the DePaul Center Concourse on the Loop Campus. No appointment is needed, but plan to spend about 30 minutes at the event. At the event you will:
- Visit the College of Law table to confirm your RSVP and pick up your reader card, the card you will use to cross the stage.
- Pick up your cap and gown, if you selected the Ship-to-Campus option.
- Check in with the Law Career Services and Alumni Relations Offices.
- Have your portrait taken in your regalia with GradImages. This is optional. Remember to bring your regalia with you if you had it shipped to your home.
- If you are unable to attend, someone can pick up your items on your behalf. They will need an email from you granting them permission to collect your things, along with your DePaul ID number, and either your email address or your phone number.
Tickets
All graduates and their guests are required to have a general admission e-ticket. Tickets are being dispersed the week of May 8. Click here to read the email about receiving and transferring tickets. It is critical that you review the attached instructions ahead of the ceremony to ensure you and your guests have access to the tickets.
You and your guests must set up a Ticketmaster account and download an app to use the tickets. Once tickets are dispersed, please wait 48 hours to see them in the MSG app. If you cannot access your tickets after May 15, contact us at commencement@depaul.edu with the subject line “Law Tickets.”
What to Expect on Graduation Day
Graduate arrival instructions
- Arrive at The Chicago Theatre at 10 a.m. with your e-ticket, your DePaul ID or picture ID, your reader card, and your regalia.
- Graduates—not guests—must enter through the Chase Lounge entrance, as shown in the image below. The entrance door has a black awning and is located on the south side of the building on Benton Place, between State Street and Wabash Avenue. Guests are not permitted in this area.
Before the ceremony
Please arrive already dressed in your regalia. There will not be designated areas where you will be able to privately dress. Your tassel should hang on the right side of your cap. Upon arrival, your e-ticket will be scanned and you will proceed to the Graduate Gathering Area.
- You do not need to check in if you have your reader card and regalia. There will be a Help Desk on-site to address any issues.
- You will stand in the Graduate Gathering Area below the theater until the start of the procession. We encourage you to wear comfortable shoes and arrive hydrated. Restrooms are in close proximity. Do not bring personal belongings to the graduate holding area as it will not be secured once the ceremony begins. You will NOT return to this area after the ceremony.
During and after the ceremony
Before and throughout the ceremony, marshals will be available to direct graduates.
- When it is your turn to come on stage, bring your reader card and your hood.
- All graduates will be hooded on stage. To prepare, fold your hood in half with the tails flapped inward and the narrow end pointed down for the processional. Place the hood over your left arm with the velvet side closest to your wrist.
On stage, hand the reader card to the marshal and start walking as soon as they motion you forward. As you descend the stage and before going back to your seat, a photographer will take a photo of you holding your diploma cover. All graduates are expected to stay for the duration of the ceremony.
After the ceremony, graduates will exit the theater through the main doors on State Street; you will not go back to the graduate line up area. You may rejoin your friends and family in the theater lobby.
Regalia and diploma
You may keep the diploma cover and your regalia, which includes your gown, cap and hood, as well as any cords and stoles you purchased or were awarded. You will not receive your diploma during the ceremony. It will be mailed to you after your coursework is completed and your degree is conferred.
Guest information
- Doors will open at 10 a.m. and all guests should enter through the theater’s main entrance on State Street. Seating is general admission, first-come first-served. Guests must present their e-tickets for entry. Click here to read the email instructions regarding transferring tickets to your guests.
- For information on accessible seating and other disabled services, parking, and public transit options visit the Chicago Theatre website.
Day-of Alerts
To sign up for text alerts on the day of commencement, text LAWGRAD to 888777. This alert option is available for graduates and guests and will provide text alerts in the unlikely event of unexpected changes in ceremony start-time or check-in procedures. After subscribing to the text alert, you will have the option to include an email address. This optional alerting service will expire at 5 p.m. on May 20.
If you have any questions, please contact commencement@depaul.edu.
Congratulations! We are excited to celebrate this special day with you.
Sincerely,
The Office of Academic Events
*Participating in the commencement ceremony is optional and does not equate to degree completion. It is a student's responsibility to review their Degree Progress Report to ensure they are on track to complete the requirements and verify their completion term. Students may apply for degree conferral in Campus Connect; please be aware that submitting an online application does not guarantee a degree will be granted from DePaul University. Additionally, regardless of participation at commencement, students will not receive a diploma until all outstanding financial obligations have been fulfilled. Students should contact their Academic Advisors and DePaul Central with questions.