College of Law commencement information

Commencement kickoff
Pick up your regalia (if you selected ship to campus) and participate in other commencement events on Wednesday, May 18 or Thursday, May 19 at the College of Law Commencement Kick-Off event anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the Loop Campus DePaul Center concourse. No appointment is needed. Plan to spend about 30 minutes at the event.

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. ​

COVID-19 guidelines
Based on the Chicago Department of Public Health's latest guidance, masks are highly recommended at commencement for all graduates and their guests based on the gradual increase in cases, however they are not required. The university will continue to monitor the situation and will share any updates to protocol by email, in Newsline and on the commencement website. 

Ticketing
All graduates and their guests are required to have a general admission e-ticket. Graduates will receive an email from The Chicago Theatre/Ticketmaster with their tickets on May 14. Please check your spam folders. If you did not receive the email, contact commencement@depaul.edu using the subject line "Law Tickets."

It is critical you review the instructions that were attached in last week's email 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.

Graduate arrival instructions
Arrive at The Chicago Theatre by 2 p.m. with your e-ticket, and your DePaul ID or picture ID.

Graduates—not guests—must enter through the Chase Lounge entrance. 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. When you check in, you will receive your reader card (a card with your name on it) for crossing the stage.

You will stand in the graduate line up 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. Please do not bring any personal belongings to the graduate holding area as this area will not be secured once the ceremony begins.

During and after the ceremony

Before and throughout the ceremony, marshals will be available to help direct graduates.

When it is your turn to come on stage, bring the reader card you were given at check-in with you. Hand the reader card to the marshal and start walking as soon as they motion you forward. If you choose to wear a mask, you may remove it while crossing the stage and posing for photographs. As you descend the stage and before going back to your seat, a photographer will take a photo of you holding your diploma cover.

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 can rejoin your friends and family in the theater lobby.

Regalia and diploma

You can 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.

Seating and parking
Doors will open at 2 p.m. and all guests should enter through the theater’s main entrance on State Street. Seating is first-come first-serve. Guests must present their e-tickets for entry. Refer to last week's email for a ticket guide for additional information. For information on accessible seating and other disabled services, visit the Chicago Theatre website.

Visit Chicago Theatre website for information on parking and public transit options.

If you have any questions, please contact commencement@depaul.edu.