Aerial view of North Park University campus with Chicago skyline.

About North Park University

Commencement

We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments at Commencement. Details will be communicated via email.

North Park University is following COVID-19 guidance from the CDC, Chicago, and Cook County health departments. Updates and recommendations from these institutions may impact upcoming events. We will communicate via email any changes that may need to be imposed due to public health safety regulations.

Spring Commencement Convocation

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Distribution Event
Wednesday, May 8
3:00–5:15 p.m., Hamming Hall (Carlson Tower) — All graduates are expected to attend this Distribution event to obtain their cap, gown, hood, honor cords (if applicable), and five (5) tickets. Please note that in order to offer each attending graduate an opportunity to invite guests, there is no option to receive any additional tickets at the Distribution event. Additional tickets can only be obtained by asking other graduates who do not need all five of their tickets.

If desired, you may purchase personalized Commencement announcements, a diploma frame, or a class ring from Jostens.

Commencement Rehearsal
Wednesday, May 8
5:30–6:30 p.m., Helwig Recreation Center — All graduates are expected to attend the rehearsal.  Specific instructions regarding Commencement will be given at this time. Requests for absence must be submitted in writing before Friday, May 3 to Dr. Mary Veeneman, University Marshal via email to mveeneman@northpark.edu.

Baccalaureate Service
Friday, May 10
7:30 pm, Fourth Presbyterian Church — All graduates (undergraduate, graduate, and Seminary) are encouraged to attend. Graduates will begin to assemble for the process in caps, gowns, and hoods at 6:45 pm. Tickets are not required for family and friends who wish to attend the Baccalaureate Service.

Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 11
10:00 am, Helwig Recreation Center — Graduates will assemble in caps, gowns, and hoods outside the Foster entryway of Carlson Tower. Lineup begins at 9:00 am.

Commencement Procedures

Tickets: Each graduate, participating in the Commencement ceremony, will receive five (5) tickets. Due to space limitations, we are unable to provide more than 5 tickets per participating graduate. The tickets will be distributed along with the academic regalia prior to Rehearsal. Guests with tickets will be admitted 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. Tickets will not be required for the last fifteen minutes prior to the ceremony, when, if space permits, ushers will seat guests without tickets.

Professional Photography: GradImages are the professional photographers who will take photos at Commencement. Since professional photographs will be available, family members and guests are encouraged to remain in their seats, relax and enjoy the ceremony. Here’s what’s included:

  • GradImages will take a candid photograph of you at your special moment of recognition.
  • You’ll receive a free proof of this photo via email within 5 to 7 days following the ceremony.
  • You may place orders at GradImages.com once your PIN number has been provided to you via email or your proofs are received through the mail.
  • Orders may also be placed by phone at (800) 261-2576 or 001-641-472-8000 (outside the United States and Canada), or by mail using the order card included with your mailed proofs.
  • Upon receipt of your order, you can expect photos to be mailed to you within 5 to 7 days.

Live Stream Video: For family members or friends who are unable to attend, a live streaming video of the ceremony will be available at http://www.northpark.edu/live .

Parking: All campus parking lots will be open for Distribution and Rehearsal on May 8 and for Commencement on May 11. Please see the attached Campus Map for all parking lot locations.