Commencement FAQs

Lining Up and Getting Started

As a graduate, what do I do/where do I go to line up for the ceremony?

All graduates are to report to the Shannon Center, located at W. 103rd St. and S. Hamlin Ave. on the Chicago Campus, approximately one hour prior to the start of the ceremony. Graduates will be directed to the practice gym, where they are to obtain a name card from the Office of Records and Registration Services, and proceed to the appropriate processional line (lines are arranged by school, e.g., Arts and Sciences, Education, etc.).

Staff will be available to help direct you to the appropriate areas if there is confusion. Academic regalia staff will also be on hand to assist with any last-minute cap and gown issues.

What should I do with my coat/jacket and personal belongings if I’m processing?

Graduates are highly encouraged to leave their coats/jackets and personal belongings out of view in a locked vehicle or with their guests. There will be a small coat area in the Shannon Center practice gym during winter ceremonies, but SXU cannot be held responsible for lost/stolen items.

What if I’m late for the processional?

Graduates are expected to arrive one hour prior to the ceremony start time. The processional will begin twenty minutes before the start of the ceremony. Those who arrive after it has begun may not be allowed to participate. Additionally, it is important to arrive on time so that graduates may receive important instructions, as there is no rehearsal prior to the ceremony day.

How do I get my honor cords?

Students graduating with diploma honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) will receive the appropriate-color honor cords when they obtain their name cards.

Students who are members of honor societies may receive other honor accessories, but these are generally distributed through the clubs themselves, prior to the ceremony day.

The Commencement Program

What is the process for me processing on stage and receiving my diploma cover?

One school at a time, the collective degree candidates will be asked to rise by the school’s respective dean (in winter, bachelor candidates will rise first, then master candidates).

Soon after, student ushers will direct the standing candidates to the stage, where each graduate will hand a name reader his/her name card. As the name reader calls out the graduate's name, the graduate will walk across the stage and receive a congratulatory handshake from the school dean, as well as a handshake and diploma cover from President Dwyer.

The graduate shall then carefully step down from the stage and proceed to his/her original seat and remain standing until instructed to sit.

What types of special speakers are at the ceremony?

Each ceremony generally features a special-guest speaker who delivers the primary commencement address. Many ceremonies also feature an honorary degree presentation.

Tickets for Admission to Ceremony and Seating Issues

Do the students who are graduating need tickets to be admitted to the ceremony?

No, only guests are required to have tickets for admission. Children age 4 and under do not need tickets provided they can sit upon an adult’s lap for the duration of the ceremony.

Are additional tickets available beyond the number I received?

In order to comply with the maximum occupancy laws for the Shannon Center, the commencement ticket allotment for each graduating student is final; there are no extra tickets. We can not replace lost or stolen tickets. Graduates with unneeded tickets and those seeking additional tickets are encouraged to post flyers on student bulletin boards. Thank you for your understanding.

Graduation Photos, Announcement Cards, etc.

Will I be photographed during the ceremony?

Professional photographers from Chappell Studio will take two pictures of each graduate on or near the stage. The studio will then mail out proofs of those pictures, along with ordering information, to the graduates at a later date. Graduates are under no obligation to purchase pictures.

Whom should I contact about ordering graduation photos or if I have other questions about them?

For inquiries regarding graduation pictures, ordering, and related issues, please contact Chappell Studio directly at (800) 424-3686.

The graduation photo process is completely outsourced to this vendor, and SXU commencement staff will be unable to assist those who have specific questions related to photography services.

When can I expect my picture proofs?

Please allow several weeks after the graduation ceremony for Chappell Studio to mail out your proofs. If you have not received them within a reasonable period, please contact Chappell Studio directly at (800) 424-3686.

Can I order specialized graduation announcements to send to my family and friends?

CB Graduation Announcements is SXU’s vendor for announcements and related note cards. Several weeks prior to the ceremony, CB will send each graduate a generic sample of their product along with ordering information. Because these are only samples, please ignore any name or degree information that may appear on the announcements.

Graduates may submit their own name and degree information to CB for a personalized announcement order. Graduates are under no obligation to purchase.

Should you have inquiries regarding announcement card orders and related services, please contact CB Graduation Announcements directly at (800) 433-0296. SXU commencement staff will be unable to assist with issues regarding graduation announcements.

Diplomas

Will I receive my actual diploma directly from the President as I walk across stage?

SXU president Dr. Judith A. Dwyer will personally hand each graduate a diploma cover, but diplomas themselves are issued at a later time. Diplomas are either mailed to graduates, or held for pickup in the Office of Records and Registration Services (depending on student preference), at a later date when final grades are officially calculated.

August graduates are issued their diplomas after summer grades are finalized.

If I have questions about my diploma, whom do I contact?

All questions related to diplomas, transcripts, and records should be directed to the Office of Records and Registration Services at (773) 298-3501.