Guests and Seating: The Commencement Convocation will be held at the Sports Complex at BenedictineUniversity in Lisle.

In case of a thunder storm the ceremony will be delayed. Please plan accordingly. A large crowd is expected, and conditions may be somewhat uncomfortable, particularly if the weather is warm. Please keep this in mind when inviting small children and elderly guests. Webcast viewing will be in the Krasa Presentation room, Fireside Lounge and main dining room.

Graduation Announcements: You may pick up your ten (10) complimentary announcements April 29 and 30 in the Krasa Center Fireside Lounge at the Grad Fair. If you would like personalized announcements or to order a class ring, please visit the Herff Jones and Traditions U.S.A. pages.

Cap, Gown, Hood and Tickets Distribution: Degree Candidates must pick up your academic attire Tuesday, April 29 - Wednesday, April 30 in the Krasa Center Fireside Lounge 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Please check to make sure your robe fits you, that you have the correct hood and tassel.  All financial obligations, including graduation fees, must be settled prior to pick-up of cap and gown.  Caps and Gowns will be available the day of commencement.

All financial obligations, including graduation fees, must be settled prior to pick-up of cap and gown.

Associate and Undergraduate
A.A.B.A. gowns are gray,
B.B.A. hoods have an acorn trim,
B.S. degree hoods have gold trim,
B.A. degree hoods have a white trim,
All hoods have the school colors, scarlet and white.

Graduate
Acorn-colored velvet trim represents the Master of Business Administration discipline;
Salmon pink velvet trim represents the Master of Public Health discipline;
Blue velvet trim represents the Education discipline;
Gold represents the Master of Science discipline;
White velvet trim represents the Master of Arts; and
Royal blue velvet trim represents the Doctorate in Organization Development.

Accessibility
Officers will direct guests in wheelchairs to the appropriate parking areas. Volunteers will direct you to the handicap seating section.
A sign language interpreter will be present at the ceremony - please indicate to an usher if you need to be near the interpreter.

Parking: Graduates are asked to park at the north end of the campus in the Rice Center and Scholl parking areas. Guests are invited to park near Birck Hall and Kindlon Hall. The Krasa Center parking lot is for handicap parking only.

Line-up and Processional: Please report to Scholl Hall by 9:00 a.m. to pick up your line-up slip in the appropriate room. Masters and Ph.D. students on the first floor of Scholl; Associates and Bachelors students on the second floor. Line up is in alphabetical order within your degree. Look for signs and volunteers pointing you in the right direction. Please leave belongings in your car or give them to a family member, as no place is available to leave them during the convocation.

Photography: A professional photographer from Chappell Studios will take a picture of every graduate as he or she receives a diploma cover. A free color proof will be mailed to your home. We ask that personal pictures be taken from designated picture areas only. Following graduation, if you have questions regarding your diploma photo, please contact Chappell Studios at 1-800-424-3686.

Reception: The Alumni Association is hosting a reception for all graduates and guests immediately following the Commencement Convocation. The undergraduate reception will be on the second floor of the Krasa Center and the graduate reception will be in the quad area.

DVD or Video: The commencement ceremony will be video taped by Zaker Video Productions. Please see the video page for information on cost and how to order.

Substance Abuse Policy: Consumption of alcohol or any other chemical substance is prohibited before and during the Commencement Convocation. Any individual possessing or consuming these substances will be removed from the program.

Proper Attire Policy: Business or dress clothes/shoes are appropriate. Light cotton or rayon fabrics are cool in warm weather. Jeans, shorts, gym shoes and beach sandals are not acceptable. Writing on caps is not acceptable. Cords or shawls are not to be worn. Flowers or pins are not to be pinned to the rented gowns. Graduates in violation of this attire policy will be removed from the program.

If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Gudinas in Kindlon Hall, room 249 at (630) 829-6340 or e-mail pgudinas@ben.edu.