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Reception and Events

Chicago Booth MBA
and PhD Graduation

University of Chicago Convocation

Kick off your graduation celebration at the University of Chicago’s 532nd Convocation. This is a university-wide ceremony that will take place outdoors at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, at UChicago’s campus in Hyde Park. All candidates may participate in this ceremony, in which the university president will verbally confer degrees to groups of candidates by degree type and academic program.

Location and Venue
University of Chicago
Hyde Park Campus
Main Quadrangle

Get UChicago Convocation Guest Details »

UChicago Convocation Details

Convocation will be held outdoors (rain or shine) on the university's main quadrangle at the Hyde Park campus. Tickets are not required for this ceremony. Guest seating on the main quadrangle will be accessible beginning at 7 a.m., on a first-come, first-served basis.

All information for guests and graduates is available on the university’s main Convocation website.

Chicago Booth Graduation Ceremony

The 2019 Chicago Booth Graduation Ceremony is same day as the UChicago Convocation. It takes place in the afternoon, starting at 3:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois at Chicago at the Credit Union 1 Arena, located three miles from downtown Chicago. This ceremony begins with a procession of Booth graduates and faculty, and students will have their names announced as they walk across the stage.

Location and Venue
Credit Union 1 Arena
525 S. Racine Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60607

More Information on the Credit Union 1 Arena »

Chicago Booth Graduation Details

Ceremony Details

Graduate Line-Up

Graduates will begin lining up at 2:30 p.m. at the Credit Union 1 Arena.

Seating

Seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Graduates and guests can expect the ceremony portion of the event to minimally last two hours.

Guests may need to wait in the arena lobby during the procession until the faculty procession concludes.

Concessions

Beverages and light snacks will be available for purchase.

Flowers and Gifts for Graduates

If you are looking for a gift for your graduate, the university's bookstore will be in attendance selling Chicago Booth items. A flower vendor will also be onsite to sell flowers.

Videography

A recording of the ceremony will be available to view a few weeks later. This information will be emailed to all students. View the recording of the 2018 Booth Graduation Ceremony »

Photography

A professional photography company will be onsite to take photos of candidates receiving their diplomas. There is no obligation to purchase. More information will be released soon.

Large Items

Please note the Credit Union 1 Arena does not allow large bags, backpacks or strollers. Other items prohibited include balloons, open food and beverages, and noisemakers. Guests are advised to leave these items behind. Please visit the Credit Union 1 Arena Guest Services website for more detailed information.

Transportation and Parking

Transportation to and from the Credit Union 1 Arena can be difficult on this day, as there are several large events occurring around the city. Please consider the following suggestions when traveling to and from the Credit Union 1 Arena:

Train

The CTA has a train stop across the street from the Credit Union 1 Arena, the Racine Blue Line stop. Visit the CTA website for more information about public transportation.

Taxis/Ridesharing

If you take a cab to the Credit Union 1 Arena, please tell your driver to drop you off at the corner of Racine and Harrison. Taxis do not regularly drive by this area, so taking public transportation after the ceremony is recommended. If you choose to use a rideshare service rather than public transportation after the ceremony, you should arrange for the pickup to occur at the UIC Student Services Building, 1200 W. Harrison Street. This is across the street from the Credit Union 1 Arena, and signage will direct you to the location.

Parking

There are two parking lots across the street from the Credit Union 1 Arena, as well as a parking structure adjacent to the building. The price will be as much as $20 to park.

Guests with Special Needs

The Credit Union 1 Arena is wheelchair accessible.

Guests may bring their own wheelchairs and keep them with them during the ceremony. Wheelchair assistance to seating is also available by ushers, but wheelchairs will not be available to rent. Ushers will be available throughout the entire ceremony should guests need to be moved at any point.

The ceremony will be projected throughout the Credit Union 1 Arena with closed captioning enabled.

Please look for an usher if you have any needs. If you have additional questions or needs, please call 773.702.8197.

Lodging

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Rate: $199
Book the Hyatt Online »
Reference Code: University of Chicago Convocation of G-FCSC

InterContinental Chicago
Rate: $195
Book the InterContinental Online »
Reference Code: University of Chicago Convocation or DT5

The Blackstone
Rate: $239
Book the Blackstone Online »
Reference Code: University of Chicago Convocation

Reception and Events

Celebrate your achievement with friends, family, and classmates at graduation-related events during the weekend.

See the Event Schedule

Chicago Booth

Chicago Booth MBA and PhD Graduation