NOTE: Northwestern University and the School of Communication use student email addresses and the US Postal Service to communicate with graduates and their families regarding graduation events, tickets and regalia. Postal mailings to parents and families will be sent to the student’s permanent address listed on CAESAR. Please make sure that all of your contact information in CAESAR is current throughout the year especially your permanent address. You must go to CAESAR to make any changes to your permanent address.

What’s the difference between Commencement and Convocation?

There are two ceremonies to celebrate your graduation from Northwestern University.

• First, there is the Commencement ceremony which is for the entire university community– undergraduate seniors and graduate students in all majors.
• Secondly, there are the individual school Convocation ceremonies.

Which Convocation do I attend?

Students attend the Convocation for the School of their primary major, no matter what other programs or majors they might be completing. Students completing dual degrees are invited to participate in both convocation ceremonies; however, honors earned in one program may not be read at the other school’s convocation.

NOTE: With the exception of students enrolled in the Bienen and McCormick dual degree programs, students will earn only one degree even if they have more than one major. For example, if you have a primary major in Theatre and a second major in Political Science, you will earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a major in Theatre and a major in Political Science.

When will graduation events take place?

Details of the 2022 graduation events, including information about timing, locations, tickets, and assisted seating, will be determined during the 2021-2022 academic year, and communicated to students and families through emails and letters.

How do I receive my Diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to the permanent address you have list on CAESAR approximately 6 weeks after you have completed all of your degree requirements and paid any outstanding tuition/fees.

What should I do right now?

Make sure that your correct permanent, local addresses and email addresses are correct in CAESAR, so that the School of Communication and the Registrar’s Office can keep you informed of all Graduation and Convocation updates. If your address should change at any time during your senior year, please make sure to update the information on CAESAR.