GENERAL
Can Online Campus graduates attend the Vancouver ceremony instead of Chicago?
Yes, Online Campus graduates will be able to attend the Vancouver Campus ceremony. Please email ChiCommencement@adler.edu if you are interested in attending.
What do I need to know about my regalia?
Regalia ordering information will be provided to eligible graduates over the summer.
Why does Adler hold its commencement ceremony in the fall?
Our ceremony is tied to the date when most Adler students complete their degree requirements, which is different from the traditional dates for undergraduate degree completion. Since most Adler students finish their degree requirements in August or September, we hold commencement at the time that is most convenient for them. The Commencement ceremony is a celebration only; students may apply for their degree to be conferred at any time throughout the year.
DAY-OF DETAILS FOR GRADUATES
What time is the commencement ceremony?
The ceremony will take place at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel on Sunday, November 8 at 11 a.m. Central time. Guest seating begins at 10 a.m.
Graduates must arrive at 9:30 a.m.
What time is the commencement reception?
The reception immediately follows the ceremony until 2:30 p.m. Light refreshments for graduates, their guests, and faculty will be available at no additional cost.
What should I bring with me to the ceremony?
- Phone with digital ticket (called a “stage pass”) downloaded to your Wallet.
- Please arrive to the venue dressed in your regalia.
- There are no formal dressing rooms available at the venue. Extra regalia items will be available on-site.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended as graduates will be standing for extended periods of time.
- Do not bring valuables. Line up areas are not monitored during the rehearsal or ceremony. If you must bring valuables, you will have to carry them throughout the ceremony or give them to a guest.
- If your outfit under your regalia does not have pockets, we suggest wearing a fanny pack or small crossbody bag for your phone and wallet under your gown.
Is there a place to leave my personal belongings during rehearsal or the ceremony?
No. Line-up areas are not monitored. If graduates must bring valuables, they will need to carry them throughout the ceremony or give them to a guest.
A coat check will be available.
What should I do if I or one of my guests have accessibility needs?
Complete this Access Service Request or email DisabilityOffice@adler.edu by October 27 if you have accessibility needs.
RECEIVING YOUR DIPLOMA
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No, you will not receive your diploma at the ceremony. Individuals attending the ceremony will receive an empty diploma cover as they cross the stage. Please return the cover to the designated box prior to leaving the venue.
The Office of the Registrar will email you to confirm your degree has been awarded. After that, your diploma and cover will be mailed via UPS within 12 weeks. It will be sent to the address listed in Self-Service, so please make sure your address is up to date.
TICKETS
When will tickets be available?
Tickets will be shared with graduates in early fall via email. Stay tuned to your email for further instructions.
How many tickets will graduates receive?
- Each graduate will receive five general admission tickets (4 tickets for guests, 1 for the graduate).
- Guests will arrive after the graduates. Guests may be unable to contact the graduate prior to the ceremony.
- All guests two years old and older must have a ticket with a unique barcode scanned upon entrance to the venue.
- Each graduate’s tickets will be linked to their Adler email account (@adler.edu). Adler email access will be required to access the general admission tickets allotted.
- Those who are unable to access their Adler email account may review IT’s password management tool document or contact IT.
Do children need a ticket?
Anyone over the age of two entering the venue will need a ticket.
Are additional tickets available?
- Each graduate will receive five general admission tickets (4 tickets for guests, 1 for the graduate).
- A Ticket Exchange spreadsheet will be available for graduates to manage for those who need or have tickets to donate once they are available.
- Please do not contact us now for additional tickets.
Is there a livestream?
Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed via YouTube. On the day of the ceremony, visit this website and click the livestream link in the menu to watch.
LOCATION & PARKING INFORMATION
Where is this year’s ceremony and how do I learn more about the venue’s policies?
The Chicago Campus Commencement Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
The Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is located at:
1 West Upper Wacker Drive,
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60601
Is parking available & how much does it cost?
Parking garage with Adler’s discounted rate is at InterPark Garage, 20 E. Randolph at the corner of Randolph/Wabash. You can receive a $17 validation sticker to park for 12 hours.
Validation stickers will be available at the Grand Ballroom check-in desk from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. You must have your parking ticket with you to receive a voucher sticker, as it is placed directly on your ticket.
Theatre District Self Park Garage (181 N Dearborn), approximately one block from the venue; no validation available.
- Renaissance valet parking:
- Under 2 hours: $58
- 2–8 hours: $68
- 8–12 hours: $78
- Overnight: $88