Frequently
asked questions

There are multiple reasons we have chosen to move the venue from The Chicago Theatre to the Renaissance Downtown Hotel. One of the main reasons the venue is changing is for accessibility and mobility improvements. Because of its historical nature, The Chicago Theatre offers challenges for graduates, guests, and faculty who mobility issues. The Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel offers improvements in mobility, making commencement accessible for everyone. Along with physical accessibility improvements, there is updated technology at The Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel that will allow for better visibility and signage.

Based on graduate, faculty, and staff feedback from previous years, an on-site reception will immediately follow the ceremony, giving graduates, guests, and faculty space and time to celebrate together. Master’s students will also participate in the on-stage hooding ceremony in recognition of their academic achievements.

This is a transitional year for Adler. No further committments for next year’s commencement have been made.

The Chicago and Online Commencement Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

The Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is located at:
1 West Upper Wacker Drive,
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60601

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.

Tickets will be shared with graduates in early fall via email. Stay tuned to your email for further instructions. The deadline to confirm RSVPs for the tickets will be August 10.

The email to RSVP for you and your guests will be sent out in early July. The deadline to confirm RSVPs will be August 10.

• Each graduate will receive four general admission tickets (three for guests, one for the graduate).
• Each graduate must keep one ticket for themself to enter the venue.
• All guests, two years and older, must have a ticket with a unique barcode scanned upon entrance to the venue.
• Digital tickets will be released to attendees after all RSVP’s have been received.

• Once tickets are released, graduates who anticipate having more guests will have an opportunity to receive extra tickets on a first come first serve basis. No extra tickets can be guaranteed. More information to come.

Anyone over the age of two entering the venue will need a ticket.

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.

We cannot offer more tickets to the reception portion of commencement. Whoever has a ticket to the ceremony is invited to the reception.

Yes, Online Location graduates will be able to attend the Vancouver Location ceremony. Please email ChiCommencement@adler.edu if you are interested in attending.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Guests with disabilities are welcome. Once tickets are released, guests and grads with disabilities will be prompted to share more information about their needs in advance.

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.

The University purchases regalia for each student to wear and keep, including the required gown, cap, hood, and tassel. Students can also choose to order custom-made regalia. Information can be found on the regalia section of this website.

You must order your regalia by August 10, 2026 to ensure delivery before the ceremony. Order information can be found on the regalia page of this website.

Order your regalia (cap, gown, and hood) through Adler University CHICAGO, IL – Graduation Catalogs | Jostens.  Adler University will cover the cost of the standard graduation regalia package, which includes a black gown, cap, tassel, and hood. Your regalia will be shipped directly to the address you provide when placing your order. 

To order custom-made Fine Quality regalia, scroll to the Fine Quality Regalia section or use this link: Fine Quality Regalia