College of Law Graduation

Standard Schedule of Events

• Prior to 1 p.m. - Graduates should report to the Capitol Room and check in upon arrival.
• 1 p.m. - doors open.
• 1 p.m. - graduates arrive and check-in at the Capitol Room.
  • Do not bring any valuable personal items with you.
• 1:45 p.m. - Graduates line up in alphabetical order.
• 2 p.m. - Processional begins. Watch the ceremony's livestream.
• 4 p.m. - Brief reception in the Duke Ellington Ballroom.

Parking and Lodging

The best route to get into the Visitor Parking Lot or the Parking Garage is off Route 38. Individuals going eastbound on Route 38 can turn left onto Carroll Avenue to access the parking lot or garage. Individuals heading westbound on Route 38 can turn right onto Normal Road and enter the parking lot or garage that way. Although parking is free on the weekends, do not park in spaces that are "Reserved At All Times."

Accessible parking is also available.

For those visiting from out of town, a discounted group rate of $71 plus tax is available at the NIU Holmes Student Center Hotel. Please call 815-753-1444 and ask for the "NIU Law Commencement" rate. A list of other hotel options will also be emailed to students.

Tickets and Seating

Tickets are not are required for the ceremony.

Seating is on a first-come basis. Doors to the Sandburg Auditorium open at 1 pm.

There will be accessible seating at the back of the auditorium for guests in wheelchairs. Hosts will direct guests to the appropriate area if needed.

There will also be additional seating next door in the Regency Room, where the ceremony will be livestreamed. The Regency Room can also be used by guests with small children that may need to step out of the auditorium.

Additional Information

Prohibited items include helium balloons, glitter, confetti, etc. Visit Holmes Student Center's Policies and Procedures for more information.

Diploma dimensions are 13 inches by 16 inches.

Photographer and Streaming Video

A professional photographer will be present during the ceremony to take pictures of all graduates receiving their degrees. You will be given the opportunity to purchase your photograph at a later date.

Watch the ceremony's livestream beginning at 2 p.m.

For any questions related to commencement, please contact Assistant Dean Melody Mitchell at mmitchell@niu.edu or Law Registrar Christy Cunningham-Watson at ccunningham@niu.edu.