Frequently Asked Questions
Are graduates required to participate in both the University-wide Convocation and the PSD Divisional Diploma Ceremony?
No. While we encourage graduates to attend both the University-wide Convocation ceremony in the morning as well as the PSD Divisional Diploma Ceremony later that day, graduates are not required to participate in both.
Are tickets required for the Divisional Diploma Ceremony?
Due to the record high number of MS candidates and their guests attending, we will be moving to a ticketing system for the MS ceremony. Each MS candidate who RSVP'd on time will receive one ticket for a guest to sit in the ceremony room with degree candidates. All other guests for MS candidates may be able to be on-site at the David Rubenstein Forum and will be seated in overflow rooms with livestream viewing of the ceremony.
This does not impact the PhD ceremony.
I graduated between Winter 2020 and Winter 2022. Will I still be able to participate in the Diploma Ceremony since I already received my diploma?
Yes. All PSD students who graduated between Winter Quarter 2020 and Summer Quarter 2022 are invited to fully participate in the Diploma Ceremony.
Will there be professional photography offered at the Divisional Diploma Ceremony?
The Office of University Events and Ceremonies and the University Bookstore will host Countdown to Convocation on April 13, 2022 at the Universiby Bookstore where students will have the opportunity to take portrait photos with a professional photographer. These photos will be offered to candidates for purchase following the photography session.
Additionally, photographers will attend the University Convocation ceremony, along with all other division and school ceremonies, to capture the special moment when graduates cross the stage to receive their diploma. Proofs will be mailed and emailed two weeks after graduation to the information on file with the Office of the University Registrar.
What regalia am I required to wear to the Divisional Diploma Ceremony?
MS graduates must wear a cap, gown, and tassel. Our MS degree recipients do not wear hoods as part of their regalia. MS graduates should purchase regalia by April 20, 2022.
PhD graduates must wear a tam, gown, tassel, and hood. PhD graduates should rent regalia by April 20, 2022. If you prefer to purchase attire, email bksuchicago@bncollege.com. Purchased attire must be ordered by April 16, 2022 to guarantee delivery in time for the ceremony.
What should I do if I or my guests need accommodations for the Divisional Diploma Ceremony?
Please indicate that you need accommodations and the nature of the accommodations on your RSVP form. If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to psd-dos@lists.uchicago.edu.
I’m a PhD candidate and need someone to hood me – what should I do?
PhD students are asked to provide the name of their faculty advisor when they RSVP. Typically, a student’s faculty advisor acts as hooder for the graduate. PhD students should also reach out to their advisor to ask if they can serve in that role on June 4. If PhD students’ advisor is unavailable, the Division will provide a hooder.
Does the University provide invitation letters for visa applications if my family is traveling from abroad?
If the country where your family resides requires an official invitation letter from the University for a visa application, the Division can provide it for you. The graduating student should send an email to Sarah Lippert with the request. The request should include the student’s full legal name, the name of the visa applicant(s), the visa applicant’s relationship to the student, and the visa applicant’s full mailing address.