School of Communication Convocation

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

The Convocation will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena. School of Communication alum Josh Meyers will deliver the address to students.

Event Details

Convocation will be held at 9 a.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena, 2705 Ashland Avenue, Evanston, IL on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Graduates should arrive in regalia at 8:00 am and will line up in Trienens Performance Center, the building adjacent to the Welsh-Ryan Arena. Limited complimentary parking is available next to the arena. Guests are encouraged to use the shuttle buses that will run from campus. 

The Welsh-Ryan Arena doors will open for guests at 8 a.m. for general admission seating. Graduates are responsible for ordering and distributing tickets to their guests. Additional ticket information can be found on the commencement website. 

Guests will enter the arena through magnetometers. While the University respects the rights of all to express their views, we ask that any such expressions not disrupt the ceremony or prevent others from enjoying the proceedings.

For the safety and comfort of all attendees, the following items are prohibited:

• Air horns or other artificial noise makers, including instruments
• Animals (excluding service animals)
• Balloons
• Banners
• Cameras with detachable lenses
• Confetti of any kind
• Costume masks
• Fireworks
• Flags
• Flyers and handouts
• Glitter
• Laser pens or laser products of any kind
• Outside food or beverages (including alcohol)
• Poles or sticks
• Projectiles
• Selfie sticks
• Signs
• Umbrellas (any size)
• Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, ammunition, explosives, pepper spray, and mace
• Any items that may interfere with another guest’s view or enjoyment of the ceremony

The School of Communication convocation will be livestreamed. A professional photographer will take individual photos of the students as they cross the stage and shake hands with Dean E. Patrick Johnson. Photos will be available for purchase approximately one week after the ceremony, and graduates will receive an email with ordering information.

The convocation is expected to conclude by 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by a light reception held in both the second floor Wilson Club and first floor entry hall. All graduates and guests are invited to attend.

Graduates and guests are encouraged to download the Graduate Weekend Guidebook app for the full weekend schedule, addresses, and maps. For more information regarding the whole weekend of graduation activities, please visit the NU graduation website. 

For questions regarding the School of Communication convocation, please contact Tricia David.