Information for Graduates

Final Graduation Requirements

What Do I Need to do to Graduate?

All academic and financial obligations must be met, including library clearance, in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. The deadline for clearance by the Business Office and Library is May 15.
Professors must inform the Registrar’s Office that you are passing/failing their course by May 15. However, even if they indicate that you are passing at that time, they may change that indication later if expected work is not completed or is deficient.

Federal Loan Exit Counseling

If you have taken out a federal loan you need to complete exit counseling by May 10. You will be sent instructions on how to do this online by Pam Sheldon. If you have questions email Pam at psheldon@seminary.edu.

Graduate Questionnaire

At the beginning of May you will be sent two online “Graduating Student Questionnaires,” which you must complete before you can pick up your cap and gown. Either email the receipt to Gordon Hackman at ghackman@seminary.edu after completing the questionnaire or bring the receipt when you pick up your cap and gown.

Graduation Fee

A graduation fee will be charged to your student account ($225 for Masters students; $250 for DMin students). Should your plans to graduate change after your robe, photo and diploma have been ordered, charges for these will be deducted from the balance refunded to you.

The graduation fee, as well as all other financial obligations to the seminary, must be paid in full by Friday, May 15, 2020.

Commencement Related Information

Hotel for Graduation Guests

If you have friends or family coming from out of the area for the graduation ceremony, Northern has the following special hotel arrangement:

Residence Inn Chicago Oak Brook
790 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, IL 60523

$99 USD per night (1 bedroom suite)
$99 USD per night (2 bedroom suite)

BOOK YOUR GROUP RATE

Caps and Gowns

Caps and gowns must be picked up at the Registrar’s office We will send an email letting you know when you can pick them up.  It is your responsibility to pick up your cap and gown during these hours. If you can’t come to pick them up, the Registrar will take them to the robing room at Christ Church of Oak Brook.

Commencement Day Schedule

Rehearsal

8:45 a.m. All Students (Robed) – Main sanctuary of CCOB – Rehearsal will start promptly at 8:45 so please be on time (early is better). Class photo after rehearsal.

Faculty Picture

9:30 a.m

Procession Line-up

9:45 a.m.

Commencement Service Begins

10:00 a.m.

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SERVICE — GOWNS, CAPS AND HOODS must be returned at the same location as robing prior to the service. Please be prompt in returning your garments.

Note: If your robe is not returned, your degree will not be posted to your transcript until it is.

Child Care

Child care will not be provided at the graduation ceremony.

Handicap Access

There is handicap access at Christ Church Oak Brook.