Although I realize graduation is months away and you have much to do before then, questions about Convocation weekend are starting to trickle in. Thus, we have a post for you with all of the relevant information collected here for your convenience.
June 5th: Note that grades are due to the Registrar’s Office by June 5th. This means that you need to have submitted your final papers or else arranged with the professor to take a Convocation grade. The Convocation grade is a stand-in grade (usually a B or B-) that will be changed in the summer, after the professor can review and assess your final paper. (I, for one, finished one final before the 5th and then took a Convocation grade for my other course, giving me an extra week to finish it.)
Around this date (early June) is a good time to pop over to the UChicago Bookstore and buy your cap and gown! You do indeed have to purchase the gown, I believe it is about 52 dollars.
June 12th: Maph Friends and Family Reception
The reception will take place in Classics 110, from 3:00-5:00pm on Friday the 12th. This is a great chance to introduce your friends and family to the lounge, Maph friends, the Maph staff, and most importantly your mentors. Of course, you can come without bringing any guests. Come get delicious food and meet adults that look vaguely familiar. We hope you can all attend!
June 13th: Convocations 1 and 2
University of Chicago holds multiple convocations (which many universities do, but was news to me last year).
University-wide convocation starts at 9:15 am and is held on the main quad. This ceremony is for the whole university. Tickets are not required.
Maph hosts a lunch for you and your friends and family, in Bartlett Commons which will begin at 11:30 am. (No tickets or RSVP needed) From the lunch, you guys will go directly to the Reynolds Club (graduation takes place in Mandel Hall) and wait in line while everyone gets alphabetized. The Maph staff will shortly thereafter direct your guests over to the building.
The Humanities Division Convocation will begin at 1:45 in Mandel Hall. The ceremony usually lasts about an hour. Once again, no tickets are needed for guests to attend the ceremony.
After the Convocation ceremony, there is a post-ceremony toast (with champagne!) out on Bartlett Quadrangle starting 2:45-3:00 pm.
After that, I hope you will all celebrate!!!
Always feel free to email us with questions. We’ll also be putting out more posts about transportation, things to do, recommended places to take your family to dinner, etc. But here at least are the date and an outline of what the weekend looks like.
For questions about graduation requirements and deadlines (for instance, questions about restrictions or incompletes), consult Maren Robinson and/or your preceptor.
The university’s official website for Convocation can be found here and the link for the Humanities Division in particular, here.