Am I required to participate in Commencement to receive my diploma?
Participation in the Commencement Convocation is optional, but encouraged. All students participating in the Commencement Convocation will receive the diploma cover. The diploma inserts are mailed after the degree conferral process is completed at the end of each term

When and where are diplomas mailed?
Diploma inserts are mailed to the degree recipient at the home address on file via the U.S. Post Office, by certified mail with a return receipt.

Students choosing not to participate in Commencement will receive the following through the mail, called a graduation packet:  Diploma cover, and insert, Commencement Program and graduation tassel.

Mailing of the diploma insert or graduation packet takes place after the degree conferral process is complete. The diploma inserts are mailed after the degree conferral process is completed at the end of each term.

Please note that diploma inserts or graduation packets will not be released if you have any financial holds.  .

Who sends out diplomas?
The Office of the Registrar.

When will our degree show up on the transcript?
Degrees will be reflected on the academic transcript after the record has been reviewed, confirming that all graduation requirements have been satisfied. This process is called degree conferral.

Is there a practice ceremony?
No.

Are invitations/announcements available?
To order personalized announcements please go to Herff Jones at https://college.oakhalli.com/college/ben  to place your order.

How and where do we get our cap and gown?
You will pick up your cap and gown and your Graduation tickets at the Graduation Fair which will be held on Monday, November 18th and Tuesday, November 19th at Krasa Center, First Floor.

How and where do we get our cap and gown if we miss the Graduation Fair?
1.       Request shipping. 

Darwin Barnes, the Bookstore Manager, will be able to ship your cap and gown to you if you place a request by e-mail to  dbarnes@ben.edu or send a fax to 1-630-960-1758.  In both communications include a telephone number where you can be reached so that the Bookstore Manager can call to obtain a credit card number to be used for shipping.  Shipping rates are as follows:

a.       Standard: $6.95

b.      2^nd Day: $11.95

c.       Next Day: $16.95

Note:  Caps and gowns will not be shipped prior to November 20th.  Shipping will be available on two days only – November 20th and November 21st.  Unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate requests received after December 1. Please be aware that Darwin Barnes will not call before these dates.  He will call you either November 20th or November 21st to get your credit card information to ship your cap and gown.

2.       Send a designate.

You will need to download the Third Party Release Form which is located on the Commencement web site.  Complete it, print out one copy of the form and fax it to Donna Madia at 1-630-829-6369.  Your designate will need to have a form of identity on them (example: driver's license, school ID) when they come to pick up your cap and gown at the Graduation Fair on April 22nd and 23rd.

3.       Commencement Day Pick-Up.

Caps and Gowns can be picked up on the day of Commencement.  Please allow a little extra time in order to complete this process.

What would prevent a student from participating in the Commencement Ceremony?
You must be in good financial standing to receive your cap and gown, and you must have an academic program that will be completed by August 31, 2013 or December 31st.

How is the color of the “hood” determined in the academic apparel?
The color of the “hood” is contingent upon the scholarly field of study, following the guidelines by the American Council on Education.

What side of the cap is the tassel worn?                                                                                                                                                                                                                   As an associate or bachelor degree candidate, you will march into the athletic complex with your tassel on the right side. After the Abbot announces your degree conferral and all diploma covers are distributed, you will switch the tassel to the left side. As a masters and doctoral degree candidate, you will march into the sports complex with your tassel on the left side.

As a graduate student in the Master’s program, will I be recognized for graduation honors?
There are no graduation honors for students earning Masters and Doctoral Degrees.

What time should I arrive for the Commencement Ceremony?
Line up for the graduates is TBA.

Please refer to the Schedule of Events for your degree for a list of times.

Is there a Commencement Mass?
Yes. The commencement mass is at 7:45 a.m. at St. Procopius Abbey, across the street from Benedictine University, 5701 College Road.

What time should guests start to arrive for the Commencement Ceremony? The doors will be open at the Rice Center at 8:30am for the morning ceremony. The doors will open at 1:45pm for the afternoon ceremony.  

Please refer to your degree's Schedule of Events for times.

Where do we park?
Campus parking facilities will be available.

How many people can we invite to the ceremony?
TBA

Are children allowed?
Yes.

Is there assigned or reserved seating?
No. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis in the Rice Center.

Is there special seating for guests who are handicapped and the hearing impaired?
Yes.

Can one view the Commencement Convocation on campus or off campus other than the Rice Center?
Yes, the Commencement Convocation is viewable on the Benedictine University website, www.ben.edu, and also will be viewed in selected areas on campus, including the Krasa Center, 2nd floor.

How long will the commencement ceremony last?
The ceremony should last between 1 hour, 45 minutes and 2 hours.

Is there a reception afterwards?
Yes. TBA

What if I have a question not listed above?
Please contact Donna Madia at 630-829-1143 or dmadia@ben.edu if you have any other questions.