It’s coming! Yes, you may have like .5 more papers to write, but the end is near. Read on for information regarding impending Convocation-related events.
Note: If you are not graduating next week, please do come to all of these things! It is very fun to celebrate the end of Spring quarter with the entire cohort.
Schedule:
This is what master’s robes look like. Original artwork by Sarah E. Smith.
Cap & Gown Pick-Up: Now.
Master’s attire costs $47 and can be purchased at the University Bookstore (Ellis & 58th — not the Co-op!). UChicago does not do hoods for master’s students, but you will have some wacky sleeves. If you don’t have your gear yet, hurry! You can get a cap and gown up to the 13th, but you run the risk of confronting a limited range of sizes if you wait too long.
Family & Friends Reception: Friday, June 13 – 3:00-5:00 PM, Classics 110
Your first chance to gawk at each other’s kin and marvel at how it all makes sense now!!! Join us for a parent-friendly Social Hour (read: nice food, nice beer & wine, a Febreze-ed/aired-out room) the evening before Convocation. This is timed so that you can enjoy some hors d’oeuvres and introduce your guests to your MAPH colleagues, your preceptor, MAPHCentral, etc. before dinner. If you need a recommendation for the location of said dinner, check out these suggestions.
519th Convocation Ceremony: Saturday, June 14 – 9:15, University Main Quadrangle (rain or shine)
This ceremony is for the entire University, meaning that all degree candidates can participate. President Zimmer will announce degrees for the various schools and divisions (including the Humanities Division), but the only degrees that will be individually announced/physically handed out are for students graduating from the College. You will receive your degree at the Division of the Humanities ceremony later that afternoon (see below). Thus the early morning ceremony is completely optional, but you may find it quite nice if you are an early riser and/or want to soak in the mass triumph/relief vibes surging through the crowd.
If you do wish to attend this ceremony, plan to arrive between 8:15 and 8:55 am to assemble in the Division’s “designated area.” People will be there to show you what that is.
Division of the Humanities Events:
Lunch: 11:30 am, Bartlett Commons and Bartlett Triangle
Free boxed lunches will be provided for you and your guests prior to the Diploma and Hooding Ceremony. Nice, brief speeches will be made; your friends will be there.
Diploma and Hooding Ceremony: 1:45 pm, Mandel Hall
During this ceremony, Dean Roth will present each candidate from the Division of the Humanities with a degree. It fills you with warm spirits and doesn’t last too long. Plan to arrive at Mandel Hall one hour before the ceremony (12:45 pm) to line up. Your mentors will be on hand to assist with this process.
Note: If you have a family member who is very set on getting a clear photograph of the exact moment in which you receive your diploma, you may tell that person that there will be a professional photograph on hand to capture that. This information may have served me well last year…
Congrats!
Post-Ceremony Toast: 2:45 pm, Bartlett Quadrangle
Enjoy a celebratory glass of champagne with family, faculty and friends. There is something satisfying about doing so on the very same quad you have stumbled across many times after late nights in the Reg . Hurrah!
Information for Visitors:
Parking
My family found magical parking on the Midway last year, but I highly recommend leaving extra time to find spots. If you can’t find street parking, there will be lots and shuttles available.
Accessibility
If you or your guests require accommodation for either ceremony, please contact contact the convocation coordinator at 773-702-2513 or convocation[at]uchicago[dot]edu as soon as possible.
Hydration
Complimentary water will be available all day all over the Main Quadrangle. Bring a reusable bottle; you can totally fit it in your sleeves!
For more information, you find the brochure for Convocation here. You can reach the Division of the Humanities at 773.702.1552.