Commencement
Commencement 2023
SAIC’s Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday May 21, 2023.
SAIC will also provide a livestream of the Commencement ceremony on the afternoon of May 21st. Family and friends of graduating students may find the livestream by visiting saic.edu/commencement and clicking on the livestream icon just prior to 2:00 p.m. CT.
Ceremony Information
When and Where
The Commencement ceremony will take place in-person on Sunday, May 21st, 2023 at the Wintrust Arena, located at 200 East Cermak Road. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. and doors for guests and graduating students will open at 12:30 p.m. All students must arrive by 1:15 p.m. to participate in the ceremony. We expect the ceremony to end at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Tickets
Graduates will receive five guest tickets, plus their own individual ticket. No one will be allowed to enter the Wintrust Arena without a ticket. At the time graduates pick up their tickets, they may request additional tickets, and the request will be granted if space is available. If additional tickets are available, graduates will be contacted on May 3 to pick up their tickets.
Tickets will be available during the weekday Tuesday, April 11, through Wednesday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the LeRoy Neiman Center Desk, 37 South Wabash Avenue, second floor. An ARTICard is required to pick up Commencement tickets.
Attire
SAIC does not require a cap and gown for the ceremony. This is a celebratory event where graduates are invited to dress as they feel appropriate. Should you wish to wear a cap and gown, you may order one by visiting herffjones.com/college/saic. Orders are due by April 1. Your regalia will be delivered to SAIC and you will be able to pick it up on May 15 and 16 in the LeRoy Neiman Center.
Diploma Frames/Graduation Announcements/Cap and Gown
SAIC is partnering with Herff Jones to provide graduates with an opportunity to purchase graduation announcements, diploma frames, and caps and gowns for the ceremony. Visit herffjones.com/college/saic for more information.
Photography
SAIC has contracted with Grad Images to take professional photos of graduates as they walk across the stage. A variety of photo packages will be available for purchase, and proofs will be emailed to the student’s SAIC email address within one week of the ceremony. Learn more about the options available for pictures at gradimages.com.
Hotels
Please plan ahead for hotel accommodations. While there are many hotel options in the area, SAIC has compiled a few convenient options here.
Special Accommodations
If you are unable to pick up your tickets from Campus Life, you can email graduation@saic.edu to set aside tickets for will call which can be picked up the day of the ceremony on Sunday, May 21. Any person with a disability who would like to request an accommodation should contact graduation@saic.edu as soon as possible to allow adequate time to make proper arrangements.
Entering Wintrust Arena
Guests will enter through the main entrance to the arena, on the corner of Cermak Road and Indiana avenue. Staff will be available to direct you. Guests with mobility impairments will be assisted to the appropriate seating accommodation.
Students will enter at the north end of the arena at the corner of Indiana Avenue and 21st Street. Students will receive their seating assignment and be assisted to their assigned seats. Students should arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. For directions on how to get to Wintrust Arena, please click here.
Live-Streaming
We understand that many of your family and friends may not be able to join you for graduation, but still want to celebrate with you on this special day. SAIC will provide a livestream of the Commencement ceremony on the afternoon of May 21. Your family and friends may find the livestream by visiting saic.edu/commencement and clicking on the livestream icon just prior to 2:00 p.m. CT.
Questions?
More information will be communicated over the course of the spring term. If you have any questions, please email graduation@saic.edu.
