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Commencement 2021

At Loyola University Chicago, the health, wellbeing, and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors to our campuses remains of utmost importance. In keeping with our Ignatian values, we believe it is our civic responsibility to do everything we can to protect each other, prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), keep in mind the most vulnerable among us, and remain respectful, compassionate, and caring. Despite our hope and desire to hold an in-person Commencement, the Restore Illinois plan for reopening the state and guidance from the City of Chicago makes it clear that it is highly unlikely that we will be able to congregate at large events in one location by early May. To comply with local and state guidelines, and to ensure the safety of Loyola students, their families, friends, faculty, and staff, 2021 Commencement week will be held virtually between Monday, May 10 – Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Thank you for your understanding as we place the safety of our students, their families, friends, faculty, and staff at the forefront of all our decisions. Learn More

Register to participate in Commencement

Registration will open the week of February 8 to eligible students. Registration allows you to confirm your diploma name, provide photos for your graduating student slides, and confirm your address for your celebration package. 

You must register by Friday, March 26 at 11:59 PM CT in order to be recognized in the virtual ceremonies. 

Students who are eligible for graduation are invited to participate in Commencement. Students are eligible to participate in the May 2021 Commencement if they have completed requirements during the 2020-2021 academic year. Below are steps each student should take in preparing for Commencement. 

  • Complete all necessary coursework to graduate.  
  • Apply for graduation with your Dean's Office.   
  • Check LOCUS to make sure your name is spelled correctly, and your address is correct. This is how your name will appear on the diploma, what will appear on your student recognition slide, and what will be read during the virtual Commencement ceremony.  Your address will be used to deliver your celebration package and diploma.
  • Stritch School of Medicine students, please consult your Dean's Office on your diploma name and diploma address confirmation process. 
  • Check your Loyola e-mail account for messages about registering to participate in your Commencement.  

Please read the notes below before logging into the registration system: 

Registration Access: 

To access registration, please visit the Commencement registration page and use your Loyola credentials to log in.  Make sure to press submit at the end of registration to officially save your registration feedback.    

Changes to Registration Feedback: 

You may make changes to the registration site prior to March 26. With each answer change, you will need to select submit at the end of registration to save your updated responses.   

Photo Submission: 

You will have the opportunity to upload (1) student recognition slide photo and up to (3) student experience photos. You will NOT be able to change your photos. If students would like to remove any photos previously submitted, please contact commencement@LUC.edu.  

 

Note: Arrupe College Commencement will take place in August 2021. Registration for Arrupe graduates will open at a later date. 

Order your cap and gown

Academic Regalia ordering is open! Please visit the Jostens website to place your order.  

All regalia will be shipped directly to your place of residence and may be kept; no returns are necessary. You are responsible for providing your correct address for where you will be located when your regalia is delivered. Please note shipping may take up to 5 weeks.  

Regalia by Program 

Please visit the LUC.edu/commencement/academicregalia for an overview on regalia by program. 

Shipping 

Loyola regalia is custom-made and as such may take up to 5 weeks to arrive to your address. Please plan accordingly.  

Order Deadlines 

Friday, February 19   

If you would like to submit a photo in your regalia for your student recognition slide, please order by Friday, February 19 to ensure your regalia arrives in time to take and upload a photo to the registration site. This applies to both domestic & international students. 

Monday, March 1    

If you are sending your regalia to an international address, please order by Monday, March 1 to ensure it arrives in advance of the May 2021 Commencement Week. Please visit the FAQ page to learn more about how customs may impact your regalia order. 

Monday, March 15    

If you are sending your regalia to a domestic address, please order by Monday, March 15 to ensure it arrives in advance of May 2021 Commencement Week. 

Friday, April 16    

This is the final date to order regalia, regardless of location. No guarantee of arrival by May 2021 Commencement Week. This applies to both domestic and international students. Learn more about what to do if you miss this deadline by visiting the FAQ page.