Loyola University Chicago plans to hold our Commencement ceremonies between Saturday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 12, 2020 on Loyola's Lake Shore Campus.
Our preliminary plans for Commencement in August are based on favorable COVID-19 conditions. We expect to confirm these dates and our plan details with students and their families several weeks before the proposed August dates, so that those interested in participating in person have ample time to make arrangements.
All degrees will still be conferred in May or June, and diplomas will be mailed.
For more information about commencement, academic regalia, hotels, and more, please consult the Commencement FAQ below. If you have additional questions, please email COVID-19support@LUC.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student When will Commencement 2020 be held? (03/20/20)
We plan to hold Commencement ceremonies between Saturday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 12, 2020 on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.
Our preliminary plans for Commencement in August are completely dependent on favorable COVID-19 conditions. We will continue to provide updates as available and expect to confirm these dates and the details of the celebration with students and their families several weeks before the proposed August 8–12 dates. We want everyone interested in participating in person to have ample time to make arrangements.
Student When will my ceremony be held? (03/20/20)
Many details are still being worked out, including the format of the ceremony(ies) and the specific date(s) in August along with options for a virtual Commencement for those not able to participate in person.
Student Will the Commencement tickets I secured for a May ceremony be honored at the August ceremony? (03/20/20)
Current ticket orders will be canceled. If needed, a new ticket process will be launched after we finalize plans for Commencement in August.
Student Can I attend Commencement virtually in August? (03/20/20)
Our plans for August are not yet finalized. We will finalize our plans several weeks before Commencement to ensure that students and their families have enough time to make any needed arrangements.
Student When will I officially receive my degree? (03/20/20)
All degrees will be conferred in May or June as previously scheduled, and diplomas will be mailed. In other words, graduating students are officially Loyola alumni in May or June.
Student What about our caps and gowns? (03/20/20)
For students who pre-ordered their caps and gowns for a May ceremony, Jostens, our regalia vendor, is waiving its no-refund policy and will soon have a process for accepting returns. For students who want to order caps and gowns for the scheduled August ceremony, we will share ordering information once plans have been finalized.
Student What about my graduation fee? (03/20/20)
The one-time graduation fee accessed to students covers the cost of the diploma and cover, mailing fees, and other expenses associated with graduation. All graduates must pay the fee, regardless of attendance at the ceremony. Your fees will ensure that you receive your diploma and will support the August ceremony.
Student Where can I stay during Commencement in August? (03/20/20)
Loyola will be securing discounts on local hotels for graduating students and their families. We will share the details once they are finalized.
