Commencement

It’s wonderful to have the support of your family and friends sharing in this once in a lifetime moment in your life. We are here to ensure that every one of your guests and fellow classmates guest experience this magical moment. We ask that you review the information below as well as the Commencement Day Information for Guests. As these are rules that we must follow to ensure that everyone will have a pleasant experience.

CEREMONY LOCATION

Your commencement will be taking place off campus at:

Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Dr
Tinley Park, Illinois
(1 block east of Harlem)

Parking is available in three locations and is very limited, so carpooling is strongly encouraged. Shuttle buses will be available to transport to/from remote parking lots (B & C).

a. Tinley Park Convention Center 18451 Convention Center Dr.,Tinley Park (1 block east of Harlem)

b. Central Middle School 18146 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park (3 blocks east of Harlem)

c. 80th Avenue Metra Train Station 7760 Timber Dr., Tinley Park (4 blocks west of Harlem)
DO NOT park in the LA Fitness parking lot. Your car may be ticketed and/or towed.

Graduates should not leave the ceremony floor until the appropriate time. Only Platform Guests, Faculty/Staff, and Marshals will recess out. All graduates are to remain seated throughout the ceremony, unless directed otherwise by the commencement marshals or master of ceremonies.

CEREMONY INFORMATION

• A family friendly seating area will be available to guests with children to watch on a monitor. Please refrain from brining in strollers as there is a limit amount of space available and no strollers are to block aisles. Please visit the office in the West Lobby for lost items or for stroller check-in.
• Please leave all personal items, such as purses and bags with your guests or leave locked in your vehicle. GovState and the convention center are NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Inform guests of the college/program you are graduating from, in order to assist with seating (e.g., College of Health and Human Services).
• Pre-arrange a meeting location to meet family and guests after the ceremony outside of the venue.
   

CEREMONIAL ETIQUETTE

The University wants to ensure that commencement is a dignified academic ceremony enjoyed by both the graduates and guests. Please be respectful for all the graduates and their families that have worked so hard to achieve this moment.

We ask that you please refrain from yelling, shouting, or whistling until all graduates have been individually acknowledged on stage.

Please silence your cell phones, all cell phones should be turned off and remain off during the ceremony.

We will have a live webcast available through GovState's website on Commencement Day for any family members who cannot join in person.

• NO BULLHORNS ALLOWED.
• NO balloons or large gifts are allowed in the convention center.
• NO photography or videotaping are allowed in the front, side, or middle aisles.
• NO BACKPACKS, CONCEALED WEAPONS AND FIREARMS ARE ALLOWED IN THE CONVENTION CENTER OR HOTEL.
• NO Strollers Are allowed.
• Only Clear Bags.
• NO children can sit with the graduate
• NO children will be allowed to be on stage with the graduate.
• All guests must have tickets to be seated, including children 2 years and older, Infants and toddlers may be seated in the lap.
• A family friendly seating area will be available to guests with children, to watch on a monitor.
• We ask that you refrain from bringing in strollers as the space is limited and nothing is allowed to block aisles access. Please visit the office in the West Lobby for stroller check-in.
• Children may not sit with graduates.
• Saving seats are not permitted, Seats are for first come first serve, and are not guaranteed for late arrivals.
• Remain seated for the entire commencement ceremony.
   

COMMENCEMENT DAY SPECIALS

• Chicago Balfour provides the cap, gown, and/or hood for graduates. They also offer other wonderful graduation gifts that will help you celebrate the moments you'll treasure for a lifetime–such as rings, announcements, fine jewelry and so much more! Visit their website for more information.
• GovState Bookstore will be selling clothing apparel and gifts on commencement day by the South Entrance. In honor of graduation, new graduates and guests will receive a 10% discount.
• GradImages will be on hand at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony as well as Commencement Day. Their event-certified professional photographers will capture memories that will last a lifetime. You will be able to order your photographs online after commencement by visiting GradImages
• The Commencement Group will have a variety of fresh cut floral bouquets, graduation teddy bears, t-shirts, and kukui nut leis available for guests to purchase between the West and South Entrances. All floral bouquets will be offered in a variety of colors as half or full dozens; they will also be hand-wrapped on location with baby’s breath and greens, along with a choice of a custom school colored bow. Floral bouquets are to be given to graduates AFTER the ceremony is complete. Floral bouquets may also be pre-ordered visiting The Commencement Group's website.