Commencement Information

For Graduates

Regalia

This year, Meadville Lombard will provide a robe and hood only for graduates who will be present in Chicago for the ceremony. If you have not sent in your measurements, please contact Elena Jimenez as soon as possible.

Diploma

We plan to distribute diplomas during the Commencement Ceremony for all graduates who are present in person. Those graduates who are not present will receive your diploma by mail in late May or early June.

Photography

Vespers, Dinner, and the Commencement Ceremony will be photographed. All photos will be posted on Meadville Lombard's Facebook page. If you would like to request high-resolution files of the photos, please contact Tomo Hillbo, Director of Communications.

Commencement Fees

The commencement fee is $185 and will be billed through Populi. This fee helps to defray the costs of commencement activities, as well as graduate audits and diploma printing. The fee applies to all graduates, regardless of whether or not you attend commencement, and must be paid in full in order to receive a diploma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Commencement

General

Does Meadville Lombard have recommendations for affordable hotels?

We have a list of affordable hotels around our campus. Please see the local accommodations and travel guide for more information. Due to the busy weekend in Chicago, we encourage attendees to arrange for accommodations as soon as possible.

Please note: this information is provided as a resource only. Meadville Lombard does not endorse or recommend any particular housing option.

If I have other questions not addressed in the FAQ, whom should I contact?

Please contact Elena Jimenez at (312) 212-0672 or Kathy Foskett at (312) 212-0667.

Vespers

Who is in charge of Vespers?

The graduating students arrange all aspects of Vespers with the help of the Rev. Julie Taylor, Senior Director of Contextual Ministry.

Where and when will Vespers be held?

Vespers will be held at Meadville Lombard at 180 N. Wabash Ave., 7th Floor, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

Please note:

Please arrive by 4:45 p.m. to allow time to get through the vaccination check line. The service will start promptly at 5:00 p.m.
All in-person attendees will be asked to show their proof of Covid vaccination and receive a button before being allowed to enter the space. Please keep the button on your clothes throughout the Commencement events on Saturday and Sunday.
All in-person attendees are also asked to wear a mask.

Commencement Vespers is an intimate event, led by the graduating students for their classmates, alums, ML staff & faculty, internship supervisors, and family and friends. The Zoom link will be shared with the students so they can invite their circle of friends and supporters who loved them through their studies at MLTS.

Commencement Dinner

Where is the Commencement Dinner?

The location for the 2023 Commencement Dinner will be set by March 15, 2023.

All attendees are asked to wear a mask while they are not eating or drinking.

Who can attend this dinner? How many people can I bring?

This is a ticketed, seated dinner, and space is limited. Graduates will have an option to bring up to two guests. Please contact Elena if you have any questions.

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code, but we suggest business or business casual.

I or my guests are vegan/gluten-free/pescatarian. Will there be options for us?

We will do our best to accommodate all dietary restrictions and preferences. However, we must know about them ahead of time. If you didn't provide the dietary information for you and your guests on the "Intent to Graduate" form or need to edit the information, please email Faysha Crosbie and let her know as soon as possible.

Commencement

Where will Commencement be held?

Commencement will be held at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago at 5650 S. Woodlawn Avenue.

All in-person attendees are also asked to wear a mask during the ceremony.

The Commencement program is available in a booklet form for in-person attendees and as a PDF for online attendees.

2023 Commencement Program

Is there a dress code at Commencement?

There is no dress code. Commencement is being held at First Unitarian Church of Chicago, so please wear what you'd wear to church or a similarly formal event.

Will there be childcare available?

We welcome children at Commencement. However, Meadville Lombard cannot arrange for childcare.

Where do I pick up my robe?

Robes and hoods for graduates will be available on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Meadville Lombard, as well as on Saturday prior to or following Vespers. If you are not able to pick up your robe on Friday or Saturday, we will bring it to First Unitarian Church. It will be available beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the RE classrooms on the north side of the church. Graduates and those participating in the Commencement procession are invited to robe there.

When should I arrive at First Unitarian Church on Sunday?

Please arrive at 1:30 p.m. to allow ample time to pick up your robe and get ready for the class photo at 2:15 p.m.

Is photography allowed at Commencement?

Yes, you are welcome to take pictures, but only without flashes. During the Ceremony, we ask that all flashes be turned off. We will also have a photographer.