Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Commencement 2012

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and where will commencement be held this year?

Commencement will be held at The Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker, Chicago, Illinois on Friday June 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

2. Who may attend the ceremony?

Each graduating student that plans to attend the ceremony will be given 6 tickets for guests who would like to attend.

3. What if I would like to have more guests attend the ceremony?

At this time it is not anticipated that extra tickets will be available for guests. However, if tickets do become available due to a less than expected number of graduates who participate in Commencement, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management will run a lottery to award graduates additional tickets if they have requested to be part of the lottery when they register for Commencement. Those graduates who receive extra tickets as part of the lottery will be notified in May 2012 of their additional tickets. All tickets are free to the ceremony but unfortunately the amount of tickets available is limited.

4. If I am a graduating student and choose not to attend commencement, do I still need to apply for graduation?

All students eligible for graduation should fill out the application for graduation form on Commencement website between January 17, 2012 and March 31, 2012, even if they do not plan to attend the ceremony to provide the University with important information for their diploma.

5. How much does graduation cost?

Every Graduate who is graduating from the University will be assessed a $100.00 student fee through WebAdvisor regardless of their attendance at Commencement.  . However, students are attending Commencement are required to pay $90 for the rental of his or her regalia from Herff Jones. Regalia may be ordered from January 17, 2012 to March 31, 2012 via the Herff Jones website at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation

6. What do I have to do to participate in commencement?
First and foremost ensure that you have met all of your academic responsibilities for graduating students. Then consider the following:

1. Fill out a graduation application on the Commencement website between January 17, 2012 and March 31, 2012
2. Make arrangements to rent your regalia by March 31, 2012.
3. Pick-up your regalia and Commencement Packet during the posted hours
4. Assemble promptly at The Civic Opera House by 8:30 a.m. the morning of June 1, 2012.

7. How do we line up?

Graduates line up by degree and school in alphabetical order. Each program will be assembled in line prior to the processional.

8. What are the seating arrangements in the theater?

Graduates may access a diagram of the seating arrangements for graduates from the Commencement Website after May, 2012. Guests will be admitted into general seating areas. There will be a designated area in the front of the Opera House for graduate seating.

9. What if I need seating accommodations for disabilities as a graduate?

Students requiring accommodations should contact the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at commencement@rosalindfranklin.edu to notify planners of any needs for disabilities during the Commencement Ceremony.

10. How do I order regalia?

Regalia should be ordered be students from the Herff Jones website at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation beginning January 17, 2012 and ending March 31, 2012.

11. How do I order announcements?

Announcements should be ordered be students from the Herff Jones website at www.herffjones.com/college/graduation beginning January 17, 2012.

12. I arranged for graduation too late and did not order regalia to wear at commencement. Can I still participate in the ceremony?

All participants in commencement must wear appropriate regalia. Contact the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at commencement@rosalindfranklin.edu to inquire further about your options.

13. Where do I park for commencement?

Parking is available for a fee in parking lots and structures around The Civic Opera House. Please see the Parking information below. We encourage students and their families to utilize public transportation as well for the Ceremony.

Below are two parking garages listed near the Civic Opera House.  Standard rates apply.

201 W. Madison Self Park (312) 960-0700

14. Can I get professional photographs of commencement?

A professional photographer will photograph each graduate receiving his/her diploma. Each graduate will have the option of purchasing those photos from the company. Additional information will be posted to this site.

The Rosalind Franklin University Creative Media Center will provide the opportunity for graduates to sit for posed photographs in the studio on campus during the dates of Regalia and Commencement Packet pick up.

15. Who do I contact with questions regarding commencement?

See the Commencement Website for detailed information for graduates such as maps, instructions for ordering regalia, hotel accommodations, a schedule of events and more.

E-mail commencement@rosalindfranklin.edu with any questions.