Rush University will recognize graduating students at the 53rd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2 pm at the Credit Union 1 Arena. Degrees will be awarded to students graduating from the University’s colleges. The event will feature a University Marshal, Student Commencement Speaker and Commencement Address.
Apply for Graduation
Review the Graduation Checklist to ensure you can graduate on time. Find information about the Intent to Graduate form, submitting your dissertation title, confirming your diploma address, and more.
Commencement Ceremony Admission
Seating is reserved for graduates on the main floor. Guests are permitted.
Ceremony
The ceremony will begin promptly at 2 p.m. and will last approximately two hours. Doors to the Arena will open at 1 p.m. If guests need accommodations, the Credit Union 1 Arena staff will be able to assist inside the main doors of the arena. If you have questions about guest accommodations, please email the Commencement committee.
Parking and Transportation
Faculty and their family can park at either the Rush University Medical Center garage or at Credit Union 1 Arena.
Parking at Rush University Medical Center
Students, faculty and staff who have paid for monthly parking with their AVIT transponder can park in the RUSH University Medical Center garage at no additional cost. Visitors will pay the published hourly rate.
Shuttle Information
A shuttle will be provided at the Rush University campus.
- Pick Up and Drop Off Times
- Before Commencement: 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
- After Commencement: 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
- Rush Pick Up and Drop Off: Pick up and drop off will be on the east side of Paulina Street, adjacent to the Medical Center parking garage on the northbound side of the street.
- Credit Union 1 Drop Off Location: Drop off will be on the southwest corner of Harrison and Racine; diagonal from the arena near the Rush Administrative Offices Building sign.
Parking at Credit Union 1 Arena
Students and their family can park at Credit Union 1 Arena in surface lots 1A and 1B within walking distance at a flat rate of $10 per car. There is ample parking available for the event. Please see this map of the parking lot for more information.
Arrival
All students participating in the ceremony will need to arrive at the Credit Union 1 Arena Parking Garage, 525 S. Racine Ave. on the first level, west side, by 12:30 p.m. Signs and greeters will help direct you. Faculty and staff will be there to help line up all students.
Bag Check for Graduates
Bag check will not be provided for graduates or guests at the ceremony and large items are not allowed into the ceremony. Please make prior arrangements for your purses, bags and personal items.
For more information, please visit UIC Policy for Bags, Purses and Backpacks.
Security
Security from Rush University Medical Center and Credit Union 1 Arena will be present to ensure the event is safe and secure for participants and guests.
For more information please visit UIC Policy for the Mandatory Use of Metal Detectors. Please allow additional time due to security measures.
Prohibited Items
Credit Union 1 Arena does not allow outside food, strollers, balloons, noise makers/air horns or paraphernalia of any kind. Book bags and large purses are also not allowed.
Graduation Dress Code
There is no formal dress code. Most graduates wear business-like attire under their robes.
Accommodations for Accessibility
Entrance to the Credit Union 1 Arena is ADA accessible, as are all restrooms. Additionally, the arena has designated ADA parking spots. Cars will need to provide their own ADA parking placard.
Service animals are permitted in the Credit Union 1 Arena but need to be on a leash and under control at all times. The owner is responsible for cleaning up after the animal outside the arena.
An ASL interpreter is visible via screen at all designated seating areas. Large print programs will be available at all entrances.
You will have the opportunity to request accessibility accommodations on the Intent to Graduate form. If you have additional questions regarding accessibility at the ceremony, please email the Commencement committee. Staff and faculty with mobility concerns about pre-ceremony line-up may also email the Commencement committee.
International Students
Please email International Student Services with any questions.
Photography
Please feel free to bring your cameras to take photos. The aisles need to remain clear at all times, especially during the processional, ceremony and recessional. Therefore, family and friends will not be allowed in the aisles or on the main floor during the ceremony. Family pictures may be taken immediately after the ceremony. Please be reminded, regalia needs to be returned to the Credit Union 1 Arena Garage immediately following the ceremony.
Regalia Pickup and Return
Regalia distribution will be held in AAC in the weeks before the ceremony.
Regalia must be returned to the Credit Union 1 Arena Parking Garage immediately following the ceremony.
Please see the regalia page for more information related to regalia.
Ceremony Live Stream
The Commencement ceremony will be streamed live for family and friends who are unable to attend. The livestream will be available on the main Commencement page.
Smoking at Credit Union 1 Arena
The Credit Union 1 Arena is a smoke-free environment.
Dining Near Credit Union 1 Arena
Credit Union 1 Arena is close to a variety of fine dining restaurants. Greek Town, Little Italy and University Village, all offer exciting eating establishments within walking distance.
Submit any questions or concerns regarding Commencement here.