This web page contains important information for students and their family members as they plan for our school's Convocation ceremony. An e-mail with additional information will be sent to students in late March. The timeline below will provide you with information to help you make plans.
If you have questions regarding SESP's Convocation prior to the March mailing, please contact Mark Hoffman, Convocation Coordinator, at markhoffman@northwestern.edu.
If you have questions regarding the university's commencement, please visit http://www.northwestern.edu/commencement/
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Convocation Speaker
Jeanne Brooks-Gunn will be the featured speaker for the SESP Convocation. Dr. Brooks-Gunn is the Virginia and Leonard Marx Professor of Child Development and Education at Teachers College, and the College for Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. She co-directs the National Center for Children and Families at Columbia University’s Teachers College and the Columbia University Institute for Child and Family Policy. In addition, she has directed the Adolescent Study Program at Columbia University’s Teachers College and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. She has been a visiting scholar at the Center for Health and Well-Being at the Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University and the Russell Sage Foundation. Formerly, she was a senior research scientist at Educational Testing Service. You can find out more about Dr. Brooks-Gunn by clicking here.
Alumni Award
The School of Education and Social Policy is pleased to announce the sponsorship of the School of Education and Social Policy Leadership Award. This award, presented annually to both a graduating senior and a graduating master's or PhD student, recognizes outstanding leadership and character and includes an honorarium of $1,000. The winner of the award will be announced at SESP’s Convocation ceremony on June 20. Additionally, a commemorative plaque will be hung in Annenberg Hall that includes the name of this year’s winner along with the names of all past winners. Applications are due by noon on Monday, April 20, 2009.
Click here to download the application instructions. You are encouraged to read the application information carefully.
CONVOCATION CALENDAR
June 9 – 19 - Tickets available for pick up in SESP Student Affairs Office during office hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.) until Friday, June 19, at 12 noon.
June 15 - Come chow down and mingle with your fellow seniors (and a few advisors) at the SESP Senior Munch at Dean Peterson's residence, 733 Lincoln Street. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs and more!
June 17 (Wednesday) - Rehearsal & Lunch. Gather at the West steps of Deering Library at 10:30 a.m. to learn about the details of SESP’s Convocation. We will also distribute extra tickets at the rehearsal. The rehearsal lasts about 45 minutes. Following the rehearsal will be a lunch, which is a perfect way to connect with friends before you graduate.
June 19 (Friday) - University commencement at 6 p.m. at Ryan Field.
June 20 (Saturday) - SESP Convocation at 9 a.m. at Cahn Auditorium. Graduate line-up and group photo is at 8 a.m. at Deering Library. Doors to Cahn open for guests at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony lasts from 9 a.m. until approximately 10:30 a.m. A reception follows at Deering Library.
- 8 a.m. - Graduates line up at Deering Library
- 8:30 a.m. - Doors to Cahn Auditorium open for guests
- 9 a.m. - Ceremony begins
- 11 a.m. - Reception following the ceremony at Deering Library
SURVEYS
There are several surveys that both graduate and undergraduate students complete before convocation.
Undergraduates:
1. SESP Undergraduate Satisfaction Survey (late March) – Must be completed in order to request tickets for Convocation.
2. Convocation Participation and Ticket Request (late March)
3. Post-Graduation Plans Survey – This survey must be completed before picking up your tickets. It can be completed at the Student Affairs office when you pick up your tickets or in advance. (Early June)
Graduate Students (MSEd, MSLOC, MALS, PhD):
1. Department Satisfaction/Exit Survey – Required for MSEd and MSLOC. Please check with other departments for survey requirements. (Time varies)
2. Convocation Participation and Ticket Request (Late March)
3. Post-Graduation Plans Survey – This survey must be completed before picking up your tickets. It can be completed at the Student Affairs office when you pick up your tickets or in advance. (Early June)
TICKETS
Convocation tickets will be available for pick up at the SESP Student Affairs Office, Annenberg Hall, Room 123 beginning June 9 from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets may be picked up until Friday, June 19, at 12 noon. Annenberg Hall is located at 2120 Campus Drive in Evanston.
In order to pick up your tickets, you must fill out the following Post-Graduate Plans survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RXz6JMwzWHYX8kKGMIaRxw_3d_3d
This survey is for all students, including MSEd students.
SENIOR WEEK
Senior Munch at Dean Peterson’s – Monday, June 15, 4 p.m.
Quinton Sprull and Adriana Arellano, your Convocation co-chairs, have worked with Dean Peterson to plan a gathering at her home, complete with a light meal. Look for reminder e-mails. RSVP to QuintonSprull2007@u.northwestern.edu.
CAP & GOWN
Pick up your regalia from the Louis Room at the Norris University Center
Undergraduates students: Wednesday, June 17, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Graduate students: Thursday, June 18, 10 a.m. – 7p.m.
Questions about regalia: [click here]
RECEPTION
A reception is held for graduates and their guests at Deering Library immediately following Convocation. No tickets are necessary to attend this event and all guests are welcome.
NU COMMENCEMENT
Graduates, you must be at the stadium by 5 p.m. Your best bet is to take one of the shuttle buses that are provided. The lines get quite long, so it is ideal for your guests to board the bus before 5 p.m.
Questions about commencement: [click here]