Rush University will recognize over 800 graduating students at its 51st commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2 pm at the Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, Ill.
“Graduation” is an academic distinction that refers to earning a degree and obtaining a diploma. “Commencement” is the ceremony celebrating your graduation.
Apply for Graduation
The Office of the Registrar will send the Degree Approval form to the student’s program director a few weeks prior to the degree conferral date that is posted on the academic calendar. These forms do not require the student’s signature. Program directors will communicate with their students regarding the Degree Approval form process if anything is needed from the student. Completed forms will be sent by the program director to the Office of the Registrar by the last day of the graduation term.
Doctoral students, please submit your dissertation title by Saturday Feb. 25, 2023 to have it listed in the Commencement program.
Update your diploma address to ensure your diploma is mailed to the correct address.
If applicable, complete the Name Change form by Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 for Fall Graduates, and Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, for Spring and Summer Graduates.
Register for the Commencement Ceremony
Attending the Commencement ceremony is optional, but completing the Intent to Graduate form is required.
Please be aware that selecting ‘Yes’ to attending Commencement allows, for purposes of the ceremony only, release of directory information. See the Rush University Graduation and Commencement policy for more information.
GradFest is a way to celebrate and prepare students for graduation and ceremony. Check back for details regarding Fall and Spring GradFest events.
For specific details about the ceremony, review the Commencement Information for Students page.
Graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony will be handed a diploma cover when walking across the stage. Diplomas will be mailed to the address on the Intent to Graduate form approximately 2-3 weeks after degree conferral.
Students in PhD and thesis-track master’s programs completing their degrees in Summer 2023 will be invited to the Commencement ceremony in 2024.
Please note, certificate-seeking students are not eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. However, an Intent to Graduate Form is still required in order for the certificate to be conferred.
To ensure you meet all degree requirements, please meet with your faculty advisor.
Graduates with unpaid financial obligations will not receive their diplomas until those obligations are met. Review your financial status through Self-Service on the University Portal and follow-up with the following offices, as appropriate:
Below are links to purchase other Commencement related items with the Rush University logo, such as announcements, thank you notes, diploma frames, class rings and more.