Commencement Communications

Dear {{@Model.Person.FirstName}},

The  {{@Model.Ceremony.Title}} will take place on {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("dddd, MMMM dd, yyyy")}} at {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("h:mm tt")}}. Your participation in the ceremony depends on completing your registration immediately.

Act now to secure your spot! 

The deadline to submit your Tassel registration is May 9th.

The deadline to order your cap and gown is May 21st. Orders received by May 6, 2026 (11:00 PM CST) will incur the shipping fee of $14.90. Orders received after May 6, 2026 (11 PM CST) will incur a late shipping fee of $21.30. THE FINAL DEADLINE DATE IS MAY 21, 2026.

Failure to register on time may jeopardize your ability to participate in this milestone event. 

To register:

1. Click this link and create your password: {{Set Password Here}}
2. Log in and start the registration process.
3. <>Confirm your Full Name
4. Add the phonetic spelling of your name.
1. If you are unsure how to spell your name phonetically, try asking ChatGPT for help. Just ask it to “Phonetically spell (your name).” 
5. Select the number of tickets you will need for your guests.
6. Record your name. This step is optional, but we highly encourage you to do this to ensure your name is pronounced correctly at the ceremony. 

Tickets

1. Secure up to 4 guest tickets. As a graduate, you do not need a ticket.
2. To print or send tickets to your guests, log in at https://nl.tassel.com. Once logged in, select 'Print/Email Tickets.' Be sure to complete this before your ceremony.

Cap and Gown

1. The deadline for ordering your cap and gown is May 21st. (Orders received by May 6, 2026 (11:00 PM CST) will incur the shipping fee of $14.90. Orders received after May 6, 2026 (11 PM CST) will incur a late shipping fee of $21.30. THE FINAL DEADLINE DATE IS MAY 21, 2026.)
2. Use the following link to place your order.Order Cap and Gown
3. If you are a Kendal Culinary Graduate, use the link to order your ceremonial alumni jacket:Culinary Arts/Baking & Pastry Alumni Jackets (if applicable)

You may return to the site anytime by going to the {{@Model.BaseUrl}} and using this email address:

{{@Model.Person.Email}}

Commencement FAQ: Commencement Inquiry Form

Dear {{@Model.Person.FirstName}},

Our records indicate you have not completed the necessary steps to secure your participation in the 2026 Illinois Commencement.

Failure to complete the following steps will disqualify you from participating in this year's commencement ceremony.

1) Access Tassel to complete your registration:

1. If you have not set a password for your Tassel account, click this link and create your password: {{{Set Password Here}}
2. Log in to access the registration form.
3. You may return to the site anytime by going to the {{@Model.BaseUrl}} and using this email address: {{@Model.Person.Email}}
4. Confirm your Name:
• You must confirm your full name/preferred name and enter the phonetic spelling of your name to ensure our professional name readers get it right!
• If you are unsure how to spell your name phonetically, try asking ChatGPT for help. Just ask it to “Phonetically spell (your name).”

2)  TICKETS

1. Secure up to 4 guest tickets. As the graduate, you do not need a ticket. 
2. To print or send tickets to your guests, log in at https://nl.tassel.com. Once logged in, select 'Print/Email Tickets.' Be sure to complete this before your ceremony.

At this time, we do not have extra tickets available.

3) Cap and Gown

1. Use the following link to place your order.https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/ 
2. If you are a Kendall Culinary Graduate, use the link to order your ceremonial alumni jacket;Culinary Arts/Baking & Pastry Alumni Jackets (if applicable)
3. >Once you have placed your order, go tohttps://nl.tassel.com and check off the cap and gown requirements.

YOU MUST ORDER YOUR CAP AND GOWN BY MAY 6TH AND COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION STEPS IN THE TASSEL SITE BY MAY 9TH, 2026.

After May 9th, you can still access the site to modify your ticket quantity or access/print your tickets.

Commencement FAQs:  Commencement Inquiry Form

Hey @Model.Person.FirstName,

Congratulations on completing your registration! You are one step closer to celebrating your incredible achievement. We are excited to share some important details to help you prepare for your graduation ceremony.

Graduate Commencement Guide

Important:

• As you know, the lakefront is a busy area. There are other events on the same day. Give yourself enough time to get there and enjoy the event!
• The procession begins 20 minutes before the ceremony's scheduled start time. Late arrivals, both guests and graduates, will not be seated until after the procession ends.

Arrival Time

Please plan to arrive 90 minutes before the ceremony starts. This will give you enough time to check in, take a few photos on the red carpet, and get in line for the procession. The check-in and photo sessions take some time, so arriving early is crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Theater Security Guidelines (These are venue rules. Please review them to make the best of this wonderful moment.)

• Prohibited items – Balloons, helium products, confetti, and streamers are not allowed.
• Stroller policy – Strollers are not permitted in the lobby or seating area; please plan accordingly.
• Personal bags – Guests may bring personal bags without restrictions as long as they fit within their seating area. There are no lockers for graduates to store personal belongings.

Ceremony Start Time

The ceremony will officially begin at 9:40 am CST. Please be in line and ready to go at least 30 minutes before the start time so we can proceed without delay.

Guest Tickets & Arrival

Don't forget to send your guests their tickets! To print or send tickets to your guests, log in at https://nl.tassel.com. Once logged in, select 'Print/Email Tickets.' Be sure to complete this before your ceremony.

Guest doors open 60 minutes before the ceremony starts. This will give them plenty of time to find their seats and be ready to cheer you on as you walk across the stage.

Stage Pass & Check-In

Pick up your stage pass at the check-in tables. You'll need it to display your name and degree when you cross the stage. Once you check in, our team will direct you to the appropriate area for the procession.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on this special day! Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Commencement FAQ: Commencement Inquiry Form

Greetings from {{@Model.School.Name}},

Your graduate provided us with your email address so that we could share the details of their graduation ceremony with you.

Ceremony: {{@Model.Ceremony.Title}}

Date: {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("dddd, MMMM dd, yyyy")}}

Time: {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("h:mm tt")}}

Location: {{@Raw(Model.Ceremony.Location)}}

The procession will begin 20 minutes before the ceremony starts. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Important: The procession begins 20 minutes before the ceremony's scheduled start time. Late arrivals may not be seated until after the procession ends.

Parking: Lot C (Lakeside Center Underground Garage)

• Address: 2227 Fort Dearborn Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 (Look for the Parking Lot C sign)
• Parking Rate: Up to 16 hours: $27
• Entrance: All graduates and guests will enter through the front lobby of the venue.

Entrance Instructions:

1. Upon arriving at the ticket dispenser, press the button to receive a ticket.
2. Take the ticket; the gate will open.
3. Enter the lot and park in an available space. ADA-designated accessible parking spaces are located near the accessible entrances.
4. Important: Please hold onto the parking ticket you received — you will need it to exit the garage.

Exit Instructions:

1. At the exit verifier lane, scan your ticket under the scanner. The parking rate will appear on the screen.
2. Scan your QR code under the same scanner. The system will beep to confirm the scan.
3. The gate will open.
4. Exist the parking facility.

Theater Security Guidelines (These are venue rules. Please review them to make the best of this wonderful moment.)

• Prohibited Items: Balloons, helium products, confetti, and streamers are not allowed.
• Stroller Policy: Strollers are not permitted in the lobby or seating area; please plan accordingly.
• Personal Bags: Guests may bring personal bags without restrictions as long as they fit within their seating area.
• Accessibility: If you need assistance, notify an usher upon arrival. Elevator access is available.

Enjoy celebrating {{@Model.Person.FullName}}'s special day!

Hi Student’s First Name,,

As commencement day approaches, we want to remind you that all guests must have a ticket to enter the ceremony. Graduates DO NOT need a ticket.

Guest Ticket Access

You can access your guest tickets by logging into your Tassel account at nl.tassel.com. Once logged in:

1. Click “View” on your ceremony.
   
   
2. Scroll to the “Tickets” section.
   
   
3. You can choose to:
   
   
   
• Print your tickets.
  
  
• Email them directly to your guests.

Need Help?

For detailed steps, refer to the Tassel Guest Ticket Guide. Thank you, and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Warm regards,

Commencement Planning CommitteeCommencement FAQ: Commencement Inquiry Form

www.nl.edu/commencement  

NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY | 18 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, 60603

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Dear Doctoral Graduates,

After careful consideration and thoughtful internal feedback, we have decided to offer two separate Doctoral Hooding Ceremonies this year. This change allows each graduate the opportunity to invite more family members and friends to share in this special milestone.

We recognize that earning a doctoral degree takes many years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. The leadership team believes it is important to provide you with the opportunity to celebrate this extraordinary achievement with the people who have supported you throughout your journey.

We hope this adjustment will make it easier for your loved ones to join you in celebrating this significant accomplishment.  Additional ceremony details and registration information will be sent via Tassel soon. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Eligibility: Doctoral candidates who defend their dissertations by May 15 and are on track to complete all remaining degree requirements by September 25 may participate. Participation is contingent on having an approved graduation application on file and being in good academic standing.

Participation in the Hooding Ceremony does not replace Commencement. You are still welcome and encouraged to participate in the University Commencement ceremony with your graduating class. For more information regarding NLU’s Illinois Commencement ceremonies, please visit https://nl.edu/student-services/commencement/illinois/.

There will also be additional graduation week celebration events throughout the week leading up to the ceremonies. Click here for more information.  Please note that details are still being finalized, so check back regularly for updates.

Congratulations again on this remarkable achievement. We look forward to celebrating with you.

Warm regards,

NLU Commencement Committee

Dear {{@Model.Person.FirstName}},

The  {{@Model.Ceremony.Title}} will take place on {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("dddd, MMMM dd, yyyy")}} at {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("h:mm tt")}}. Your participation in the hooding ceremony depends on completing this RSVP immediately.

The Hooding Ceremony is a formal recognition of doctoral candidates who have completed their degree requirements during the 2025-26 academic year. During the ceremony, your faculty advisor will place the doctoral hood over your regalia as your name is announced. 

Participation in the Hooding Ceremony does not replace Commencement. You are still welcome and encouraged to participate in the University Commencement ceremony with your graduating class.

You should have already received an email asking you to complete your Commencement registration in Tassel. The same login and password you created for that registration will also give you access to your Doctoral Hooding Ceremony RSVP. Access your Tassel dashboard here:https://nl.tassel.com.

Once you log in to your Tassel dashboard, you will see the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony listed as an additional event where you can RSVP and claim your guest tickets.

Act now to secure your spot!

The deadline to submit your Tassel RSVP for the hooding ceremony is May 9th.

To register:

Log in to your Tassel account at:https://nl.tassel.com

1. Select the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
2. Confirm your attendance and select the number of guest tickets you will need

Important:

The Commencement Registration and Hooding Ceremony RSVP are different. You must complete the Commencement registration even if you plan on attending just the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, to ensure your name is spelled correctly and pronounced properly when it is read during the Hooding Ceremony.

Tickets

1. Secure up to 5 guest tickets. As a graduate, you do not need a ticket. 
2. To print or send tickets to your guests, log in at https://nl.tassel.com. Once logged in, select 'Print/Email Tickets.' Be sure to complete this before the hooding ceremony.

Doctoral Regalia

1. The deadline for ordering your doctoral regalia is May 21st. (Orders received by May 6, 2026 (11:00 PM CST) will incur the shipping fee of $14.90. Orders received after May 6, 2026 (11 PM CST) will incur a late shipping fee of $21.30. THE FINAL DEADLINE DATE IS MAY 21, 2026.)
2. Use the following link to place your order. Order Doctoral Regalia

You may return to the site anytime by going to the {{@Model.BaseUrl}} and using this email address:

{{@Model.Person.Email}}

Commencement FAQ: Commencement Inquiry Form

Hey {{@Model.Person.FirstName}}

Thank you for completing the Hooding ceremony RSVP! You are one step closer to celebrating your incredible achievement. We are excited to share some important details to help you prepare for your Hooding ceremony.

Important:

• As you know, the lakefront is a busy area. Give yourself enough time to get there and enjoy the event!

Please plan to arrive 60 minutes before the ceremony starts. This will give you enough time to check in and find your seat.

Building Security Guidelines (Please review them to make the best of this wonderful moment.)

• Prohibited items – Balloons, helium products, confetti, and streamers are not allowed.
• Stroller policy – Strollers are not permitted in the lobby or seating area; please plan accordingly.
• Personal bags – Guests may bring personal bags without restrictions as long as they fit within their seating area. There are no lockers for graduates to store personal belongings.

Ceremony Start Time: 

The ceremony will officially begin {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("dddd, MMMM dd, yyyy")}} {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("h:mm tt")}}

Guest Tickets & Arrival

Don't forget to send your guests their tickets! To print or send tickets to your guests, log in at https://nl.tassel.com. Once logged in, select 'Print/Email Tickets.' Be sure to complete this before your ceremony.

Guest doors open 60 minutes before the ceremony starts. This will give them plenty of time to find their seats and be ready to cheer you on as you walk across the stage.

Stage Pass & Check-In

Pick up your stage pass at the Student check-in tables. You'll need it to display your name and degree when you cross the stage.

Parking:Grant Park North Garage (Google Maps GPS Link)

• Address: 25 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 (Grant Park North Garage Elevator is a few steps in front of the National Louis Building)
• Parking Rate: Up to 1-3 hours: $39 ($13 with the discounted pass)
• A discounted parking pass will be available at the Guest Services table on the first floor during the ceremony. Please present the pass when exiting the parking lot to receive the reduced rate.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on this special day! Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Greetings from {{@Model.School.Name}},

Your doctoral graduate provided us with your email address so we could share the details of their Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.

Ceremony: {{@Model.Ceremony.Title}}

Date: {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("dddd, MMMM dd, yyyy")}}

Time: {{@Model.Ceremony.Date.ToString("h:mm tt")}}

Location: {{@Raw(Model.Ceremony.Location)}}

Please plan to arrive 60 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Parking:Grant Park North Garage (Google Maps GPS Link)

• Address: 25 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 (Grant Park North Garage Elevator is a few steps in front of the National Louis Building)
• Parking Rate: Up to 1-3 hours: $39 ($13 with the discounted pass)
• A discounted parking pass will be available at the Guest Services table on the first floor during the ceremony. Please present the pass when exiting the parking lot to receive the reduced rate.

Building Security Guidelines 

• Prohibited Items: Balloons, helium products, confetti, and streamers are not allowed.
• Stroller Policy: Strollers are not permitted in the lobby or seating area; please plan accordingly.
• Personal Bags: Guests may bring personal bags without restrictions as long as they fit within their seating area.
• Accessibility: If you need assistance, notify an usher upon arrival. Elevator access is available.

Enjoy celebrating {{@Model.Person.FullName}}'s special day!