Countdown to Your Cap and Gown
Welcome to the Stuart School of Business Countdown to Your Cap and Gown! As the culmination of your hard work, dedication, and academic achievement, the journey toward graduation is a milestone worth celebrating. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, online or on-ground, this is your time to shine, reflect on your academic journey, and look forward to exciting opportunities.
On this page, you’ll find information about upcoming events, receptions, ceremonies, and memorable moments that will make your graduation day truly unforgettable. Join us as we count down the days to donning your cap and gown, crossing the stage, and embarking on the next chapter of your life. This is a time to celebrate, connect with fellow graduates, and express gratitude for the support of faculty, friends, and family who have played a crucial role in your success.
Congratulations on reaching this momentous milestone, and we look forward to celebrating with you!
Stuart School of Business - College Commencement Planners
- Curt Allee, Assistant Dean, callee@stuart.iit.edu
- Yesenia Alarcon, Assistant Director, yalarcon@stuart.iit.edu
- Lyzzette Rodriguez, Student Engagement Specialist, ltorresrodriguez@stuart.iit.edu
Important Dates
- 2025 Commencement RSVP Deadline: Thursday, March 6
- Graduate Salute: Tuesday, April 29
- Guest Ticket Confirmation: Early May
- Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony: Friday, May 16
- Commencement: Saturday, May 17
Graduation Guidance Sessions
Drop in for guidance on completing graduation requirements. All pending graduates are encouraged to attend. Snacks provided!
- Thursday, March 6 at noon–2 p.m., CLC Room 480
- Monday, March 24 at 4–5:45 p.m., CLC Room 480
- Tuesday, March 25 at noon–2 p.m., Galvin Tower, 18th floor lounge
- Tuesday, April 15 at noon–2 p.m., CLC Room 480
All Sessions can also be joined virtually via .
Topics Covered
- Degree Conferral Application: deadlines vary by term
- : Due Thursday, March 6
- Name Reader Instructions: Due Tuesday, April 15
- : Due Tuesday, April 15 at 11 p.m. CDT
- Completion of First Destination Survey: Due Tuesday, April 29
- Alumni Contact Updates on ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ portal: Due Tuesday, April 29
2025 ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ Graduate Salute
Tuesday, April 29, at 3–6 p.m., Hermann Hall
If you plan to participate in Commencement on Saturday, May 17, 2025, don’t miss Graduate Salute! Bring your HawkCard ID.
What You’ll Do:
- Receive access to your digital guest tickets via email after Graduate Salute event
- Meet with Stuart CMC to discuss job opportunities
- Finalize any outstanding academic requirements with advisors
- Connect with ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ alumni for networking opportunities
- Explore graduate and Ph.D. programs at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳
- Order graduation announcements and class rings
- Take photos with friends, faculty, and Talon (ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳’s mascot!)
- Enjoy refreshments and celebrate with fellow graduates
Virtual attendance link for Coursera Students will be shared closer to event date.
Stuart Class of 2025 Celebration and Beta Gamma Sigma Induction
Tuesday, May 13, at 5:30–9 p.m., Hermann Hall Ballroom
Join us for an evening of celebration, recognition, and connection as we honor the achievements of the Stuart School of Business Class of 2025! This special event will also include the Induction Ceremony, recognizing outstanding students for their academic excellence in business.
Enjoy a memorable evening with faculty, staff, alumni, and fellow graduates as we toast to your hard work and future success. The night will feature a formal induction for Beta Gamma Sigma honorees, followed by a reception celebrating all Stuart graduates.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳’s Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony
Friday, May 16, at 3:30 p.m., Hermann Hall’s McCormick Auditorium
The ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony is a solemn and joyous occasion where we honor and celebrate the academic achievements of our doctoral candidates. Witness the symbolic passage as each candidate is hooded, signifying their scholarly accomplishments and dedication to advancing knowledge in their respective fields. Congratulations to our brilliant Ph.D. graduates!
- Questions about the Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony? Contact jharmon4@iit.edu.
ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳’s 156th Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 17, , located at 525 South Racine Avenue in Chicago
Stuart School of Business students graduating in fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 are eligible to participate in ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳’s 156th Commencement Ceremony.
There will be two combined College Ceremonies. The first ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. CDT. The second ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. CDT. Further communication to come regarding Stuart's ceremony section and timing.
Helpful Links:
Check your ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ email and visit the Commencement website for updates regarding the college ceremony.
Stuart FAQs
Can I attend the May 17, 2025 ceremony?
Yes, if you graduated in fall 2024, or will graduate in spring 2025 or summer 2025.
You must have submitted a Degree Conferral Application by the date(s) below:
- Fall 2024 deadline: September 11, 2024
- Spring 2025 deadline: February 3, 2025
- Summer 2024 deadline: June 6, 2025
If you have not yet applied for graduation, in order to attend the May 17 ceremony, you must contact StuartAdvising@IllinoisTech.edu as soon as possible.
How do I confirm my attendance for the May 17 ceremony?
Complete the by Thursday, March 6. If this deadline is missed, we will be unable to guarantee guest tickets. Changes can be made to the RSVP response through Tuesday, April 8.
How do I order my cap and gown?
Visit . Select Degree Type. To find the free option, click the Cap and Gown section. Must be ordered by Tuesday, April 15, by 11 p.m. CDT.
For master’s degree students: All students, with the exception of Master of Public Administration, receive the same hood, please select Stuart School of Business: Master of Business Administration for area of study.
To learn more: About Regalia | Illinois Institute of Technology
Graduation concerns?
Students are required to have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in order to graduate from Stuart School of Business. If you have GPA concerns, please meet with stuartadvising@illinoistech.edu as soon as possible.
When do I receive my diploma?
Eligible graduates will first receive an email, prompting them to accept their diploma, which will then trigger their diploma shipping request. Diplomas will be issued shortly after the conferral date by mail, which usually takes four to six weeks, after the diploma shipping request form has been received by the Office of the Registrar. If you have questions regarding your diploma, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@iit.edu, or visit their website.
If you have any holds on your student account, your diploma (virtual and physical) will be withheld until holds are taken care of.
Have Any Other Questions?
Review the Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find the answer there, make sure you contact the correct department. The Commencement Ceremony is a very large event, and many different departments are involved. We want to make sure you contact the one best suited to answering any questions you have:
- Undergraduate Student Application questions: ugaa@iit.edu
- Business Graduate Student Application questions: StuartAdvising@IllinoisTech.edu
- Diploma questions: registrar@iit.edu
- Disability Services questions: disabilities@iit.edu
- International student questions: global@iit.edu
- Commencement Ceremony questions: commencement@iit.edu
Don’t know which department to ask? Send your question to one of the Stuart College Commencement planners:
- Curt Allee, Assistant Dean, callee@stuart.iit.edu
- Yesenia Alarcon, Assistant Director, yalarcon@stuart.iit.edu
- Lyzzette Rodriguez, Student Engagement Specialist, ltorresrodriguez@stuart.iit.edu