Doctoral Hooding Ceremony

CEREMONY INFORMATION

The Doctoral Hooding Ceremony is held at Governors State University on the Center for Performing Arts Stage on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Please enter through D Main entrance and proceed to the Center for Performing Arts.

• Doctoral students should arrive by 5 p.m. Late arriving students may not be allowed to participate.
• Participating faculty should arrive by 5:30 p.m.
• Graduates and guests DO NOT need tickets to attend the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.
• Free parking is available in West Lot 1 and East Lot 1. Guests should enter through D Main entrance and proceed to the Center for Performing Arts.
• At the conclusion of the ceremony a reception for graduates and their families will be held in the Hall of Governors, where photos can be taken.

GRADUATE INFORMATION

• Graduates should gather in the CPA Green room; Graduates can complete robing and prepare for stage entrance. The CPA Green Room located to the left of the Box Office/Engbretson Hall (behind the Box Office.
• Please leave all personal items, such as purses and bags with your guests or at home. Graduates cannot take any items on stage with them. GovState is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Be sure to bring the gown you received when you ordered through Balfour. You will wear your gown and tam (Doctoral version of a mortar board), but you will hold your hood as the hood will be placed during the ceremony. Graduates can complete robing and prepare for stage entrance in the CPA Green Room where Mirrors will be available.
• GovState approved honors cords and stoles may be worn with regalia, including non-academic stoles signifying ethnic identity or country of origin.
• If you have not yet placed your order with Chicago Balfour, please don’t forget, you have worked way too hard to miss out on this wonderful experience to be hooded on stage in front of your family and friends, as you will not be able to take stage without the proper regalia. Chicago Balfour provides the cap, gown, and/or hood for graduates. They also offer other wonderful graduation gifts that will help you celebrate the moments you'll treasure for a lifetime–such as rings, announcements, fine jewelry and so much more! Visit their website for more information.

GUEST INFORMATION

• This event will be held at Governors State University within the Center of Performing Arts Theater.
• Please arrive no later than 5:55 p.m. as the doors will be closed promptly at 6 p.m.
• Graduates and guests DO NOT need tickets to attend the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.
• Free parking is available in West Lot 1 and East Lot 1. Guests should enter through D Main entrance and proceed to the Center for Performing Arts.
• NO Balloons or Large Gifts are allowed.
• Group photographs of all graduates and ceremony participants will be held immediately following the ceremony. Following the photograph, graduates will join their families for the reception in the Hall of Governors.