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Loyola University Chicago will welcome thousands of students, faculty, staff, and guests at upcoming Commencement ceremonies. Whether looking for directions or transportation information, here’s a quick guide for families, friends, and guests traveling to Loyola this May.
Where do I go for the ceremony?
All commencement ceremonies will be held in Gentile Arena, accessed through the Damen Student Center. Entrances to Damen are located off the West Quad or across from Mertz Hall. Check the Lake Shore Campus map for directions.
Guests can enter Gentile Arena 60 minutes prior to each ceremony. Please double-check ceremony times on the Commencement website.
How do I access campus?
Each graduating student is designated 1 parking pass per ceremony that can be used for their personal vehicle or guest vehicle. This parking pass will be emailed to students along with their guest tickets in late April.
Parking will be limited, so guests and graduates are encouraged to carpool or use public transportation, if possible.
Starting Tuesday, May 5, use of the Main Parking Structure located at 1110 W. Sheridan Road will be limited to graduating students and their guests.
Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus can be accessed through public transportation at the Red Line Loyola ‘L’ stop and several bus routes, including the 147 and 151. Fares can be purchased through the Ventra app and tap to pay is available with a physical card or mobile device.
Where should I stay?
Lake Shore Campus is located in Rogers Park and Edgewater on Chicago’s North side. You can find a list of hotels offering a wide selection of accommodations located within 20 minutes of campus on the Commencement website. When making reservations, mention you are attending Loyola University Chicago Commencement Week.
You can also find a neighborhood guide to local businesses to visit during your stay in the 2025 Ramblin’ Around Guide.
How do I get tickets?
Graduating students will receive an email with up to six tickets in late April. Additional tickets can be requested during a student’s registration, but are not guaranteed.
Please note that buying and selling graduation tickets is strictly prohibited.
What can I–and what can’t I–bring into Gentile Arena?
There is no size limit on bags for Gentile Arena, but all bags and backpacks are subject to inspection. Noisemakers, confetti, glitter, and large signs are prohibited inside Gentile Arena.
Can I take pictures and cheer during the ceremony?
Guests are welcome to take photos and videos of graduation; however, commercial photography, cameras with detachable lenses, flash photography, and video cameras are not permitted.
There will also be a professional photographer taking pictures during each ceremony and in the Damen Student Center Atrium.
To ensure all names can be heard and to support a timely ceremony, everyone is asked to hold applause until every graduate has received their diploma.
Where can I buy flowers and memorabilia?
From flowers for the big day to Loyola gear and diploma frames, find a variety of commemorative items available through the bookstore, the Commencement Group, and Jostens, detailed here.
Where do I go after Commencement?
Plan ahead for where to meet with your student after graduation. You may like to designate a location on the West Quad or other part of campus to help navigate the crowd.
Guests and graduates will have the opportunity to take photos in the Damen Atrium following the ceremony.
Find resources and answers to more frequently asked questions on the Commencement website.
