Family and Friends

Guest Information

• All guests are welcome to attend. 
• Doors to the auditorium will open exactly an hour and 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the ceremony. Guests will not be given access to the auditorium earlier. 
• Tickets are not required for attendance.

Security Policy

Commencement marks a significant milestone for each graduate and their guests. Midwestern University fully embraces and welcomes the excitement, joy, and enthusiasm that accompany this special day! We ask all graduates, guests, and participants to honor the dignity and significance of the occasion. Please review the policies and guidelines we have established to enhance our safety and security practices at all on-campus commencement ceremonies. Please incorporate additional time into your planning.

Security Screening Process

All graduates and guests, as well as employees and vendors, will be subject to walking through a security screening process.

Clear Bag Policy and Security Inspection

Note: All bags are subject to inspection.

Guests may bring any of the following:

• All clear tote bags - plastic, vinyl, or PVC that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. All contents must be visible. Bags may be hand-carried or have a shoulder strap. This includes fanny packs, backpacks, or sling bags.
• Cell Phones (placed on silent)
• Flower bouquets (must not obstruct the view of others)
• Medically necessary items, including diaper bags that accompany infants.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc)
• Small Clutch Purses (4.5 by 6.5 inches)
• Umbrellas
• Water Bottles (unopened/sealed)

Prohibited Items

Please note that the following are not permitted at Midwestern University commencement ceremonies:

• Aerosol and other pressurized canisters and sprays
• Alcohol
• All weapons of any kind or items that could be used as a weapon (knives, brass knuckles, metal chains, sharp metal objects, pepper sprays, bullets, stun guns, etc.)
• Any and all items/controlled substances that are illegal at the city, county, State, and/or Federal level or deemed suspicious due to quantity or uniqueness
• Any other item deemed by security to be inappropriate for the event or a threat to public safety
• Balloons, filled or unfilled
• Banners, signs, or flags
• Beach Balls, Skateboards, roller blades, roller shoes
• Bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and scooters
• Cameras with detachable lenses greater than 10", GoPros, video cameras and tripods
• Cigarettes and e-cigarettes
• Confetti cannons
• Coolers or large containers
• Drones
• Fireworks / Pyrotechnics of any kind
• Flammable liquids, unauthorized chemicals
• Food or drink (outside of items described in the “Permitted Items” section)
• Laser pointers, glow sticks, or flashbulbs
• Mace, pepper spray, or similar chemical spray
• Megaphones
• Noise-makers of any kind (such as air horns, cowbells, etc.)
• Objects that can be used as projectiles
• Paint (any type or form)
• Torches and other open flames
• Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, signs, etc.
• Wagons and carts
   

Etiquette and Photographs

• Plan to be at the ceremony at least 30 minutes before the posted ceremony start time.
• Please do not attempt to take photographs during the ceremony. The University has arranged for professional photographs by GradImages to be taken during the commencement ceremonies as each graduate receives their handshake with the University President. 
• Please remain in your seats for the duration of the ceremony. Please do not block the aisles or passageways by attempting to greet or take photos with graduates.
• To assure that all graduates, their families, and friends may enjoy and view the ceremony, we ask that guests be considerate of one another when taking photographs.

Hotel Information

Select your preferred campus location for hotel accommodation information.

Downers Grove Hotel Information
 

Glendale Hotel Information
 

Requesting Special Accommodations

The Auditorium and Cardinal Hall have limited seating space for those in wheelchairs. Guests will be responsible to bring any special equipment (wheelchair, walker, etc.) they may need. Please register below for a reserved wheelchair seating space. Doors will open early to accommodate these guests into the auditorium.

Please select your campus and college to request special accommodations. 

Downers Grove, IL campus:

• Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine  
• College of Pharmacy - Downers Grove
• College of Health Sciences - Downers Grove  
• College of Dental Medicine - Downers Grove
• College of Graduate Studies - Downers Grove
• Chicago College of Optometry

Glendale, AZ campus:

• Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
• College of Dental Medicine - Glendale
• College of Health Sciences - Glendale
• College of Pharmacy - Glendale
• College of Veterinary Medicine-Glendale
• Arizona College of Optometry
• College of Graduate Studies - Glendale
• Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine - Glendale

Accessible Parking

Permanent spaces are designated for persons with disabilities.

Downers Grove Campus - If you have a person that would like to be dropped off near the entrances, please let the parking attendants know as you approach the Parking Garage.

Glendale Campus - There will be golf cart shuttles on the first floor of the parking garage assisting guests to the auditorium.

Campus Map/Directions

• From our main entrance, campus signage will direct guests to our parking garage.
• For Downers Grove, IL, the commencement ceremony is held in Cardinal Hall.
• For Glendale, AZ, the commencement ceremony is held in the Auditorium.
• For driving directions to campus, please select from the campus below.

Downers Grove, IL

Glendale, AZ