Degrees are awarded by Northwestern University in December and June of each year.  Graduating M.F.A. and Ph.D. students may participate in a hooding ceremony that formally recognizes them as members of the academic community.  Commencement and the Hooding Ceremonies only take place in June; December graduates are invited and encouraged to participate in the following June ceremonies.

Students wishing to participate in either ceremony (or both) should pay careful attention to deadline announcements they receive, both from their program advisers and from The Graduate School. In addition to academic submissions, students must also be sure to rent academic regalia in time to participate.