COMMENCEMENT
2026
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2:00 P.M.
WINTRUST ARENA
200 EAST CERMAK ROAD
COMMENCEMENT
WELCOME
Dear Graduate,
Congratulations. You have just earned your diploma from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). I am so proud of your accomplishment.
Earning this credential means you have studied thoroughly, learned many skills, and created a body of work. Doing so took passion and dedication, which you displayed in all of your hard work. It took a deep engagement with critique, exhibited in your willingness to let your work benefit from the feedback of others and in the frank attention you gave to the work of your peers. It also took a brave vulnerability, shown in how you shared of yourself and created opportunities for connection with others. No matter where life takes you or what career you pursue, the abilities and dispositions you have demonstrated can shape your future.
It is not a future you face alone, because completing your degree also inaugurates your membership to an exclusive group of fellow makers, scholars, and lovers of art and design: SAIC alums. A community of more than 30,000 individuals, alums of the School work in many fields and all over the world. You are now one of their number, and they can be an important network for you as you continue to create, work hard, iterate, and connect with one another and the world.
Finally, remember to stay connected to the School, too. Once they gain their footing, many alums give back to the School, sharing their stories with their future peers. I hope you will stay in touch, too.
Congratulations, again. Well done.
Jiseon Lee Isbara, President
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
CEREMONY
MONDAY, MAY 18
WINTRUST ARENA
200 EAST CERMAK ROAD
2:00 p.m.–approximately 4:30 p.m.
Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Students must arrive by 1:15 p.m. to participate in the ceremony.
Can’t make it in person? Watch the livestream by visiting this site and clicking on the livestream icon just prior to 2:00 p.m. CT.
Any person with a disability who would like to request an accommodation should contact graduation@saic.edu as soon as possible to allow adequate time to make proper arrangements.
TICKETS
Graduates will receive five guest tickets, plus their own individual ticket. No one will be allowed to enter the Wintrust Arena without a ticket. At the time graduates pick up their tickets, they may request additional tickets, and the request will be granted if space is available.
Tickets will be available during the weekday Tuesday, April 7, through Friday, May 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the LeRoy Neiman Center Desk, 37 South Wabash Avenue, second floor. An ARTICard is required to pick up Commencement tickets.
ATTIRE
SAIC does not require a cap and gown for the ceremony. This is a celebratory event where graduates are invited to dress as they feel appropriate. Should you wish to wear a cap and gown, you may order one by visiting herff.ly/saic. Orders are due by Monday, April 20. Any order from Herff Jones for regalia past this deadline will incur an added late fee charge. Your regalia will be delivered directly to your home.
PHOTOGRAPHY
SAIC has contracted with Grad Images to take professional photos of graduates as they walk across the stage. A variety of photo packages will be available for purchase, and proofs will be emailed to the student’s SAIC email address within one week of the ceremony. Learn more about the options available for pictures at gradimages.com.
HOTELS
Please plan ahead for hotel accommodations. While there are many hotel options in the area, SAIC has compiled a few convenient options here.
ENTERING WINTRUST ARENA
Guests will enter through the main entrance to the arena, on the corner of Cermak Road and Indiana Avenue. Staff will be available to direct you. Guests with mobility impairments will be assisted to the appropriate seating accommodation.
Students will enter at the north end of the arena at the corner of Indiana Avenue and 21st Street. Students will receive their seating assignment and be assisted to their assigned seats. Students should arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. For directions on how to get to Wintrust Arena, please click here.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The CTA Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line Station is located at Cermak Road and State Street, two and a half blocks (0.15 miles) west of the Wintrust Arena. The CTA Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station is located four blocks west (0.5 miles) of the Wintrust Arena and two blocks west of the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line Station.
PARKING AT WINTRUST ARENA
Wintrust Arena has ample parking for the venue. Lot A is the closest to the venue and has access to the pedestrian bridges to the arena. For a GPS location to Lot A, use 2301 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 as your destination. For more parking options, visit wintrustarena.com/plan-your-visit/directions-parking.
IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS FOR WINTRUST ARENA
The arena strongly discourages bags or purses of any kind. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the entrance. Please click here to review the policy. Any bag brought to the arena will be subject to a search. In addition, all guests and students will go through a metal detector as they enter the building.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
For the safety, security, and enjoyment of all guests, the following items are not allowed in the Wintrust Arena.
Luggage, backpacks, purses, or bags larger than a clutch (4.5″ x 6.5″ or 6.5″ x 4.5″)
No large umbrellas. Small, hand-size umbrellas are allowed in severe weather. Please call ahead for more information
Animals are not allowed in the Wintrust Arena with the exception of Certified Service Animals
Food or beverage
Cans, bottles, coolers or other similar containers
Video cameras or audio recorders (the permitted use of video equipment/cameras varies by event and is at the discretion of the promoter/producer)
iPads, tablets, or laptops
Laser pens, laser products, glow sticks
Balloons
Noise-making devices (air horns, whistles, etc.)
Projectiles (including frisbees and beach balls)
Signs and banners
Stickers of any kind
Skateboards, skates (roller or in-line), scooters, or hoverboards
Sticks, poles, selfie sticks, or GoPro sticks
Weapons (knives, guns, chains, or any item that can be construed as a weapon)
Illegal substances/drugs of any kind (an exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the entrance)
Fireworks or any other incendiary device
Any other item deemed unacceptable by Venue Management
