Graduation Packages

The UIC Dorin Forum hosts several graduation ceremonies for multiple organizations each semester. In order to streamline the booking process, as well as to assist in successful planning and cost certainty for our clients, we have created two different Graduation Packages. Prospective clients can choose from the packages, or if they have specific needs outside of the package parameters, the facility may be booked on a per event basis subject to normal event pricing and policies (subject to facility availability.)

Thank you for considering the UIC Dorin Forum to host your graduation ceremony. Detailed below are the current rental policies and rates. In order to qualify for the discounted package rate, your ceremony must be held during one of the following timeslots: 9am (doors open at 8am), 2pm (doors open at 1pm), or 7pm (doors open at 6pm) The building will be available for event staff two hours prior to doors opening for set-up, and for one additional hour after the ceremony for clean-up. In order to accommodate other ceremonies taking place, we do need to strictly adhere to these timelines to ensure everyone has a successful and enjoyable experience. If you choose to hold your ceremony at a specific time outside of these parameters, all room rental, equipment & staffing fees will be charged at full rate.

During the ceremony, the UIC Dorin Forum retains all control over entry/exit procedures. This includes allowing entrance to graduates, administering safety procedures, door open time, and event start time/conclusion. Your Events Administrator can work with you to confirm timing and procedures for the ceremony.

All ticketing for the ceremony will be handled by UIC Dorin Forum Personnel. Your Events Administrator can assist you with the layout and printing of the tickets. The UIC Dorin Forum employs ushers to scan tickets upon guests entering the building. Below is an example ticket:

All entrants, with the exception of children under 2 (two) years old, are required to have a ticket prior to entry. No exceptions can be made for safety and security reasons.

Metal detectors and a bag policy are in place for all events taking place in the UIC Dorin Forum. Your Events Administrator can provide you with the current policy and item restrictions. No helium balloons, strollers or noise makers of any type are allowed in the UIC Dorin Forum at any time.

The UIC Dorin Forum does not provide any video/audio recording or live streaming services. If a third party company is hired to provide these services, they need to provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance naming The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois as an additional insured.

The University of Illinois at Chicago, has an exclusive contract with a flower supply company. All flower sales on premises will be handled by the contractor, no other individuals or companies are allowed to sell products on University property. Clients may use the company of their choice to provide decorative flowers for the stage. It is the responsibility of the client to arrange for delivery, set-up and disposal of any decorative items used for the ceremony. The UIC Dorin Forum is not responsible for management of your ceremony. The client is responsible for the processional/recessional of graduates, running power point or video (including providing a laptop to run programs from) and handing out programs.

If you choose to provide food or refreshments for the ceremony, UIC does have an in-house catering provider Sodexo Magic. Outside catering is also allowed, there is a 10% charge of the total catering bill for using outside caterers.

Catering contact for Sodexo Magic: Caïssa Holyon – Sodexo Magic GM caissa.holyon@sodexomagic.com Please visit our catering guide: https://uiccatering.catertrax.com/

In order to assist with starting the ceremony on time, and to allow guests to be seated in an orderly fashion, the first floor doors to the Main Hall will close 10 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. During this time, arriving guests can use the upper level entrances. Once the processional and National Anthem have concluded, the doors will reopen for guests to enter and exit the Main Hall.

Upon conclusion of the ceremony, the UIC Dorin Forum staff will prioritize exiting guests in a safe and orderly manner. Graduates will be led to a separate exit while families are directed to the Main Plaza. Once outside, Graduates will be available for photos with family and guests.

Prices are dependent on date and time of ceremony. The Forum can accommodate up to 2500 people, including both graduates and guests.

Option 1: Friday – Sunday and Holidays

9AM, 2PM, or 7PM Ceremonies

$16,500

Option 2: Monday – Thursday

9AM $13,400

2PM $14,400

7PM $15,500

Equipment and staff included in all ceremonies:

(2500 Max. Capacity)

Price includes building rental

4’ stage (24’x48’ stage is preset, no changes)

2 podiums

2 podium mics

1 audio line

4 tables for stage (skirted with linens)

2 screens & projectors

Tickets

Staff:

Event Coordinator

Audio visual engineer

Up to 12 Security Staff

Up to 2 UIC Security Staff

2 housekeepers

1 paramedic

Ushers, ticket takers, and standard production staff included

Event times, equipment, or personnel cannot be altered.

Total capacity includes graduates, staff, and guests.

Click here to learn more about our Graduation Packages

We are happy to offer the rental of additional items at an additional cost.

We look forward to hosting your graduation and celebrating the accomplishments of your students!