2026 Senior Exit & Graduation

Livestream

GRADUATION

UIC Credit Union 1 Arena

525 S Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 60607
(at Harrison & Racine)

Enter GATE 3
Main entrance for guests
NOTE: Security is the same as at a concert. Metal detectors and bag searches. [See the UIC bag policy]

No balloons
No confetti blasters
No loud poppers or fireworks

Parking

1100 W Harrison St
Chicago, IL 60607
(on Harrison)
Cost: $10
*The lot across the street will be open.

Venue Seating

Calling of Names

Names are split and called in alphabetical order within each group:

House Right M-Z
House Left A-L

Timeline

4:30 PM - Seniors arrive at the Arena, dressed and ready to go. Go to Gate 2 (Harrison). Take the stairs to the main floor, then backstage.
- Cap decorating*
- Stoles vs Flags - students may have stoles but no flags
5:00 PM - Doors open to guests
6:00 PM - Commencement starts
8:00 PM - Commencement ends
- Families can meet grads outside on Harrison

*Additional guidelines will be released before the grad pack pick-up.

Graduation Cap decorations:

Cannot contain any advertisement, symbols, abbreviations, initials, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that: Refer to drugs or controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons, or be of a sexual nature.
Cannot denote an affiliation with gangs or those who advocate drug use, violence, illegal activity, or disruptive behavior that is detrimental to the safety and welfare of other students.
Cannot be obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd.
Cannot include numbers other than the graduation year.
Cannot threaten the safety and welfare of any person.
Cannot make noise. No bells, horns, or anything that makes noise

It is appropriate to put the following on your cap.

Thank a parent, grandparent, teacher, friend
Recognize the university you will be attending
your graduation year
the branch of the military you will be joining

Frequently Asked Questions

Grad Packs - Seniors will get their DIPLOMA, cap/gown, tickets, and records in their grad pack on May 28.
Cords/Stoles - Students should get their cords/stoles from their organization's sponsor.
Each student will receive 10 tickets, and a ticket is required to enter.
Livestream - We are working on getting the ceremony livestreamed. Details to follow.
Photographer - A photographer will be taking photos with the diploma cover before the ceremony, candid photos throughout the event, and the diploma presentation with Principal Dolan.
No Strollers or balloons

Details and Livestream are posted on https://www.jonescollegeprep.org/2026/

SENIOR EXIT

Students should gather any items to be returned to school. Items can be returned starting the week of May 18, but this may depend on your teacher or exam requirements.

Books

May 18-27*

Library books > Return to Library (Mr. Feeley) by *May 26
Current Textbooks > Return to teachers (depends on when the teacher is accepting returns)
Old Textbooks > Return to the Main Office

Chromebooks

May 18-27

Accepting returns May 18 during lunch periods only (Submit to Ms. Troesch in the Main Office)
Do not turn in your Chromebook if you need it for an exam
REMOVE STICKERS - $20 fee if not removed. If you have questions on how to properly remove stickers, please contact Ms. Troesch
DAMAGED - Replacement fees may apply to Chromebooks that do not power up, have broken screens, or have any damage to the device.

Locks/Lockers

May 27

Take everything out of your locker and take it home. Students can clean out their locker and 'return' their lock.

Here's how:

(Using your assigned lock and locker)

Clean out contents
Lock the padlock on the latch inside the locker
Shut door

Watch this informative video: https://youtu.be/2ePMtd8_CRQ

Sports Equipment/Other

Return any item(s) on loan to the coach.

Fees Overview

Settle by 3:00 PM on May 27, 2026

Review Accounts - Login to ASPEN and review the account(s) for your student(s). If you notice any issues, please contact the Main Office immediately. Accounts must be settled and all items returned before the student receives the graduation pack or participates in the graduation ceremony. Additional charges may appear as items are turned in.
Payment Options - Checks are no longer accepted for seniors. Accounts can be paid via credit card on ASPEN or cash/money order in the Main Office.

Dates Snapshot

May 26-27, 2026 - Senior Exams, Chromebook/Book Return
May 27, 2026 - Yearbook Pick-up and Signing Party
- This is an attendance day, and students should report to their classes for the day
- Only seniors will be able to pick up their yearbook during their assigned lunch period (11:10 AM-1:35 PM). Students will need to scan their ID to receive their yearbook.
- Lunch from Jimmy John's will be provided to seniors.
May 27, 2026 - By 3:00 PM: Settle student account, clean out locker, and return all school assets (textbooks, library books, Chromebook)
May 28, 2026 - Graduation Rehearsal + Grad Pack Pickup at Jones College Prep,
- 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM - Arrive and head to the gym
- 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Rehearsal (gym)
- 10:00 - 11:00 PM | Fastpass Grad Pack Pickup (lobby)
  - Students who have settled their accounts and returned all their items by 3:00 PM on May 27 will be given a Fastpass during rehearsal. Students will need a Fastpass to pick up their Grad Pack during this time.
- 12:00 - 1:00 PM | General Grad Pack Pickup (Main Office)
  - Students who return items on the day of rehearsal (5/28) or have an outstanding balance will be asked to leave the building after rehearsal and return at noon to settle their account or return items.

May 30, 2026 - Commencement (UIC Credit Union 1 Arena)
- 4:30 PM - Students report to GATE 2
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM - Grad Photos will be taken behind the stage
- 5:00 PM - Doors open for guests at GATE 3
- 6:00 PM - Ceremony begins
- 8:00 PM - Estimated end time

*Subject to change