This convening is open to all invitees who are compliant with UChicago vaccination requirements and, because of ongoing health risks, particularly to the unvaccinated, participants are expected to adopt the risk mitigation measures (masking and social distancing, etc.) appropriate to their vaccination status as advised by public health officials or to their individual vulnerabilities as advised by a medical professional. Public convening may not be safe for all and carries a risk for contracting COVID-19, particularly for those unvaccinated. Participants will not know the vaccination status of others and should follow appropriate risk mitigation measures.
All in-person participants and attendees to this event will be required to present one of the following pieces of documentation upon arrival. Entry to the ceremony cannot be accommodated for those unable to provide required documentation.
UChicago ID OR
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR
Proof of a negative COVID-19 test result OR
Proof of recent COVID-19 diagnosis 14 days or more prior to the event but not more than 90 days prior.
Visitors to campus should also review the University’s Visitor Information prior to arrival at the ceremony.
Information about the University's most up-to-date safety protocols can be found at goforward.uchicago.edu.
In order to reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19, the Inauguration will operate at a reduced capacity, and attendance will be by invitation only.
Yes, the Inauguration will be livestreamed from the inauguration.uchicago.edu homepage at 10:00 a.m. on October 29, 2021.
Those who are unable to participate at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel can join the celebration in the following ways:
Attend a Campus Watch Party
There will be two campus viewing locations for UChicago faculty, staff, and students to participate in:
Mandel Hall
1131 E 57th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
Max Palevsky Cinema
Ida Noyes Hall
1212 East 59th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
Cheer on the Inauguration Procession on Woodlawn Ave.
The Inauguration procession will begin around 9:30 a.m. The UChicago community is welcome to watch the procession to the Inauguration on Woodlawn Ave. on the bridge within the Midway Plaisance.
View the Livestream of the Inauguration
The Inauguration will be livestreamed from the inauguration.uchicago.edu homepage at 10:00 a.m. on October 29, 2021.
If you have questions or would like additional information on accessibility and accommodations in place for this event, please contact uchicagoinauguration@total-event.com.
Complimentary parking will be available from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Campus North Parking Structure, located at 5505 South Ellis Avenue. There will be a shuttle service that will move between the parking garage, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, and the David Rubenstein Forum throughout this timeframe.
Because the Campus North Parking Structure is approximately .7 miles from Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. This will allow for ample time to park and take the shuttle or walk to Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.
If looking for hotel accommodations while visiting Hyde Park for the Inauguration, please see below for recommended local options:
Hyatt Place Chicago South/University Medical Center
5225 S. Harper Avenue
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 773-752-5300
Please call 888.591.1234 and mention “Inauguration of President Alivisatos” when booking your room.
1411 E. 53rd Street
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 773-289-1003