Commencement Day Instructions
Please check website regularly for updates.
Assembly for Graduates and Candidates
Graduates and candidates assemble on McDivitt-White Plaza, between East Hall and West Hall, before the graduate procession begins. After passing through the photo tent, commencement marshals guide the graduates through the Diag to their seats.
Graduates and candidates should begin to gather at McDivitt-White Plaza at 8:00 a.m. The graduate procession from the assembly area begins at 9:00 a.m.
View map of the graduate assembly area »
Families and Guests
Seating for families and guests is general admission. Guests can begin taking their seats at 7:00 a.m. All guests are asked to be seated by 9:00 a.m. if they wish to view the graduate procession.
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Information for Persons with Disabilities
The University of Michigan wants to ensure that all graduates, candidates, and guests participate fully in this program. On commencement day, staff is available to direct and assist people with disabilities to their seats on the Diag. Accessible restrooms are available.
Hearing Impairments
A seating area for persons with hearing impairments has been identified and is staffed by a sign language interpreter. If graduates wish to have tickets in this area for their families or guests they need to call (734) 647-6037 by Friday, April 11, to request tickets for the “hearing impaired section”. They will then be able to pick up these tickets at ticket distribution.
Graduate and Candidates with Disabilities
Graduates and candidates who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility and plan to participate in Spring Commencement on the Diag are asked to call the Office of University and Development Events by Friday, April 11, at (734) 647-6037 to make arrangements. Detailed information including parking availability, entrance to the graduate procession, and seating location are discussed and arranged at this time.
Family and Guests with Wheelchairs or Limited Mobility
Families and guests who require wheelchair seating need to call (734) 647-6037 by Friday, April 11, to make arrangements.
Families and guests who have limited mobility due to health conditions or frailty need to call (734) 647-6037 by Friday, April 11, to make arrangements.
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Inclement Weather Plan
The commencement ceremony will take place outdoors regardless of rain or other non-severe weather conditions. In the event of rain or inclement weather:
- The ceremony's Order of Exercises may be shortened, while still maintaining essential elements such as the conferring of undergraduate degrees.
- Pre-recorded music will be substituted for the commencement band.
- Members of the audience are welcome to watch the ceremony on live video in Hill Auditorium. Admission to Hill Auditorium is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ceremony may be shortened, suspended, or concluded in the event of severe weather. If a schedule adjustment is required due to severe weather, instructions will be given to commencement guests via public address announcements and video screen messages. Graduates and guests are asked to listen for announcements and remain seated until instructed otherwise. These security measures are in place to provide a safe environment for all and your cooperation is appreciated.
For the safety and comfort of all Spring Commencement guests, umbrellas are not permitted.
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Transportation
Spring Commencement guests and graduates are strongly encouraged to use the complimentary shuttle service in order to avoid expected traffic and parking congestion.
Guests staying at other hotels within walking distance to the hotel pick-up locations listed below are welcome to use the shuttle service.
Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.
SOUTH SHUTTLE
TO THE DIAG
Pick-up Time: Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes from 6:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Pick-up Locations:
Four Points Sheraton (3200 Boardwalk)
Hampton Inn South (925 Victors Way)
Kensington Court (610 Hilton Boulevard)
*Varsity Tennis Center Parking Lot (2250 South State Street)
*Recommended for guests staying on campus for other activities after Spring Commencement.
Drop-off at Diag: South University Avenue
RETURN SHUTTLE TO HOTELS
Pick-up on Diag: South University Avenue
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Diag regularly until 12:45 p.m.
Drop-off Locations:
Four Points Sheraton (3200 Boardwalk)
Hampton Inn South (925 Victors Way)
Kensington Court (610 Hilton Boulevard)
RETURN SHUTTLE TO VARSITY TENNIS CENTER
Pick-up on Diag: South University Avenue
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Diag every half hour until 5:00 p.m.
Drop-off Locations:
Varsity Tennis Center Parking Lot (2250 South State Street)
EAST SHUTTLE
TO THE DIAG
Pick-up Time: Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes from 6:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Pick-up Locations:
Comfort Inn (2455 Carpenter Road)
Days Inn (2380 Carpenter Road)
Crisler Arena Parking Lot (East Stadium Boulevard near South Main Street)
Drop-off at Diag: South University Avenue
RETURN SHUTTLE TO HOTELS AND CRISLER ARENA
Pick-up on Diag: South University Avenue
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Diag regularly until 12:45 p.m.
Drop-off Locations:
Comfort Inn (2455 Carpenter Road)
Days Inn (2380 Carpenter Road)
Crisler Arena Parking Lot (East Stadium Boulevard near South Main Street)
NORTH SHUTTLE
TO THE DIAG
Pick-up Time: Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes from 6:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Pick-up Locations:
Holiday Inn (3600 Plymouth Road)
*Glazier Way Parking Lot (west of Huron Parkway)
*Recommended for guests staying on campus for other activities after Spring Commencement.
Drop-off at Diag: North University Avenue
RETURN SHUTTLE TO HOTELS
Pick-up on Diag: North University Avenue
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Diag regularly until 12:45 p.m.
Drop-off Locations:
Holiday Inn (3600 Plymouth Road)
RETURN SHUTTLE TO GLAZIER WAY PARKING LOT
Pick-up on Diag: North University Avenue
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Diag every half hour until 5:00 p.m.
Drop-off Locations:
Glazier Way Parking Lot (west of Huron Parkway)
WEST SHUTTLE
TO THE DIAG
Pick-up Time: Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes from 6:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Pick-up Locations:
Best Western Executive Plaza (2900 Jackson Road)
Weber’s Inn (3050 Jackson Avenue - parking for hotel guests only)
Drop-off at Diag: North University Avenue
RETURN SHUTTLE TO HOTELS
Pick-up on Diag: North University Avenue
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Diag regularly until 12:45 p.m.
Drop-off Locations:
Best Western Executive Plaza (2900 Jackson Road)
Weber’s Inn (3050 Jackson Avenue - parking for hotel guests only)
View shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations »
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Parking
Graduates and guests are strongly encouraged to walk or take shuttles to campus to avoid expected traffic and parking congestion.
Complimentary parking will be available at the following U-M parking structures:
- Ann Street Structure
- Church Street Structure
- Fletcher Structure
- Glen Structure
- Hill Structure
- Palmer Structure
- Thompson Structure
Please note, the Thayer Structure will not open until 11:00 a.m., in order to provide parking for guests attending programs later that day.
In the Ann Arbor city parking structures closest to campus, Maynard, Liberty Square and Forest, there will be a flat rate charge of $5 for the entire day.
View parking and accessibility map »
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Security
Graduates and guests are encouraged to bring only necessary items to Spring Commencement.
For the safety and comfort of all Spring Commencement guests, the following security guidelines have been established:
Permitted Items:
- Binoculars
- Pagers and cell phones
- Clear, sealed plastic water bottles
- Small cameras and hand-held video cameras
- Blankets and rain apparel
Prohibited Items:
- Aerosol and spray cans
- Umbrellas
- Flags and flag poles
- Signs, banners, balloons, balls, and inflatable items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans, flasks
- Camera tripods
- Strollers
- Pets or animals (assistance animals are permitted)
- Weapons
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