LINK TO: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Grad Guide to Commencement
Spring Commencement
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LINK TO: General Information
LINK TO: Commencement Day Instructions
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LINK TO: Live Webcast
LINK TO: Graduate Exercises

Venue: Diag

Description: The Diag is the heart of U-M’s Central Campus. This area holds sentimental value for all who travel its paths. From skipping over the “M” as a freshman to walking to your final exam as a senior, the Diag is a natural gathering area for students. On commencement day, graduates will gather on McDivitt-White Plaza (between West Hall and East Hall), and then march to the Diag to take their seats for the ceremony.

View Map [PDF] »

Tickets per Graduate: 6 tickets

Extra Tickets: At the conclusion of graduate ticket distribution, extra tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guest Seating: general admission within pre-assigned sections

Graduate Procession: Yes

Accessibility: A drop-off location and reserved seating for guests with limited mobility will be available.

Rain 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, 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.

Parking: Several U-M parking structures near Central Campus will be open to the public. Graduates and guests are strongly encouraged to walk or take shuttles to campus to avoid expected traffic congestion.

Shuttles: Shuttles will be available from various locations in Ann Arbor (including several local hotels) to drop-off points near the Diag. Return shuttles will also be available.

Pros:

  • The Diag is located in the heart of Central Campus and Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library will serve as the backdrop to the stage.
  • Following Spring Commencement, several school and college graduation events will take place within walking distance of the Diag.
  • Nearby buildings will be open, and guests may use the restrooms and water fountains. Porta-johns will be brought in to provide guests with additional access to restrooms.

Cons:

  • Guests will have a poor view of ceremony due to trees, uneven ground, and physical distance from stage. Video screens will be placed to alleviate the issue, but many seats will still have an obstructed view.

  • Commencement preparations will be disruptive to the campus community for the two weeks prior to commencement (during study days and exams), and several days after commencement. Disruptions include limited walkways, congested traffic, and construction noise while stage and ground coverings are being built.

  • Traffic on commencement day in downtown Ann Arbor will be heavily congested, and may cause guests to miss the beginning of the ceremony. Graduates and guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early and to walk or take shuttles to campus.

  • The ground, including most grass areas, will be covered with plywood and other material to ensure a level surface for seating.

Seating Diagram [PDF] »

Distance from stage to farthest seat: 630 feet

 

Picture of diag

The above photo shows the primary area where graduates will be seated. Guests will be seated to the east and west of the brick area, and the area between the flagpole and North University Avenue.

 

Picture of diag

The above photo shows an area where guests will be seated. Trees, uneven ground, and lamp posts will obstruct the view of some guests. The ground, including most grass areas, will be covered with plywood and other material to ensure a level surface for seating.

View Comparison Chart [PDF] »


Office of University and Development Events, (734) 647-6037