LINK TO: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Grad Guide to Commencement
Winter Commencement
LINK TO: TicketsLINK TO: ContactsLINK TO: Maps
LINK TO: General Information
LINK TO: Commencement Day Instructions
LINK TO: Live Webcast


Commencement Day Instructions

Please check website regularly for updates.

 

Assembly for Graduates and Candidates

Graduates and candidates, dressed in academic attire, enter Crisler Arena through the tunnel entrance beginning at 1:15 p.m.  Faculty marshals direct graduates and candidates to the appropriate seating areas. Graduates and candidates should be in their seats by 1:50 p.m.

Bachelor's and Master's Degree Graduates and Candidates

Bachelor's and master's degree graduates and candidates are seated with the school or college from which they are receiving their degrees. All bachelor's and master's degree graduates and candidates walk on stage to shake hands with their dean during the ceremony.

Doctoral Degree Recipients

Doctoral degree recipients are seated together in alphabetical order by degree received. Each individual picks up their name card from faculty marshals located in the doctoral degree recipient seating area. A number on the card corresponds with an assigned seat, and marshals assist with seating.  During the ceremony, doctoral degree recipients return their card to a marshal on stage so their name may be read aloud as they are recognized.

Each doctoral degree recipient carries their hood as they walk toward the stage. They are hooded by their dissertation chair or a marshal, then cross the stage to receive their diplomas and individual recognition by the president of the University and the dean of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies.

 

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Families and Guests

Congratulations to you and your graduate!

On the day of Winter Commencement, the Crisler Arena concourse doors will open at 1:15 p.m.  Families and guests are asked to enter through the concourse doors, and be seated by 1:50 p.m.  (Please note, graduates should go directly to the tunnel entrance for seating with their school or college.  See graduate seating for additional details.)

The graduation ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m., and will end approximately at 4:00 p.m.  During the ceremony, doctoral degree recipients will have their name called and will receive their diploma on stage.  Graduates receiving master’ s or bachelor’s degrees will not have their name called, but will have the opportunity to cross the stage and shake hands with the dean of their school or college.  Graduation Foto will take a picture of each graduate as they shake hands.

Please see the security section for a list of permitted and prohibited items in Crisler Arena.

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Parking

Complimentary parking is available at the lots surrounding Crisler Arena.  Fee-based parking is available at the Pioneer High School parking lot on the southwest corner of Stadium Boulevard and Main Street.  To avoid receiving a parking violation, please observe all posted parking notices and regulations.  Please check the website regularly for any updates or changes regarding parking.

 

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Security Guidelines

Graduates and guests are encouraged to bring ONLY necessary items to Crisler Arena.  All items carried to Crisler Arena are subject to search.  Changes in national and regional security levels may affect security procedures at Crisler Arena including the prohibition of all bags or items in the arena.  Exceptions for medical reasons will be addressed individually at the doors.  Please see the following list of permitted items.  We appreciate your cooperation with these security measures.

Permitted Items:

  • Binoculars - but leave your case at home
  • Pagers and cell phones
  • Clear, sealed plastic water bottles
  • Small cameras and hand-held video cameras
  • Diaper bags (with a baby)
  • Purses, fanny packs, bags, etc. up to 5" W x 8" L x 5" H

Prohibited Items:

  • Purses, fanny packs, and bags larger than 5" W x 8" L x 5" H
  • Containers of any kind
  • Aerosol and spray cans
  • Umbrellas and seat backs
  • Flags and flag poles
  • Signs, banners, balloons, balls, and inflatable items
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans, flasks
  • Food of any kind (Exceptions for medical conditions will be addressed at the door, please bring a doctor’s note or have your medic alert tag available.)
  • Camera tripods
  • Strollers
  • Weapons

 

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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 into Crisler Arena.  Accessible restrooms are located near the concourse level entrances.

Graduates or guests who have questions about parking, access, or special needs may call (734) 647-6037 for further information.

Hearing Impairments

A seating area for persons with hearing impairments has been identified and is staffed by a sign language interpreter.  To reserve seating in this area, please call (734) 647-6037 by Friday, December 4.

Also, display screens with real-time captioning are positioned inside Crisler Arena.

Graduate and Candidates with Disabilities

Graduates and candidates who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility and plan to participate in Winter Commencement are asked to call the Office of University and Development Events by Friday, December 4, 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 or have limited mobility due to health conditions or frailty need to call (734) 647-6037 by Friday, December 4, to make arrangements. 

Wheelchair Rental

If your guest will need to use a wheelchair on the day of commencement, you can rent one at the following locations:

Wenk's Prescription Shop

2355 East Stadium Boulevard

Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 747-8080

Wright and Filippis

3330 Washtenaw Avenue

Ann Arbor, MI  48104

(734) 975-6800

We recommend calling as early as possible to make your reservation.

 

 

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Graduate Seating

Graduates from each school and college are seated together during Winter Commencement.

>>View the Crisler Arena graduate seating diagram.


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