Big House Commencement is just a few short weeks away! Make sure you are prepared for graduation day and learn where to get your tickets and attire.
Apply to Graduate
If you are eligible to graduate, you will need to apply for graduation through Wolverine Access. Check with your school or college to learn the deadline to have your name printed in the Commencement program.
Commencement Day
All graduates attending commencement in the Big House should arrive at the Grad Assembly on the east side of Michigan Stadium by 8:00am on Saturday, April 28th. Check out the schedule for graduates on the spring commencement website.
This year’s Commencement speaker is Charles Woodson, defensive back and Heisman trophy winner who played for the Michigan Wolverines from 1995 to 1997. Check out this mlive article to learn more about Woodson’s career and his impact on the Michigan community.
Tickets
You will also need to obtain a graduate ticket and guest tickets for Commencement in the Big House. Tickets will become available online starting Monday, April 9 at 10am and will be available until Friday, April 27 at 12pm. All students need a ticket to participate. Make sure you bring your student ID when you pick up your tickets.
Guests, family members, and children above the age of two need a ticket to attend graduation. Bachelor’s degree recipients can obtain up to 10 guest tickets, and all tickets are free of charge! Don’t forget to provide your guests with information about the date and instructions for the ceremony. The Spring Commencement website has detailed information on guest instructions and stadium safety. If you are an international student, you should request a letter of invitation if your parents must apply for a visa to attend the ceremony.
Make sure to check out the dates and locations of ceremonies for individual schools and colleges, and contact your school for further information regarding these ceremonies.
Attire
A cap and gown are required for all graduates who plan to participate in Commencement. Attire can be purchased at the Barnes and Noble on Central and North campus as well as Ulrich’s Bookstore and Michiganensian Yearbook. More information on academic attire can be found on the Spring Commencement website.
Don’t forget to enter the Graduation Cap Contest for a chance to win premium guest tickets to Commencement! To enter, share your decorated graduation cap with the hashtags #myUMcap and #MGoGrad on Instagram and Twitter. If you don’t have those social media outlets, you can post on the Facebook link by 12am on April 22nd. The winners will be announced on Tuesday April 24 via the Commencement Facebook page. Ticket pickup will take place Wednesday April 25 – Friday April 27. Learn more about the graduation cap contest on the Commencement website!
Be prepared for Commencement so that you can enjoy a stress-free graduation weekend. Take in the sites of Ann Arbor and enjoy celebrating with your family and friends. You will be a University of Michigan alumnus before you know it!
Congrats Grads, and wherever you go, GO BLUE!
Contributed by Samantha Grudzien, Neighborhood Ambassador-Yost