Graduation is an exciting, bittersweet time of year, but also a very crowded and hectic time in Ann Arbor. Family and friends flood into town to celebrate their graduate’s success and hard work during their time at the University of Michigan. Along with the graduating class of 2017, the University is also celebrating the Bicentennial, the 200th year of education! Whether you are graduating yourself or sticking around after classes to enjoy springtime in Ann Arbor you will definitely want to be prepared. The campus-wide Spring Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 29th and department commencements will take place starting Thursday, April 27th through Sunday, April 30th. You might want consider changing your morning run route on the 29th to avoid running near the Stadium, or make sure your fridge is stocked because restaurants around town will be booked all weekend.
The campus wide Spring Commencement Celebration will take place at the Michigan Football Stadium. Graduates are to arrive at the Grad Assembly location on the east side of the stadium at 8am. Guests can arrive starting at 8am and can enter through Gates 4, 8, 9, and 10 of the Stadium. The ceremony begins at 8:45 and will end around 11:45. More info about the ceremony, parking, and handicap accessibility can be found on the University's commencement page. There is a graduation reception and buffet in the Michigan Union immediately following graduation for graduates and their guests. The reception is free and open to all, and reservations for the Commencement Brunch buffet are necessary. Department commencement ceremonies will be taking place from Thursday to Sunday at various locations around campus. Check with your academic unit or advisor for more information.
Some common questions and quick answers for the big day:
- Do I need to get tickets for my family? Yes, they're free and available now through April 28th and can be redeemed online. Though you can acquire tickets online, you must print out all tickets (your ticket and for your guests). Mobile devices will not be accepted.
- Do I, as a graduate, need a ticket? Yes! Be sure to bring a Graduate Ticket and your MCard with you.
- Where do I and/or my family park?
- ADA parking lots will open at 6:30 a.m.
- Shuttle services from hotels will begin at 7:45 a.m.
- For general parking and walking times, check out the image below.
- I'm unable to navigate steps, what do I do? Call (734) 647-6037 to make other arrangements.
- What can I (and my family) bring and not bring into the stadium?
- Permitted: seat pads, cell phones, small cameras, binoculars, blankets, rain apparel, strollers
- Prohibited: bags (including purses and fanny packs), containers, food, umbrellas, selfie sticks/tripods
- For a complete list and more details, check out the Commencement Safety page.
- Will the concessions be open? Yes!
- What happens if it rains? Commencement is scheduled to take place in Michigan Stadium, rain or shine. The ceremony may be shortened, suspended, or concluded due to inclement weather.
- Can I buy an alumni shirt after the ceremony? Darn right you can! Merchandise will be available at retail outlets located in the stadium or you can hit up the M Den afterward!
- My friends and family can't make it to the ceremony, is there a way they can still watch the ceremony? Spring Commencement will have a live webcast and is going to be broadcasted on Comcast channel 22 in the Ann Arbor area. You can also buy a DVD in mid-May.
If you see a graduate walking around in cap and gown, offer to take a picture and say “Congratulations!”
Contributed By: Olivia Soja