University of Michigan Commencement
Commencement is a milestone—one of life's landmark occasions, a time when graduates, family members, and friends gather to celebrate past and future.
CalendarCampus safety and demonstrations
Every year, hundreds of university faculty and staff work hard to make commencement a wonderful experience for graduates and their families.
Commencement ceremonies have been the site of free expression and peaceful protest for decades and will likely continue to be. The University of Michigan does not attempt to prevent peaceful protests or other speech protected under the First Amendment. Many ceremonies will have a designated area for protests outside the venue.
Our goal is to limit substantial disruption, ensure safety, and support a successful and celebratory event worthy of the achievements of our extraordinary graduates.
Commencement for schools, colleges, departments, and cultural celebrations will include:
- Security screening
- Required ticket or registration at the vast majority of events
- Prohibition of banners, flags and anything that obstructs sightlines
- Staffers who will respond to disruptions, beginning with warnings and requests to respect the importance of the celebrations for our graduates and their families
Please remember: U-M is committed to free speech and freedom of expression. Deans and directors will generally be patient with lawful disruptions. If protests significantly impede the program, leadership will take steps to de-escalate and address the interruption.
Additional information can also be found on the websites of individual schools, colleges, and departments. Information about cultural graduation celebrations can be found at: https://oami.umich.edu/grad-celebrations/.
Announcements
Please refer to this website regularly over the next few months to ensure you are receiving the most up-to-date information.
Please refer to this website regularly over the next few months to ensure you are receiving the most up-to-date information.
View the recording of the 2023 Winter Commencement ceremony
Commencement Preparation
Whether you’re a graduate, a guest, or a faculty member, commencement requires some advance planning. Here, you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for the big day.
Ceremony & Venue Details
Gathering places, schedules, graduation photos, guest seating, accommodations for students and visitors with disabilities, security guidelines… Commencement Day is all about details.
Calendar of Events
Many schools and colleges hold separate recognition events or ceremonies for their graduates and candidates. Contact your particular school or college for more information.
Calendar of Events