University of Michigan
Spring Commencement 2021
Hail! To the Graduates
Spring Commencement is an extremely important event for all of our graduates and their families. We could not let this special day go by without recognizing the many achievements of our newest Wolverine alumni. Please join us in safely celebrating the Class of 2021 through a virtual ceremony on Saturday, May 1 at noon EST.
Bryan Stevenson 
Spring Commencement Speaker
Bryan Stevenson is a human rights leader, best-selling author and founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). His memoir, "Just Mercy," was adapted into a 2019 major motion picture. EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults.
Twyla Tharp 
Rackham Graduate Exercises Speaker
Twyla Tharp is a World-renowned choreographer and dancer. She is a Tony- and Emmy Award-winning artist who received the 2004 National Medal of the Arts. In addition to choreographing for her own company, Twyla Tharp Dance, she has created dances for the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, the Paris Opera Ballet, the Royal Ballet, and the New York City Ballet.
A Graduation to Remember
Explore the many different ways you can celebrate commencement and the Class of 2021 this year:
Grad Photos at the Big House
All eligible graduates for the class of 2021 are invited to register to attend an appointment-based photo opportunity at the Big House during the week of April 5.
Learn more about the opportunity
Commencement Experience
We invite you to participate in our virtual Commencement on May 1, whether from home with friends and family or with fellow graduates in the stands of Michigan Stadium.
Learn more about the stadium experience
Maize Out
Share a photo on social media of you in your best Maize and Blue congratulating our graduates using #MGoGrad.
Make May 1 a Maize Out
Celebrate on Social
Add a celebratory frame to your Facebook profile, send a Snap with our graduation filters or join your next Zoom call from the commencement stage.
Celebrate on Social
Burton Tower Lighting
Burton Tower will be lit up every night in maize and blue for the month of April and the first weekend in May to salute our 2021 grads.
Grad Shout Outs
Congratulate your grad by purchasing a Grad Board (4x6 foot sign) on campus. Space is available during the month of April for 10-day periods.
Learn more about grad boards
Rackham Graduate Exercises
Please join us in safely celebrating our graduate degree candidates through a virtual ceremony on Friday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Learn more about the virtual eventFAQs
Will the Spring 2021 Commencement include any in-person experiences?
Due to the ongoing public health challenges of the pandemic, the Spring 2021 Commencement exercises will be conducted in a virtual format. The university will host an opt-in event at Michigan Stadium for graduates who want to experience the virtual commencement together with their classmates. Unfortunately, no guests will be permitted to attend. Graduates are also invited to participate in an in-person photo opportunity in Michigan Stadium. Additional celebratory student experiences will be announced in the coming weeks.
Who will deliver the Spring Commencement address to students?
The Spring Commencement address to students will be delivered by Bryan Stevenson, human rights leader, best-selling author, and founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, and the Rackham Graduate Exercises address will be delivered by Twyla Tharp, world-renowned choreographer and dancer.
Will there be student speakers?
Yes! Multiple student speakers will be selected to share their fondest Michigan memories with fellow graduates as part of the virtual spring commencement ceremony.
Why couldn't there be an in-person ceremony?
The decision to host a virtual ceremony came after conversations with graduating students, a survey of our May graduates, and much discussion with university leaders and consultation with public health officials. We do not know what public health measures will need to be in place in May. It's also impossible now to predict factors such as infection and vaccination rates, travel guidelines and when state and local limits on gatherings may change. We know that some students remained at their permanent residence for the winter semester, and asking them to travel to campus would not be appropriate.
How did the university incorporate student perspectives when making this decision?
A survey was sent to students who will graduate in May and who graduated in December. More than 4,600 recipients completed the survey and their responses helped to guide Univeristy planning. For example, when asked if they would be interested in participating in a virtual ceremony if the university was 'unable to host an in-person ceremony due to health and safety concerns,' more than 61 percent answered at least 'moderately interested.' About one third or respondents answered 'very interested' or 'extremely interested.'
Survey respondents also expressed strong interest in having the opportunity to come back to U-M to take part in a future in-person graduation ceremony. More than 70 percent of the respondents answered at least 'moderately interested' in returning, with about a third answering 'extremely interested.' Download the survey results (PDF).
In additional discussions with student leaders from the class of 2021, the students expressed a strong desire to have a moment to come together in celebration as a group. They also asked for information about the university's planning and timelines to be shared as soon as possible.
Will the university reconsider hosting an in-person ceremony if public health guidelines change before May 1?
No. A change of plans later this semester would create an undue burden for our students and families at a time when many are already facing a number of challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to provide the best experience for all students, our focus now is planning a virtual ceremony. The University continues to explore a future in-person celebration for the classes of 2020 and 2021 as public health conditions allow.
Will my degree be conferred during this ceremony?
Yes. In addition, each school or college may also host a virtual ceremony. This site will continue to be updated as the schedule is developed.
Are family and friends able to watch the ceremony?
We strongly encourage it. We will update this site with the link to the ceremony.
If I can't participate in the ceremony at 12 p.m. EDT, will I be able to watch at another time?
Yes. After the ceremony has concluded, it will remain available for viewing at commencement.umich.edu.
Will graduates' names be read during the university-wide ceremony?
No. As during traditional in-person U-M Spring Commencements, the graduates of each school and college will be recognized as a group by their particular dean.
Will my School or College be hosting a ceremony?
Many of the schools, colleges, and non-degree granting units will be hosting virtual celebrations. Please check back here for more information when it is available.
Will the university host additional opportunities to celebrate the classes of 2020 and 2021 in the future?
Yes. The university is continuing to consider options for inviting graduates from this year's class and the class of 2020 back to campus for special future in-person events.The university is also inviting all graduates who missed out on an in-person ceremony due to COVID-19 to attend and participate in any future Commencement of their choosing. They and their families will be our honored guests at these future ceremonies and the graduates will be recognized not just for the completion of their degrees but also for their resilience and fortitude in persevering during these challenging times.
How will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed to the graduate's permanent address or to the Diploma Address if one has been created by the student in Wolverine Access. Diplomas are mailed approximately 6-8 weeks after the ceremony. eDiplomas will also be provided.
Graduating students must apply to receive a diploma. Students should check with their school or college of enrollment for deadlines.
Will there be a physical program that includes a list of graduates?
Yes. All students who are eligible to graduate this semester and apply for graduation through Wolverine Access by their school or college's deadline will be included in the Spring 2021 Graduate Name Book. A printed copy of the book will be mailed to those graduates whose degrees are conferred in early June. In addition, the digital copy of the name book will be available for download on the commencement website.
How may I request additional copies of the program book?
If you would like additional copies of the program, please fill out this form. Shipping will begin 6-8 weeks following the ceremony.
How do I purchase or rent academic attire?
The Michiganensian, Barnes & Noble, Ulrich's, and the M Den each offer attire for purchase. If PhD candidates would like to order custom attire, visit umich.shopoakhalli.com.
How do I find updates and information about Commencement?
Visit commencement.umich.edu for updates or email springcommencement@umich.edu with additional questions.