» Winter Commencement FAQ’s

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Where should I stay?
- Check out Destination Ann Arbor for local hotels.

SEATING

How does seating work?
- Seating is general admission and is available on a first come, first serve basis.
What if I have a wheelchair?
- Guests with a wheelchair or other accessibility needs should connect with an Event Team Member upon their arrival at Crisler to be directed to the best seating area. Graduates with a wheelchair or other accessibility needs should enter Crisler Center through the service tunnel and connect with a Marshal or Event Team Member for assistance.
Do I need tickets?
- All students and guests are required to have tickets. Children two years of age and older must have a ticket.
How do I get tickets?
- Tickets will be available to redeem online during the first week of December. An email will be sent to all eligible graduates when tickets are live.
How many tickets may each graduate redeem?
- Students will receive one graduate ticket and up to six (6) guest tickets.
Are tickets free? Can I get more than the allotted amount?
- Tickets are free of charge. If you would like more than the allotted six (6) guest tickets, we suggest reaching out to a fellow student who will be attending the ceremony and asking if you could use any of their unclaimed tickets. Note: The sale of commencement tickets is strictly prohibited.

CEREMONY

Are the names read at the ceremony?
- Student names are not read at the ceremony unless you are a Ph.D. student.
Can you attend the ceremony before you graduate?
- Students are not eligible to participate in the ceremonies before they graduate. For exceptions, please reach out to [email protected].
When does the ceremony end / how long is it?
1. The ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m. and will end at approximately 4:00 p.m.
I’m graduating, when should I show up? And where?
- If you are a student, doors will open at 12:30 p.m. If you are a guest and would like to see the graduates process into the stadium, plan to arrive before 1:30 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Will there be a webcast of the ceremony?
- Yes, the live stream will be available on the website the day of the ceremony.
Are bags allowed?
- No bags of any kind are allowed into the Crisler Center. However, exceptions will be made for those with medical needs and diaper bags. All bags are subjected to be searched.
Wheelchairs/rental
- Wheelchairs will be available at the southwest entrance to push guests with mobility issues to their seat, but must be returned once the guest is in their seat and cannot be kept throughout the ceremony
- Wheelchairs for use on commencement day may be rented at the following locations:
  - Advanced Medical Solutions
    5333 McAuley Drive #1106
    Ypsilanti, MI 48197
    (734) 528-2522
    - Advanced Medical Solutions is open M-F only. Rentals arranged in advance will need to be picked up on Friday (at the latest) and returned on Monday. Weekend returns are not an option.
  - Healthcare DME
    2911 Carpenter Rd
    Ann Arbor, MI 48108
    (734) 975-6668
    - Healthcare DME is not open on Sunday. Rentals arranged in advance will need to be picked up on Friday (at the latest) and returned on Monday.
- We recommend calling as early as possible to reserve a wheelchair.
What about photography?
- This ceremony will be photographed by Michigan Photography.
Who is eligible for this ceremony?
- Eligible students include: students who graduated during the Winter 2025 term, the Summer 2025 term, and students graduating in the Fall 2025 term.
I am graduating this semester but want to attend Spring Commencement – how does that work?
- All students who are completing their degree requirements this semester (fall) are eligible to attend either Winter Commencement 2025 or Spring Commencement 2026. There is nothing that needs to be done in the meantime, but please keep an eye out for ticketing information that will be sent next semester.

PARKING / TRAFFIC

Where can I park?
- Complimentary parking is available in the U-M lots surrounding the Crisler Center.
- The Pioneer High School parking lot, located on the southwest corner of Stadium Boulevard and Main Street, may offer parking for a fee. Pioneer High School should not be contacted directly regarding parking. For questions, visit michigangamedayparking.com. To avoid parking violations, please observe all posted notices and regulations.
How close can an Uber or Lyft get to the stadium? Where can I get dropped off and picked up?
- We recommend that any rideshare or transportation services drop off at the southwest entrance.
- Guests with mobility concerns should be dropped off at the southwest entrance, nearest the location of parking for persons with accessible needs (state disability permit required).

ATTIRE

Where do you get stoles and cords?
- Graduates may wear cords of societies/organizations they are members of. The distribution, awarding, and the wearing of honor cords for the academic distinction is generally overseen at the program or department level. Students would want to seek details from their own program or department. The University (at the institution level) doesn’t regulate, promote, or discourage the wearing of honor cords. In general, the decision to wear honor cords (what color, type, etc) is at the discretion and good judgment of the graduate. We recommend that students consult with their program and department.
- For more general information on attire, click here.

ELIGIBILITY

When do you get the diplomas and where are they sent to?
- Diplomas are sent from the Office of the Registrar and are sent to your permanent address unless you have a separate diploma address listed in Wolverine Access.
I graduated in 2025, can I still participate in the ceremony?
- Please reach out to the office of the registrar to confirm your eligibility. Phone number: 734-764-6280 Email: [email protected]
Please view this table for more clarity on commencement eligibility.