Crisler Center

In this Section:

Crisler Center
333 E. Stadium Boulevard
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Arrival Information for Ceremony Guests and Graduates

Master’s Degree Recipients

Master’s graduates will gather on the concourse level of Crisler Center. To access the graduate gathering area for Master’s graduates, enter Crisler Center via Gate 1 of Michigan Stadium beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Faculty marshals will direct arriving graduates and lead a student procession down the stairs and onto the arena floor. If you are unable to use the stairs, enter through the Crisler Center Tunnel where event staff will direct you to seating or to join the graduate procession to be seated on the arena floor.

Master’s Degree recipients do not need to sit in any particular order.

Doctoral Degree Recipients

Doctoral graduates will gather between sections 116 & 120 on the concourse level of the Crisler Center. To access the graduate gathering area for PhD graduates, enter Crisler Center via the northeast entrance noted as “PhD ONLY Entry” beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, you will receive your name card with a number. Faculty marshals will direct you where you need to go based on the number on your card.

Faculty marshals will lead doctoral recipients in the graduate procession onto the arena floor. If you are unable to use the stairs, enter through the Crisler Center Tunnel where event staff will direct you to seating or to join the graduate procession to be seated on the arena floor.

During the ceremony, doctoral degree recipients carry their hoods to the stage. Once there, they return their cards to a faculty marshal so their names may be read aloud as they are recognized.

After the dissertation chair, who has been instructed to join you on stage—or a faculty marshal—has draped the hood on your shoulders, each recipient crosses the stage to receive their diploma and be recognized by the dean of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and the president of the University.

Guests

Beginning at 8:30 a.m., families and guests may enter through either Crisler’s Northeast Entrance (main entryway) or the Southwest Entrance for guests needing drop-off assistance. All guests should be seated by 9:50 a.m.

Tickets are required for all guests ages two (2) and up. Masters and PhD graduates are eligible to receive up to eight (8) guest tickets and all tickets are general admission. Tickets are free of charge. All tickets are electronic and graduates must transfer guest tickets to their guests to ensure smooth entry into the Crisler Center.

All graduates and guests entering the arena along with their belongings are subject to search. Guests are encouraged to travel lightly to expedite their entry into the facility.

Be sure to check the permitted and prohibited items lists before arriving at Crisler Center. No purses, bags, wristlets, or cases of any size will be allowed in Crisler Center. Exceptions will be granted for medical and diaper bags only.

View Additional Crisler Center Information.

If you have questions or require special accommodations in order to participate in Rackham Graduate Exercises, please contact the Office of University and Development Events at [email protected] by Friday, April 25, 2025.

For more ticketing information, visit the RGE Ticketing Information page or contact: [email protected]

Safety

Permitted Items:

  • Binoculars – cases are not permitted
  • Cell phones
  • Small cameras (those with a lens shorter than 6 inches)

Prohibited Items:

  • All bags (including purses, fanny packs, etc.)
  • All bottles (including all types of water bottles)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Aerosol and spray cans
  • Animals (except service animals for persons with a disability)
  • Apparel or signage displaying profane or abusive language
  • Containers of any kind (including coolers, thermoses, cups, cans, flasks)
  • Flags and flagpoles
  • Food of any kind
  • Irritants
  • Noisemakers (including but not limited to whistles, air horns, boom boxes, bull horns, kazoos, sirens, thunder sticks, vuvuzelas, etc.)
  • Projectiles (including footballs, Frisbees and beach balls)
  • Seat cushions containing any type of metal or those with pockets, zippers, storage slots, seat backs, arm rests, or attachments of any kind
  • Strollers
  • Video camera, tripods and selfie sticks
  • Umbrellas
  • Weapons
  • Noisemakers (including but not limited to whistles, air horns, boom boxes, bull horns, kazoos, sirens, thunder sticks, vuvuzelas, etc.)
  • Any other item that may obstruct or impair the view or enjoyment of another attendee (including banners, signs, etc.)

Please note that smoking, smokeless tobacco, or vaping is not permitted anywhere in the Crisler Center or on U-M property.

Additional information can be found at mgoblue.com. Changes in national and regional security levels may affect security procedures at Crisler Center.

We appreciate your cooperation with these security measures. Enjoy the ceremony!

All bags may be subject to search.
Medical exceptions will be addressed individually at the gates. Those requiring necessary items (e.g., diapers for a baby, medical prescriptions, etc.) are encouraged to carry them into Crisler Center in a clear plastic bag.

Concessions

Concessions will be available in Crisler Center with limited food and refreshments, near the northeast entrance.

Merchandise

University of Michigan apparel and other items will be available for purchase at Crisler Center, located at the northeast entrance.