Spring Commencement FAQ’s

In this Section:

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION 

  1. Where should I stay? 

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  1. What can I bring to Michigan Stadium?

SEATING (Spring)

  1. How does seating work?
    • Guest tickets will have an assigned seat within the stadium. All of your guests will be seated together unless otherwise requested. Graduate tickets are general admission, and seating is designated on the field and in the stands.
    • If a graduate and/or guest requires accessible seating, they should complete the ADA Ticket Request Form no later than April 12, 2024. The link to the form will be available on the Accessibility page.
  2. What if I have a wheelchair?
    • Guests with a wheelchair or other accessibility needs should enter at either Gate 2 or Gate 9 and connect with an Event Team Member who can help them find their assigned seating area. Graduates with a wheelchair or other accessibility needs should enter Michigan Stadium via the tunnel and connect with a Marshal or Event Team Member for assistance. Visit our Accessibility page for more information.
    • Gates 2, 4, 8, 9 & 10 will open for guests beginning at 8:00 a.m.
  3. Do I need tickets?
    • All graduates and guests are required to have tickets. Children two years of age and older must have a ticket.
  4. How do I get tickets?
    • Tickets will be available to redeem online in mid-April. An email will be sent to all eligible graduates when tickets are live.
    • Graduates who require accessible tickets for them or their guest(s) should complete the ADA Ticket Request Form no later than April 12, 2024.
  5. How many tickets do each student get?
    • Undergraduate students will receive one student ticket and up to ten (10) guest tickets. Masters and PhD students will receive one student ticket and up to six (6) guest tickets.
  6. Are tickets free? Can I get more than the allotted amount?
    • Tickets are free of charge. If you would like more than the allotted 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

  1. Are the names read at the ceremony?
    • Student names are not read at the ceremony.
  2. Do students walk across the stage?
    • Students do not walk across the stage at the University-wide ceremony.
  3. Can you attend the ceremony before you graduate?
    • Students are not eligible to participate in the ceremonies before they graduate. For exceptions, reach out to the Office of the Registrar at [email protected].
  4. When does the ceremony end / how long is it?
    • The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. and will end at approximately 12:00 p.m.
  5. Will there be a webcast of the ceremony?
    • Yes, a link to the ceremony webcast will be posted on our website closer to the ceremony.
  6. Are bags allowed?
    • No, bags are not allowed.
  7. Who is eligible for this ceremony?
    • Eligible students include students who graduated during the Fall 2023 term, students graduating in the Winter 2024 term, and students graduating in the spring/summer 2024 term.

PARKING / TRAFFIC

  1. Where can I park? 
    • There is NO OPEN public parking at Michigan Stadium for Spring Commencement.
    • Parking for vehicles with state-issued “handicap plates or tags” is available on the north side of the stadium.  See more information here.
    • 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.
    • We recommend the guests utilize the shuttle service. More information is available here.

ATTIRE

  1. 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. 

ELIGIBILITY 

  1. 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.
  2. I graduated in Fall 2023, 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]

Useful links for Graduates