Commencement is a milestone—one of life’s landmark occasions, a time when graduates, family members, and friends gather to celebrate past and future.

At the University of Michigan, Spring Commencement is a festive, campus-wide event where graduates are recognized by their school or college as a group, and honorary degrees are conferred. In addition to Spring Commencement, which all graduates are welcome to attend, each school, college and campus hold individual ceremonies to celebrate their graduates’ accomplishments.

Graduate Schedule for Commencement Day
8:00 a.m. Arrive at Grad Assembly—east side of Michigan Stadium
8:15 a.m. Graduate photography begins
8:30 a.m. Graduate procession into stadium
9:30 a.m. Graduate procession ends

Graduates arriving after 9:15 a.m. will not be able to enter graduate seating until after the ceremony begins.

10:00 a.m. Spring Commencement ceremony begins
11:45 a.m. Ceremony ends (approximately)

Before entering the stadium, graduates will pass through a photo tent to have their pictures taken. From there, commencement marshals will guide them into the stadium and direct them to their seats.

Note to All Graduates:
Please arrive at the assembly area in your cap and gown.
All graduating students must have a Graduate Ticket and MCard.
Plan to wear comfortable shoes, as the route is uneven and steep.
Do not bring any prohibited items into the stadium.
If you are unable to navigate steps, use a wheelchair, or require other accommodations please complete this form so your needs can be planned for.
To ensure that you receive a proof of your commencement day photo, be sure to fill out a photo address card distributed by staff in the assembly area.
Guests

Guest Schedule for Commencement Day:
8:00 a.m. Michigan Stadium gates open (Gates 2, 4, 8, 9, 10)
8:30 a.m. Graduate procession into stadium
9:40 a.m. Graduate procession concludes
10:00 a.m. Spring Commencement ceremony
11:45 a.m. Ceremony ends (approximately)