Prior to Commencement:

1. Click here to view a copy of the Graduate Information Flyer.
2. Attend the Graduation Fair on Tuesday, March 27 to purchase your cap and gown, order a class ring, order graduation announcements, and to check-out the great products for graduates at the Lundberg Bookstore. Click here for more information on the Graduation Fair.
3. If you are unable to attend the Graduation Fair you may purchase your cap and gown anytime between March 27 and May 4, 2012.  Sizes may be limited after April 6.  Graduates who are unable to visit the Lundberg Bookstore may call the bookstore to have their regalia sent directly to them. A shipping fee will be charged to all shipped orders. Click here for prices of regalia (cap and gown). Click here for contact information and bookstore hours.
4. Students who are eligible to receive an honor cord from the Colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Education and Human Services, Pharmacy and the Michigan College of Optometry may purchase their honor cord at the Ferris Bookstore located in the Rankin Student Center. Click here for the distinction key.
5. Students who are eligible to receive an honor cord from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering Technology and Professional and Technological Studies may pick up their honor cord from their college's Commencement Coordinator.
6. If you have any questions about your eligibility to receive an honor cord for Commencement, please contact your college's Commencement Coordinator. Note:  For Commencement only, honors designations are based on your cumulative GPA from Fall 2011 Semester and does not include Spring 2012 semester. Your diploma and transcript will include your cumulative GPA for Spring 2012 semester. 
7. After you have purchased your cap and gown, open it up to make sure that you have everything you need. You should have a tassel (click here to view tassel colors) and a cap and a gown. If you are receiving a master or doctorate degree you should have a gown (click here to view a description of the gowns) and a hood. If you have the incorrect regalia please contact or visit the bookstore to get the correct regalia.
8. Hang your gown up and iron it if needed.
9. Exit Interviews - If you have a loan, you need will make sure you go through Loan Exit Counseling before you graduate - click here for more information.
10. Graduating students who require special accommodations should contact the Commencement office by calling (231) 591-2612 to make necessary arrangements.
11. Guests who require special accommodations - Wink Arena is handicap accessible and has several areas available that will accommodate wheelchairs, guest who are unable to climb bleachers, and strollers on the main level. Ushers will be stationed in Wink Arena to assist if you should need help.  If you or a family member requires special accommodations, other than mentioned above, please contact the Commencement office by calling (231) 591-2612, at least two weeks prior to the event.
12. Instructions for Graduates - you should receive a copy of the Instructions for Graduates when you pick up your tickets from your college's Commencement Coordinator.
13. Visit Career Services to have your resume critiqued. Career Services is located in the
    Rankin Student Center, room 135. Click here for more information on Career Services.
14. If you have an interview set up and can't afford a suit, visit The First Lady's Attic, located in the Rankin Student Center, Room 171. The First Lady's Closet has men's and women's professional clothing and accessories available for students. Just show your student I.D. and walk out with a suit and accessories to go with it.

Before you Leave Home:

1. Make sure that you have your academic regalia. All graduates must wear the appropriate regalia in order to walk in a Commencement ceremony.
2. Students planning on participating in a ceremony should plan to arrive 45 minutes prior to the start of their ceremony. The ceremony will start promptly, so don't be late.
3. Allow extra time for parking. Handicapped parking is available directly west of the Ewigleben Sports Complex in Lot 48.  Wink Arena is handicap accessible and has several areas available that will accommodate wheelchairs, guests who may not be able to climb the bleachers and strollers on the main level.  Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Ushers will be available to assist with seating.  
4. Make sure you give the tickets to your guests.  Guests will not be allowed into the ceremony without a ticket.

Arrival:

1. Check-in with your college's Commencement Coordinator located in the Ice Arena. You will receive your name and photo card at that time.
2. Leave valuables, such as purses and coats, with family members during the ceremony. Please DO NOT leave items unattended. Commencement staff will not be available to watch items left in the Ice Arena.