Commencement Day Instructions
Please check website regularly for updates.
Assembly for Graduates
Beginning at 8:00 a.m., graduates are to assemble near Michigan Stadium to be organized for their procession. The procession into Michigan Stadium will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Before entering the stadium, graduates will pass through a photo tent to have their picture taken. After exiting the photo tent, commencement marshals will guide the graduates through the portal entrances of the stadium and into their seats.
Note to Graduates:
- please arrive at the assembly area in cap and gown
- please wear comfortable shoes as you will be processing down the stadium steps
- please be sure to completely fill out the photo cards that will be distributed in the assembly area to ensure that you will receive a proof of the photo taken
- if you are unable to walk steps, please call 734-647-6037 to make special arrangements
Click here for a map of the graduate assembly location outside Michigan Stadium.
Families and Guests
Michigan Stadium opens at 8:00 a.m. Families and guests may enter through the Champions, Varsity, Alumni and Wolverine plazas and Gate 9. (Click here for map.)
All family members and guests attending Spring Commencement, including children over the age of 2, need a ticket to enter Michigan Stadium. All tickets are marked with section, row, and seat numbers. (click here for additional ticket information.)
All guests are asked to be seated prior to 9:00 a.m., when the graduate procession begins.
-back to top-
Information for Persons with Disabilities
The University of Michigan wants to ensure that all graduates and guests participate fully in this program. On commencement day staff is available to direct and assist people with disabilities into Michigan Stadium. Accessible restroom facilities are located near the entrances.
Sign Language Interpretation
To make arrangements for guests or graduates who would like to view the sign language interpreters during the commencement ceremony, please call (734) 647-6037 by Friday, April 23. Seating location and instructions will be discussed.
Wheelchair Seating for Graduates
Graduates who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility and plan to participate in Spring Commencement are asked to call (734) 647-6037 by Friday, April 23 to make arrangements. Detailed information including parking, entrance to the graduate procession, and seating location will be discussed.
Wheelchair Seating for Guests
Guests who require wheelchair seating are asked to call (734) 647-6037 by Friday, April 23 to make arrangements. Detailed information including parking and seating will be discussed.
Guests with Limited Mobility
Guests who have limited mobility are eligible to sit in rows designated as “Accessible Seating”. These rows are at or near the section portal entrance and require minimal stair climbing.
Due to the limited number of seats available, groups requesting “Accessible Seating” are limited to four tickets in this area. For graduates receiving up to eight tickets, the additional tickets will be provided in the same section as the “Accessible Seating” tickets.
Graduates should request “Accessible Seating” tickets when they attend ticket distribution. It is not necessary to call in advance to make arrangements for these tickets.
Please call (734) 647-6037 for additional information. Entry to Michigan Stadium
Individuals who have difficulty walking distances can be dropped off at Gate 9 of Michigan Stadium, located along Keech Street at the north end of the stadium. Keech Street will be one way, westbound. Ushers are available at Gate 9 to assist individuals to their seating sections via golf cart shuttle service. Only the person with the disability may ride in the cart; other group members are asked to walk.
Following the program, golf cart shuttles are available to return guests with disabilities to Gate 9. Due to high demand, guests will experience delays in shuttle service before and after the program.
Handicap Parking
A designated parking lot on Keech Street, across from Gate 9, will offer handicap parking for vehicles with a handicap sticker, license plate, or hang tag. (The sticker, plate or hang tag may be from any state, it does not have to be issued by the State of Michigan.)
Wheelchair Rental
If your guest will need to use a wheelchair on the day of commencement, you can rent one at the following locations:
Wenk’s Prescription Shop
2355 East Stadium Boulevard
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Telephone: (734) 747-8080
Wright & Filippis
3330 Washtenaw
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Telephone: (734) 975-6800
We recommend calling as early as possible to make your reservation.
-back to top-
Inclement Weather Plan
Spring Commencement is scheduled to take place in Michigan Stadium rain or shine. The ceremony may be shortened, suspended, or concluded in the event of severe weather. If a schedule adjustment is required due to severe weather, instructions will be given to guests via public address announcements and video screen scoreboard messages. Graduates and guests are asked to listen for announcements and remain seated until instructed otherwise. These security measures are in place to provide a safe environment for all and your cooperation is appreciated.
Given the size of Spring Commencement, it is not logistically feasible to move this ceremony to an indoor location and still maintain its University-wide, inclusive focus.
In the event of rain or other non-severe weather, the ceremony will continue in Michigan Stadium, and the following conditions may apply:
- The ceremony may be shortened. (It will still maintain essential elements such as the conferring of undergraduate degrees.)
- Pre-recorded music will be substituted for the commencement band.
- The ceremony will be shown on video screens inside Crisler Arena. Each graduate will receive two general admission tickets for their guests to access Crisler Arena.
Please note, umbrellas are not permitted inside Michigan Stadium.
-back to top-
Transportation
Shuttle Information
Spring Commencement guests and graduates are welcome to use the complimentary shuttle bus service for travel to and from Michigan Stadium.
Guests staying at other hotels within walking distance to the hotel pick-up locations listed below are welcome to use the shuttle service.
Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.
There may be a short wait for shuttle service after commencement, depending upon the number of shuttle riders.
DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE
TO THE STADIUM
Pick-up Time: Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Pick-up Locations:
Michigan Union (530 South State Street)
Michigan League (911 North University Avenue)
The Campus Inn (615 East Huron Street - parking for hotel guests only)
RETURN SHUTTLE
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Michigan Stadium regularly for 60 minutes after the end of the ceremony.
Drop-off Locations:
Michigan Union (530 South State Street)
Michigan League (911 North University Avenue)
The Campus Inn (615 East Huron Street - parking for hotel guests only)
SOUTH SHUTTLE
TO THE STADIUM
Pick-up Time: Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Pick-up Locations:
Four Points Sheraton (3200 Boardwalk)
Hampton Inn South (925 Victors Way)
Kensington Court (610 Hilton Boulevard)
State Street Commuter Lot (2600 South State Street)
RETURN SHUTTLE
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Michigan Stadium regularly for 60 minutes after the end of the ceremony.
Drop-off Locations:
Four Points Sheraton (3200 Boardwalk)
Hampton Inn South (925 Victors Way)
Kensington Court (610 Hilton Boulevard)
State Street Commuter Lot (2600 South State Street)
EAST SHUTTLE
TO THE STADIUM
Pick-up Time: Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Pick-up Locations:
Quality Inn & Suites (2455 Carpenter Road)
Days Inn (2380 Carpenter Road)
RETURN SHUTTLE
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Michigan Stadium regularly for 60 minutes after the end of the ceremony.
Drop-off Locations:
Quality Inn & Suites (2455 Carpenter Road)
Days Inn (2380 Carpenter Road)
WEST SHUTTLE
TO THE STADIUM
Pick-up Time: Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Pick-up Locations:
Best Western Executive Plaza (2900 Jackson Road)
Weber’s Inn (3050 Jackson Avenue - parking for guests only)
RETURN SHUTTLE TO HOTELS
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Michigan Stadium regularly for 60 minutes after the end of the ceremony.
Drop-off Locations:
Best Western Executive Plaza (2900 Jackson Road)
Weber’s Inn (3050 Jackson Avenue - parking for guests only)
NORTH SHUTTLE
TO THE STADIUM
Specific Pick-up Times: 7:45 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m.
Pick-up Location:
Holiday Inn (3600 Plymouth Road)
RETURN SHUTTLE
Pick-up Time: Shuttles depart Michigan Stadium regularly for 60 minutes after the end of the ceremony.
Drop-off Location:
Holiday Inn (3600 Plymouth Road)
-back to top-
Parking
Update: 4-9-09
Traffic Update:
Due to reduced lanes on the Stadium Boulevard Bridge east of Michigan Stadium, guests are encouraged to use the following alternatives:
- If driving on I-94, use Ann Arbor-Saline Road exit (#175)
- From campus, take an alternate street to Main Street (such as Hill) and continue south on Main Street toward the stadium. Also, complimentary shuttles will be provided from the Michigan Union and the Michigan League to Michigan Stadium.
On the day of Spring Commencement, complimentary parking is available at Crisler Arena. Parking will also be available at Pioneer High School for a fee of $5. To avoid a parking violation, please observe all posted notices and regulations.
Please be aware Keech Street will be one-way, westbound.
-back to top-
Security
Update: 4-27-09
Security Reminder: Please note the following permitted and prohibited items for Spring Commencement.
Permitted Items:
- Purses/fanny packs, bags, etc. up to 5”W x 8”L x 5”H
- Binoculars
- Pagers and cell phones
- Clear, sealed plastic water bottles
- Small cameras and hand-held video cameras
- Blankets and rain apparel
Prohibited Items:
- Purses, fanny packs, bags larger than 5”W x 8”L x 5”H
- Aerosol and spray cans
- Umbrellas
- Flags and flag poles
- Signs, banners, balloons, balls, and inflatable items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans, flasks
- Camera tripods
- Strollers
- Pets or animals (assistance animals are permitted)
- Weapons
-back to top-
|
