FAQs
Please see the menu below for answers to frequently asked questions!
Winter 2024 graduates are welcome to participate in the University of Michigan Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4 at Michigan Stadium. Click here for more information
Students receiving a Ph.D. or M.S. degree may also be eligible to participate in the (Rackham) University Graduate Exercises on Friday, May 3, 2024. Click here for more information
The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) hosts additional Commencement Celebrations to supplement the traditional UM graduation, which are also held during graduation week, to express appreciation for the achievements, commonalities, and cultural differences that characterize the experiences of Middle Eastern/North African, African American, Latinx and Native students. Commencement Celebration include:
- Asian/Pacific Islander (API) Graduation
- Black Celebratory
- La Celebración Latina
- Middle Eastern/North African Student (ME/NA) Celebration
- Native Student Graduation Celebration
More information on the Commencement Celebrations, including dates and deadlines to apply, can be found on the OAMI website.
If you are a certificate and/or dual degree student, it is important that you apply for graduation from each program separately. Applying for one program will not automatically create an application for any other program.
Dual degree students: All degree requirements for both academic units must be fulfilled in order to graduate. Both degrees are awarded simultaneously. If requirements for either degree are not met, neither degree will be awarded.
The U-M Parking Office will suspend enforcement for University parking structures/lots for graduates and their guests. City lots and meters are also available for a fee. Please avoid any specialty parking spaces such as the reserved spots for U-M vehicles only.
For a complete listing of all city and campus parking please visit:
Guest tickets are NOT required for the School of Public Health Graduation Ceremony. We encourage graduates to invite no more than 8 guests to ensure we can accommodate the entire community.
We do ask that you indicate how many guests you plan to bring when you register to attend the ceremony.
Diplomas for Winter 2023 term graduates will be mailed by mid-July to the diploma address students have specified in Wolverine Access. Diplomas for Summer 2023 term graduates will be mailed by mid-November.
Name Change on Diploma
In order to change your name, add your middle name, or middle initial to your diploma,
you will need to add it to your academic record. Once your name is updated on your
academic record, you will be able to log into Wolverine Access to access your graduation
application and add the updated name to appear on the diploma. Monday, April 17, 2023
is the deadline to make this change. This can be done two ways:
- By personally visiting the Central Registrar's Wolverine Services Office and providing legal proof of your name (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate, passport, etc.). Their contact information is below. You will need to bring a photo ID with you for this process.
- By sending a copy of your legal proof of your name (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate, passport, etc.) via e-mail to wolverineservices@umich.edu. Be sure to provide a clear explanation of what changes you want to make.
Wolverine Services- Central Campus
Office of the Registrar
University of Michigan
2200 Student Activities Building (SAB)
515 E. Jefferson Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316
Office: 734-647-3507
Fax: 734-763-9053
The hours of operations are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Note: Please be sure to have your MCard with you when visiting the Wolverine Services Office
Students do not receive an official diploma during commencement, which allows students to walk if they still have requirements under review. Official diplomas will be mailed six to eight weeks after you graduate to the permanent address you provided on the blue diploma application. Any questions regarding your diploma after graduation should be directed to the Transcripts, Certifications, and Diploma Office at (734) 763-9066 or emailed to ro.diploma.staff@umich.edu.
Assembly
The FRONT and WEST doors at Hill Auditorium will open at 10:00 a.m. for all graduates
and their guests. All Graduates and guests with mobility limitations (wheelchair,
walker, etc.) should enter from the WEST entrance off Thayer near the ramp.
Graduates should assemble at Hill in their academic attire and go directly to the Graduate Check-in Area in the lower lobby to pick up your name card and to complete a card for the photographer. You will hand these cards to the marshal on stage when receiving your recognition. From there you will be directed to find a seat in the auditorium. Seating for graduates will be reserved on the main floor in designated sections by degree (MPH, MHSA, MS, MHI, PhD, Bachelor). There will be staff in the auditorium to direct you to the appropriate section. Students must be seated in the auditorium by 10:45 a.m. If graduates would like to sit near specific classmates with the same degree, please find each other in the Graduate Check-in Area in the lower lobby prior to taking your seats in the auditorium.
When you cross the stage to be recognized, you will want to have both hands free and be unencumbered by extra items. Out of courtesy to others and for your own safety, we ask that you not bring items with you to the ceremony.
Graduates - Please do not bring any valuables or anything that does not fit in your pockets. There is no safe place to store them.
Footwear
We highly recommend that you wear shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and suitable
for standing, walking, and climbing steps.
Reception
All graduates, their family, and their friends are invited to attend the School of
Public Health Graduation Reception immediately following the ceremony. Students must
register the number of guests when they complete the online registration form to participate
in the School of Public Health Graduation Ceremony.
Family members, who are not the children or spouse of the F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor, must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to gain entry into the U.S. Family members from certain countries may be eligible to travel to the U.S. to visit for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a B-1/B-2 visa through the U.S. Department of State Visa Waiver Program.
The University of Michigan will provide a letter of invitation to assist guests of graduates who are applying for a visa to attend their student's commencement ceremony.
To obtain a letter, please follow these steps:
- Prior to submitting a request for a letter of invitation, apply for graduation.
- Visit the International Center website for an overview of documents needed to apply for a visa.
- After successfully completing the first two steps, make a formal request for the Letter(s) of Invitation by submitting the online request form.
The letter from the University will be emailed to the graduate, who can then forward
it to their guests for use in documenting their visa request.
If multiple guests are in need of a letter of invitation, please fill out this form
multiple times.
Please allow two business days to receive the letter via email.
Graduates participating in any University of Michigan Graduation Ceremony, including the School of Public Health Ceremony, must wear official academic attire.
Attire can be purchased through the University of Michigan Barnes & Noble Bookstore’s attire website, or by visiting the bookstore at the Michigan Union or Pierpont Commons. Order online by April 6 to have attire shipped to your home.
Graduates should have their gown steamed/ironed prior to graduation day. At the very least, it is suggested that graduates remove the gown from the package to allow the wrinkles to settle.
Hood Colors
To ensure that you purchase the correct hood, please note your hood color:
| DEGREE | PROGRAM | HOOD COLOR |
| MHI | Health Informatics | Silver Grey |
| MHSA | Public Health | Salmon |
| MPH | Public Health | Salmon |
| MS | Science | Gold |
| PhD | All | Royal Blue |
Faculty members: Instructions for ordering academic attire can be found on the Faculty Information page. Please note the Friday, March 22 deadline for obtaining if you do not have your own attire.
The company Graduation Foto will be taking professional photographs at the graduation ceremony. All graduates will receive a complimentary proof of the photo(s) taken, and can order photos through their website
The University of Michigan wants to ensure that all graduates, candidates, and guests can participate fully in graduation. The following arrangements are made in cooperation with the Accessibility Task Force of the Council for Disability Concerns.
Ushers will be available to assist in locating wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms for guests. Please email sph.events@umich.edu if you have any questions regarding your needs. A sign language interpreter will be present.
Please be sure to note accommodation needs when you register to attend the ceremony.
If you have further questions about graduation, please email sph.events@umich.edu. Thank you.