FAQs
Please see the menu below for answers to frequently asked questions!
Winter 2026 graduates are welcome to participate in the University of Michigan Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2 at Michigan Stadium. Click here for more information
Students receiving a PhD or M.S. degree may also be eligible to participate in the (Rackham) University Graduate Exercises on Friday, May 1, 2026. Click here for more information
The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) hosts additional Commencement Celebrations to supplement the traditional U-M ceremonies. OAMI Student Celebrations take place during graduation season to honor the achievements, shared experiences, and varied backgrounds that shape our students' journeys.
All of OAMI’s celebrations are open to all students at the University of Michigan, recognizing and honoring the wide breadth of experiences and identities within our community.
More information on the Commencement Celebrations, including dates and deadlines to apply, can be found on the OAMI website.
Spectrum Center will host its annual Lavender Graduation to celebrate and honor LGBTQIA2S+ graduates and allies of all degree levels and programs at UM-Ann Arbor. More information can be found on Spectrum Center's 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:
Yes. The University of Michigan is requiring that all graduation ceremonies be ticketed for both students and their guests. Each graduate will be allotted up to 7 guest tickets for the School of Public Health Graduation Ceremony.
Please indicate the number of guest tickets needed in the event registration, and the Michigan Union Ticket Office will email tickets directly to each graduate before the event. It will be the graduate’s responsibility to distribute tickets to their guests.
We ask that graduates only claim the number of tickets needed. Depending on the number of unclaimed tickets, we hope to offer additional tickets in the weeks leading up to the event. The School of Public Health Events Team will reach out to all students if extra tickets become available.
Diplomas for Winter 2026 term graduates will be mailed by mid-July to the diploma address students have specified in Wolverine Access. Diplomas for Summer 2026 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. Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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 their name card and to complete a card for the photographer. Graduates will hand these cards to the marshal on stage when receiving recognition. From there graduates 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 graduates 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, they should find each other in the Graduate Check-in Area in the lower lobby prior to taking their seats in the auditorium.
When you crossing the stage to be recognized, graduates should have both hands free and be unencumbered by extra items.
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 wearing 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.
Please visit the University of Michigan International Center's website or the International Student Information page to get the latest information about applying for and obtaining a B-1/B-2 Visa for guests.
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.
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 27 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. A wheelchair will be avialable to help guests to and from their seat if they have trouble walking long distances. Sign language interpreters will be present, and closed captioning will be provided.
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.