Instructions for Graduates
Graduates must report to Graduate Registration no later than one hour prior to their ceremony time. Graduate Registration is located in the Large Sports Forum of the Student Activity Center. An
elevator is located in the SAC's main concourse across from the bowling
center. Immediately go to the appropriate "name card" table and tell the
attendant your name. You will receive a partially pre-printed card that is used
by the readers to announce your name to the audience and by the professional
photographer.
If needed, write your name phonetically at the top of the card. After receiving your name card, look for your degree sign. You may sit with a graduating friend by lining up in front of or behind your friend (not beside) if you both are receiving the same degree. Please leave personal belongings with your guests.
Instructions for Guests
McGuirk Arena Seating
Guests
should enter the John G. Kulhavi Events Center main entrance. Doors will open
to the arena approximately one hour prior to the ceremony. Tickets are for
general admission and are required for seating in the arena. Tickets and
seating are not guaranteed and are on a first-come first-served basis. All individuals must be in a valid seat; those who block the aisles or stairs will be instructed to move. If
graduates have tickets held for guests at will-call, guests should report to
the Ticket Central will-call window (located inside the main entrance of the
Events Center). Following the ceremony, guests must remain in their seats until
all graduates have exited the arena. Guests can meet their graduates in the
Student Activity Center (SAC) main hallway or outside.
Simulcast Room Seating
Guests viewing the ceremony from the Simulcast Room should enter through the main doors of the Student Activity Center (SAC). The Simulcast Room is located in the Small Sports Forum in the lower level of the SAC. An elevator is located in the SAC's main concourse across from the bowling center. Tickets are not required for the Simulcast Room. Following the ceremony, guests can meet their graduates in the SAC main hallway or outside.
Driving Directions
For driving directions to the
John G. Kulhavi Events Center, please click here. If using a GPS or online
mapping site, enter 360 E. Broomfield Rd., Mount Pleasant, MI 48859.
Parking
Graduates and guests may park
free of charge in lots 62, 63 and 64. No parking permit is required. Graduates
and guests should plan 10-15 minutes to walk from the parking lots to the
Events Center. Shuttles will be moving throughout the parking lots to assist
guests. A map can be viewed by clicking here.
Accommodations for Persons with
Disabilities
Handicapped parking spaces are
available in Lot 62W, located east of the Events Center. A handicapped license
plate or hangtag is required to use these spaces. Limited seating is available
for guests with disabilities, therefore guests who require ADA seating should
arrive at least one-hour prior to the ceremony. ADA seating will allow for one
companion to sit next to them. Other members in the party will be seated
nearby, if possible. American Sign Language interpreters will be present at all
ceremonies. For additional information or questions regarding accommodations
for persons with disabilities, please contact University Recreation at (989) 774-1097.
Diplomas
Diplomas are not distributed
during the commencement ceremonies. Students who are eligible for diplomas
receive them by mail. Following the graduation date and upon the successful
completion of all remaining degree requirements, diplomas will be mailed to the
permanent address on record over a eight to ten week period. If graduates need
to change their address, they must complete a change of address request through
CentralLink at least two weeks prior to the graduation date. Graduates who have
an outstanding debt to the university will receive their diploma, but final
transcripts are not released until the obligation is paid.
Programs
Commencement programs will be
available for graduates as they line up for the procession. Programs are
available for guests at the arena entrances. Any student who does
not attend the commencement ceremony and wants a program mailed to them must notify the Ceremonies and Events Coordinator at 989-774-7392 or commencement@cmich.edu.
Photography
A professional photographer will
take photographs of all graduates. A proof of the photo will be mailed to the
address on record with the university. Purchase information is included with
the proof. If you choose to take your own
photos during the ceremony please be courteous of those around you and do not
block other’s view of the ceremony.
Flowers
Commencement Flowers will have a
stand set up outside the ceremony for guests who are interested in purchasing
flowers for graduates. Orders can also be placed online prior to the ceremony
at www.commencementflowers.com/centralmichigan. Ordering online guarantees your
selection of color/size. Online orders are available for pick up on site the
day of commencement.
Ceremonial Behavior and Protocol
Commencement is an exciting and
memorable day for all graduates and their guests, but it is also a solemn one.
Graduates and guests are expected to remain for the entire ceremony. Leaving
before the ceremony has ended is disruptive and disrespectful to others. The
last graduate to cross the stage should expect to receive the same honor as the
first. Please show consideration for all graduates by remaining seated until
the conclusion of the ceremony.
During the ceremony, graduates
and guests should refrain from excessive talking, cheering, use of noisemakers,
and any other distractions that take away from the dignity of the ceremony. In
addition, electronic devices should be set to vibrate, silent or off. Graduates
and guests who are disruptive will be escorted from the ceremony.
Graduates may not carry food or
beverages into the ceremony. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted and will be confiscated.
At the conclusion of the
ceremony, all guests must remain in their seats until the platform party and
all graduates have exited the ceremony. Guests can meet their graduates in the SAC main hallway or outside.
Facility Protocol
CMU strives to create a safe and
enjoyable environment for the commencement ceremonies, therefore bag checks
will be conducted at all facility entrances. The following items are not
permitted in the John G. Kulhavi Events Center: noisemaking devices (bells, horns, whistles, etc.), helium balloons, outside food or
beverage, tobacco products and e-cigarettes, lighters, alcoholic beverages,
pepper spray, illegal substances, and weapons.
Children Attending Commencement
All children over the age of two (2) require a ticket for seating in McGuirk Arena. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Central Michigan University will not be held responsible for the safety of children left unattended.
All information is subject to
change. Please check back to this website periodically for the most up-to-date
information.