Commencement Information
Michigan Technological University
May 3, 2008

Congratulations Spring 2008 graduate! Commencement is rapidly approaching. You qualify for participation in the ceremony and will be listed in the program provided:

  • You have completed your degree and indicated that you plan to participate in the Spring ceremony.
  • You have submitted a "Life After Michigan Tech" form along with your final paperwork and report/thesis/dissertation by Friday, March 21 , to the Graduate School Office.

Please contact Nancy Byers Sprague (487-2755) in the Graduate School Office by Friday, March 21 , if:

  • You have not yet confirmed your attendance (even if you have indicated planned attendance on your "Life After Michigan Tech" form).
  • You will finish between March 22, and May 12, 2008, to submit an "Commencement Application (Walk) Form" requesting to participate in commencement. The form is due in the Graduate School by 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 21.
  • You would like to defer attendance to a future commencement ceremony.
  • You are a PhD candidate to confirm your attendance and your advisor’s participation.
  • Your plans have changed and you are not completing your degree requirements this semester.

Caps, Gowns, Tassels and Hoods must be ordered through the Campus Store. Orders can be placed online, by phone (906-487-2410), fax (906-487-2279), or email.Orders placed now through April 11 will be assessed a $10 shipping fee; those placed between April 12 and 25 will be charged a $25 shipping fee. (Please note that orders placed after April 25 cannot be guaranteed to arrive in time for the commencement ceremony and additional shipping fees will apply.) Gown orders require height (in feet and inches) and weight (in pounds) information. Rental price for cap, gown, hood, and tassel is $42.00 (plus tax and shipping), payable upon pick up.

Caps and gowns are available for pick-up at the Campus Store between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. beginning Monday, April 28, through Friday, May 2. They may also be picked up at University Images at the SDC on Saturday, May 3, after 9:00 a.m.

Rental cap, gown, and hood must be returned after the ceremony to a specified location outside the MacInnes Ice Arena. The tassel is yours to keep.

Commencement Tickets may be picked up by presenting photo ID at Tech Express (in the MUB) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. beginning Monday, April 21, through Thursday, May 1. You may receive up to four tickets at that time. Students who are not participating in the commencement ceremony may pick up their tickets and distribute them as they please. There is open seating for the audience.

On Friday, May 2, any extra or unclaimed tickets will be distributed from the SDC Ticket Office on a first-come, first-served basis.

Out-of-Town Degree Candidates arriving in Houghton on Friday, May 2, or Saturday, May 3, should contact the Central Ticket Office at 906-487-2073 between April 21 and May 1 to advise of their late arrival and make special arrangements to claim their tickets.After Thursday, May 1, all unclaimed tickets will be distributed to graduates needing extra tickets.

Commencement Rehearsal will be held on Friday, May 2, at 1:30 p.m. in the SDC Ice Arena. Rehearsal lasts approximately one hour. You do not need to wear your cap and gown. Seating will be determined at the rehearsal.

Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 10:30 a.m. in the MacInnes Ice Arena. Graduates should arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. Family members should be seated in the audience and not with the graduates. The ceremony lasts approximately two hours. The MacInnes Ice Arena is an alcohol-free facility.

Special Needs seating is available for guests on the main floor and will be marked for easy location. Extra seats will be available in this section for accompanying family members. Seats are not reserved within the special-needs area. Space for wheelchairs will be provided in this section; however, we are unable to provide wheelchairs.

Degree candidates needing special seating accommodations should contact the Degree Services Office,
906-487-2395, at their earliest opportunity.

A Signer will be available for the hearing impaired.

Commencement Photo arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to take a photo of each degree candidate as they are congratulated on stage. Proofs and ordering information will be mailed to your home address within 4-6 weeks. Please make certain that your current home address is on file with the Office of Student Records and Registration.

Other Questions? Please contact Nancy Byers Sprague in the Graduate School Office, Room 407 of the Administration Building, 906-487-2755.

Congratulations!