Commencement Information
Michigan Technological University
May 3, 2008

Congratulations prospective Spring 2008 graduate! Commencement is rapidly approaching! In order to be eligible to participate in the ceremony and to be listed in the program you must:

  • Be registered in the classes that will complete all of your outstanding degree requirements.
  • Have an Application for Graduation and an approved Degree Audit on file in the Degree Services Office by Friday, March 28, 2008. After March 28, late additions and listing in the commencement program cannot be guaranteed.

Caps and Gowns 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. The purchase price for cap, gown, and tassel is $29.00 (plus tax and shipping). The gown is the property of the graduate. Rental garb is not available. Extra tassels can be purchased (without ordering) for $4.50 each. ROTC graduates are dressed in uniform and do not wear academic garb.

Honor Cords represent outstanding academic achievement and are provided by the University. The Campus Store will have a list of those who qualify for honor cords. Honor cord designations are based on overall GPA accumulated prior to the graduating semester and are determined by the Office of Student Records and Registration: Summa Cum Laude (3.90 and above) designated by a gold cord, Magna Cum Laude (3.70-3.89) designated by a silver cord, and Cum Laude (3.50-3.69) designated by a copper cord.

Honor cords and pre-ordered 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.

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. Your seating assignment will be available through the commencement website one week prior to rehearsal. Graduating ROTC Commissionees will receive special seating instructions; they will march, sit together, and receive recognition from their commanding officer.

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 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 present throughout the ceremony to assist 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 Lisa Wallace in the Degree Services Office, Room 117 of the Administration Building, 906-487-2395.

Congratulations!