Information for Graduates & Guests

What is the date of Commencement?

Friday, May 9, 2008

What is the location of Commencement?

Hill Auditorium
825 North University
Ann Arbor, MI

What is the time schedule for Commencement?

2:00 p.m. Graduates and Faculty arrive at the East entrance to Hill for robing and lining up for the processional. East entrance of Hill open for physically challenged guests to enter.

2:15 p.m. Doors to Hill open to the public

2:55 p.m. All guests to be seated

3:00 p.m. Processional begins with ceremony following

4:30 – 5:00 p.m. APPROXIMATE end time of ceremony

Dean’s Reception immediately following ceremony

How many guests may each graduate have and are tickets required for this event?

There is unlimited seating for guests. Tickets ARE NOT required. Seating is on a first come-first serve basis.

I have a physically challenged guest, what do I do?

If someone in your party is in need of special accommodations, please contact Paula in the Office of Student Program before Friday, May 2nd to make arrangements (734-763-7981 or paumeyer@umich.edu).

Hearing Impaired guest?

An American sign language interpreter will be present on stage for the duration of our ceremony.

What is the attire for graduates?

All graduates must wear medical school academic attire. This is ordered by the student through The Willsie Cap & Gown Company. You may order online at www.willsieco.com by clicking on the University of Michigan Logo. Deadline for ordering is March 28, 2008.

Contact person at Willsie is: Andy Gillespie (gownman@aol.com)
Phone: 517-203-2770 or 888-678-4723

When and Where is Commencement attire picked up by the graduates?

Graduates pick up their cap and gown orders at the Office of Student Programs – C5124 Medical Science Building I (734-764-0219).
Hours of Cap and Gown Pick Up:
Wednesday, May 7th: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 8th: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Can someone else pick up my attire?

If you would like someone else to pick up your gown for you, please send a note with this person confirming that they may pick up your attire.

Where do I return my cap and gown after Commencement?

Cap and gowns are to be turned in at Hill after the graduation ceremony. Andy Gillespie from the Willsie Cap and Gown Company will be there to collect your attire.

If graduate is receiving an honor cord to wear at Commencement, where and when can those be picked up?

Honor cords are picked up at Hill Auditorium when the graduate arrives to robe and line up for the processional on Friday, May 9th.

When does graduate need to arrive at Hill and where do they need to go?

All graduates must arrive at Hill Auditorium by 2:00 p.m. on May 9th. Please use the East entrance of Hill and go up one flight (look for signs telling you where to go). Graduates will pick up a card for photographer, name pronunciation card and honor cords, robe, and line up alphabetically for the processional.

Is there a rehearsal for Commencement?

There will NOT be any rehearsal for this ceremony. Instructions for the processional, etc. will be given to the graduates when they arrive at Hill for the Commencement Ceremony on May 9th.

Will there be a photographer?

Photographs of all graduates will be taken by Graduation Foto when they cross the stage to receive their diploma. A photo card will be given to the graduate when they arrive at Hill on May 9th. This will need to be filled out and handed in so that Graduation Foto can send/email graduates their proofs for ordering. Graduate is not obligated to purchase any of these photos.

Will the Medical School Ceremony be videotaped?

This year the Medical School Commencement Ceremony will be professionally recorded and made into a DVD for you to purchase. Information about this DVD can be found by going to www.WCardoneProductions.com/

Once at the site, click on the "Retail Store" hyperlink at the top of the page. You will see the link to lead you to information about this Medical School DVD as well as information on how to place your order. Cards for ordering will also be available at the Commencement Ceremony on May 9th at Hill Auditorium. They will have a table at the Dean's reception after commencement where you can also place orders.

W. Cardone Productions is an independent videographer and is not affiliated with nor endorsed by the University of Michigan.

Who is the Commencement Speaker?

This year we are pleased to have as our guest speaker Dr. Atul Gawande.

What/When/Where is the Deans Reception and are tickets required?

The Dean’s Reception is an informal reception honoring the 2008 graduates of the Medical School. It will take place immediately following the Commencement Ceremony, outside of Hill under the tents. All graduates, their guests and faculty are invited. No RSVP nor tickets are required.

What about parking?

The parking structures on Palmer, Thayer and Fletcher will be open to park for free after 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9th and will remain open through the evening (Parking Structure Map). Handicap parking is available in all of these structures. If you are parking on the street, you must pay the parking meters as that is enforced by the city of Ann Arbor.

What should I do if I do not plan on participating in Commencement?

We will need to know if you will not be participating in Commencement. By going to the site below and filling out and submitting the online form, you will provide us with the information we will need to get you your diploma following Commencement.

http://www.med.umich.edu/medschool/osp/diploma.htm

What other events are happening during Commencement Week?

On Thursday, May 8th, the Medical Center Alumni Society (MCAS) will be hosting a luncheon for 2008 Medical School Graduates and their guests (3 guests per student). Invitations for luncheon will be sent out by MCAS in March. An RSVP will be required.

Place: Michigan Union, 530 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI
Reception: 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon: 12:00 p.m.
MCAS Contact: Dawn Bednarski (734-998-7622 or dbedski@umich.edu)