2023 Ford School Commencement | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Type: School event

2023 Ford School Commencement

Date & time

Apr 30, 2023, 3:30-5:30 pm EDT

The Ford School is proud to celebrate the achievements of the graduating classes of 2023! 

The Ford School Commencement Ceremony will be held this year at Hill Auditorium, and there will be a captioned livestream for guests viewing remotely.

Graduation events

University of Michigan Spring Commencement
Saturday, April 29, 2023
10:00 AM
Michigan Stadium

Ford School Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, April 30, 2023
3:30 PM
Hill Auditorium

A reception will immediately follow the Ford School Commencement Ceremony on the front plaza of Hill Auditorium for graduates and their guests. Light refreshments will be served. 

View all graduation events

Ticketing

Tickets will not be required. However, graduates still need to RSVP.  Student and Academic Services will send RSVP forms to students in February.

Information for graduating students

Eligibility

In accordance with Rackham rules, students who graduate during the academic year (i.e., the previous December, in April/May, or the following August) will be eligible to participate in the Ford School's Commencement ceremony and walk across the stage. This includes Ford School students receiving BA, MPP, MPA, or PhD degrees. Barring a request for an exception, these are the only students who will be eligible to participate in the ceremony. Please contact Jordan Long, [email protected], if you would like to request an exception.

Academic attire

Academic attire is required for the Commencement ceremony. All students are responsible for purchasing a gown, cap, and tassel. Masters and PhD students are also responsible for purchasing an academic hood. The color of the hood for public policy is teal. These items are available at the following stores: Barnes and Noble @ University of MichiganBarnes and Noble @ North CampusThe M Den, and Michiganensian Yearbook beginning mid-March.

The Ford School has some academic attire for loan on a first-come, first-served basis, which will be available starting in April. You will be required to sign each item out with the understanding that you'll return the borrowed items after Commencement. The gowns, hats, and hoods will be available for pick-up from the Office of Student & Academic Services during business hours.

Information for Ford School Commencement guests

Accommodations

Accommodations in and around Ann Arbor for commencement weekend require reservations well in advance. For a list of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in the Ann Arbor vicinity, please visit: https://www.annarbor.org/hotels/

Parking

Parking is at a premium around campus and especially during commencement weekend. Please allow ample time to find parking. All U-M parking lots and structures will be open to the public on Sunday, April 30. The closest lot is on Thayer, and other nearby lots are shown on this map: https://ltp.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/central_south.pdf

Important U-M contact information

University Commencement: (734) 647-7900
Campus Information Center: (734) 764-4636

Ford School contact information

Ford School events: [email protected]
Jordan Long, Academic Advisor: [email protected]