2024 Ford School Commencement
Date & time
How to attend
The Ford School is proud to celebrate the achievements of the graduating classes of 2024!
Graduation events
University of Michigan Spring Commencement
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Ford School Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 5, 2024
4:00 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.
Wristbands are required for entry
This event is for members of the Ford School community and invited guests. All graduates, staff, faculty, and guests will need to present wristbands in order to enter Hill Auditorium for the ceremony.
Graduating students and Ford community members have been provided a form to register their guests, and will be expected to pick up the wristbands to distribute to their guests ahead of the ceremony.
Prohibited items
Please note that we will use the Michigan Stadium list of prohibited items, which includes purses, umbrellas, containers, video cameras, and more. Guests will be refused entry if they are in possession of any of the items listed, or will have to leave items unguarded on the steps of Hill Auditorium. Please be sure to read the list carefully and leave any prohibited items in your car or at home.
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 Michigan, Barnes and Noble @ North Campus, The 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.
Frequently asked questions
For the latest FAQ updates, visit our Google Doc.
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, May 5, 2024. 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]