Commencement

Do I need a ticket to participate?

Yes. Graduates must present a printed student admission ticket to enter and participate in the ceremony.

Do all guests need tickets to attend?

Yes. All guests, including children of any age, must have a ticket to enter Miller Auditorium for the ceremony.

How many tickets can I reserve for guests?

Students may reserve up to four guest tickets for the ceremony in Miller Auditorium. Doctoral students are able to reserve up to ten guest tickets.

What can I do if I need more guest tickets?

Unfortunately, additional guest tickets are not available. However, we do encourage you to connect with other participating students - if they do not plan to use all of their tickets, they can share them with you.

How do students reserve tickets?

Students approved to participate in the commencement ceremony will receive emails sent to their WMU email account with important ceremony details. When ticket reservations open, students will receive instructions on how to access the ticketing system and reserve their tickets.

How do guests get their tickets?

Once the student has reserved their student admission ticket and guest tickets they will be able to download them directly from the ticketing system or have them delivered via email. Students are responsible for sharing guest tickets with their attendees. 

Is seating reserved?

No. All seating is general admission.

What if guests don't have tickets?

Overflow seating is available in Brown Hall with a livestream viewing experience.

Can the ceremony be viewed online?

Yes. A livestream link will be available on this webpage before commencement day.

Is regalia required?

Yes. A cap and gown are required to participate.

Where can I purchase regalia?

Regalia may be ordered online to be delivered to you directly or to the bookstore for pickup. Be sure to review the website carefully to understand delivery timelines for both pickup and shipping.

Are there any additional items for graduate students?

Graduate students will receive a color coded hood indicating their field of study. 

What are alumni spirit cords?

Graduates have the opportunity to receive alumni spirit cords by making a gift of $20 or more. Donors will need to pick up these cords at Heritage Hall prior to the ceremony.

How do I get honor cords?

Honors recognition only applies to undergraduate students. Students that have met the honors requirements should pick up their honor cords from the bookstore prior to the ceremony.

Can I purchase a class ring?

Yes. Graduates can purchase an official class ring online.

Where can I park?

Free parking will be available in all areas adjacent to Miller Auditorium. Maps are available online if you need help navigating campus.

When do I need to arrive by?

Graduates are required to participate with their respective colleges and must arrive 45 minutes before their ceremony time. 

Where do I need to go when I arrive?

Report to Shaw Theatre. It is located in the Gilmore Theatre Complex next to Miller Auditorium. Graduates will assemble in Shaw Theatre but the ceremony will take place in Miller Auditorium. 

What items are prohibited?

• Graduates may not bring personal items to Miller Auditorium during commencement. Items may be left in Shaw Theatre and WMU Public Safety will watch over them during the ceremony.
• Guests may not bring bags or purses larger than 4.5" x 6.5". Anything larger may be subject to search or requested that it be returned to the vehicle. Backpacks of any kind are strictly prohibited.

Who should I contact for accessibility requests?

• Students with accessibility needs should call (269) 387-4300 or email @email prior the the ceremony to make arrangements.
• Guests with accessibility needs (seating accommodations, sign language interpretation, etc.) should call Miller Auditorium directly at (269) 387-2310 prior to the ceremony to make arrangements.

Can I get a printed commencement program?

Printed programs are not available. A digital program will be available prior to the ceremony on the commencement webpage.

How long will the ceremony last?

The ceremony lasts approximately two hours.

Can I leave after I walk across the stage?

We ask that graduates and guests do not leave before the ceremony concludes.