Weather won't stop WMU's commencement ceremonies

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Despite a winter storm warning for Dec. 16-17, Western Michigan University still plans to hold its Saturday, Dec. 17, commencement ceremonies celebrating the graduation of more than 1,700 students.

Unless unforeseen circumstances develop, the ceremonies will be held. WMU snow removal crews will be working throughout the day to keep the roads and parking areas near Miller Auditorium clear for the graduates and their families. Three ceremonies are planned—at 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.—to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have completed degrees at the end of the fall semester.

People traveling to WMU for the event should allow extra time and take winter driving precautions. In the Kalamazoo area, forecasts call for moderate to heavy snowfall with steadily rising temperatures beginning Friday afternoon and extending into the overnight hours. On Saturday, snow showers are expected to mix with freezing rain and sleet during the day, especially south of I-94. Total snow accumulation from Friday afternoon through late Saturday is expected to be in the 5-to-10-inch range.

All of the fall ceremonies will be broadcast live on Channel 5 of EduCABLE, the University's cable television system, and throughout the Kalamazoo area on Public Media Network Channel 191, a local public access channel on the Charter Communications commercial cable television system.

For those not able to make the ceremonies, a live webcast of the ceremonies also will be available online the day of graduation. More than 1,000 connections or "seats" are available for viewing. A link to the viewing site can be found at wmich.edu/commencement. Later in the day, recordings of each ceremony will be available for viewing at the same site. Those who choose that tool for watching a ceremony are encouraged to check their connection early and view a sample recording that will be posted on the site until livestreaming begins.

For complete information on Saturday's fall commencement ceremonies, visit wmich.edu/news/2016/12/36754.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.