Western to confer 2,400 degrees during virtual commencement ceremonies May 1

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University will grant more than 2,400 degrees to students during virtual commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 1. On that date, visit the commencement website for a link to watch programs throughout the day for the University's seven colleges and WMUx. There will be 1,840 degrees awarded at the bachelor's level, nearly 560 at the master's level, two specialist degrees and 32 at the doctoral level.

All programs will be shown in Eastern Standard Time:

• 2 p.m.—College of Education and Human Development, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, College of Fine Arts, College of Health and Human Services

• 4 p.m.—College of Arts and Sciences, WMUx, Haworth College of Business, College of Aviation

Ceremonies will open with the alma mater sung by the University's chapter of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia professional music fraternity, conducted by Braiden McEachern.

In addition to conferring of degrees and a presentation of graduates, President Edward Montgomery and Dr. Jennifer Bott, provost and vice president for academic affairs, will speak. There will be vignettes on graduate success, insight from college deans and a tribute to graduates by staff and family.

WMU conducts formal graduation exercises after the fall and spring semesters and the summer I session, although students also may graduate after the summer II session. Ceremonies for spring commencement will be virtual to accommodate safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Direct questions to the Registrar's Office at (269) 387-4300.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online