Western to confer more than 1,400 degrees during in-person, virtual commencement ceremonies
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University will grant 1,064 degrees at the bachelor's level, 281 at the master's level and 69 at the doctoral level as well as one specialist degree to students during in-person and virtual commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 18.
Graduates will participate in one of three programs beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) at Miller Auditorium.
- 9 a.m.—College of Arts and Sciences, College of Aviation and Merze Tate College
- Noon—Haworth College of Business and College of Health and Human Services
- 3 p.m.—College of Education and Human Development, College of Fine Arts and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Those who choose not to attend the ceremonies in person can participate by viewing a link on the commencement website.
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 the conferring of degrees and presentation of graduates, President Edward Montgomery and Provost Jennifer Bott will speak. There will be vignettes on graduate success and a tribute to graduates by staff and family.
In consultation with the local health department, graduates and guests will be required to wear face masks during the ceremony. Graduates may remove their masks for their onstage photo. Graduates must show their badge before entering Shaw Theatre.
All guests, including family members and children regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter Miller Auditorium. Seating in the auditorium is limited; all seats are general admission. Guests without tickets may view the ceremony livestream or view the ceremony on a large screen in Brown Hall. More information is available on the commencement website.
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.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.