Requirements for Commencement -- Cap, Gown, and Honor Cord -- Ceremony and Tickets
Special Needs -- Commencement Photos -- Questions

Commencement Information
Michigan Technological University
December 12, 2009

Requirements for Commencement

Congratulations prospective graduate! Commencement is rapidly approaching! In order to be eligible to participate in the ceremony and to be listed in the program you must:

  • Be registered in the classes that will complete all of your outstanding degree requirements.
  • Have an Application for Graduation and an approved Degree Audit on file in the Degree Services Office by Friday, November 6, 2009. After November 6, late additions and listing in the commencement program cannot be guaranteed.
  • Once your Application for Graduation and Degree Audit are both on file with Degree Services, your name will be added to the list of AS and BS Degrees through weekly updates.

Cap, Gown, and Honor Cord

Caps and Gowns must be ordered through the Campus Bookstore. Orders may be placed online, phone (906-487-2410), fax (906-487-2279), or email (capandgown@mtu.edu). (Orders placed after October 23 will incur shipping fees.) Gown orders require height (in feet and inches) and weight (in pounds) information. The purchase price for cap, gown, and tassel is $30 (plus tax and shipping). The gown is the property of the graduate. Rental garb is not available. Extra tassels may be purchased (without ordering) for $5.50 each. ROTC graduates are dressed in uniform and do not wear academic garb.

International Graduates or Graduates who have studied or volunteered abroad: Indicate your global status by wearing an international graduation sash. Sashes depict your country's flag and are designed to add distinction to your graduation attire. Sashes cost $30.95 and can be ordered directly through http://visionwear.com/intersash.html.

Honor Cords represent outstanding academic achievement and are provided by the University. The Campus Bookstore will have a list of those who qualify for honor cords. Honor cord designations are based on overall GPA accumulated prior to the graduating semester and are determined by the Registrar's Office: Summa Cum Laude (3.90 and above) designated by a gold cord, Magna Cum Laude (3.70-3.89) designated by a silver cord, and Cum Laude (3.50-3.69) designated by a copper cord.

Honor cords, caps and gowns are available for pick-up at the Campus Store between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. beginning Monday, December 7, through Friday, December 11. They may also be picked up at University Images at the SDC on Saturday, December 12, after 9:00 a.m.

Ceremony and Tickets

Commencement Tickets may be obtained by presenting photo ID at Tech Express (in the MUB) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. beginning Monday, November 30, through Friday, December 11. You may receive up to five (5) tickets at that time. Students who are not participating in the commencement ceremony may pick up their tickets and distribute them as they please. There is open seating for the audience.

On Friday, December 11, any extra or unclaimed tickets will be distributed from the SDC Central Ticket Office on a first-come, first-served basis.

Graduating ROTC Commissionees will receive special seating instructions; they will march and sit together, and will receive recognition from their commanding officer.

Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 12, at 10:30 a.m. in the SDC Wood Gym. Graduates should arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. Family members should be seated in the audience and not with the graduates. The ceremony lasts approximately two hours. The SDC Wood Gym is an alcohol-free facility.

Special Needs

Special Needs seating is available for guests. Should special seating accommodations be required, please contact Vicky Roy in the Registrar's Office, 906-487-2319 or vlroy@mtu.edu by Friday, December 4. Space for wheelchairs will be provided in this section; however, Michigan Tech is unable to provide wheelchairs.

A Signer will be present throughout the ceremony to assist the hearing impaired.

Commencement Photos

Commencement Photo arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to take a photo of each degree candidate as he/she is congratulated on stage. Proofs and ordering information will be mailed to your home address within 4-6 weeks. Please make certain that your current home address is on file with the Registrar's Office.

Questions?

Other Questions? Please contact Vicky Roy in the Registrar's Office, Room 110 of the Administration Building, 906-487-2319 or e-mail vlroy@mtu.edu.

Congratulations!