Commencement

No. The graduation celebration is our way of recognizing graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 who are unable to have a commencement ceremony. The day includes a walk through campus for the graduate and their guests, performances by the Huskies Pep Band, and photo opportunities at designated stops along the walking path. In addition, graduates will have the opportunity to sign their class banner. Faculty and staff have been invited to stand along the walking route during specific times based on College. There will be no formal speeches and graduates will not be recognized individually or receive their diploma cover. In June, graduates will receive a Graduation Pack in the mail which will include items typically presented during formal commencement. Please attend the celebration during the time you registered for. You may leave when you're ready to do so.

Commencement is a formal ceremony during which degrees and diplomas are conferred on graduates. At Michigan Tech, commencement also involves speeches and engagement with faculty, staff, University leadership, and distinguished guests. Due to size restrictions affecting gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to hold commencement. The graduation celebration is an informal walk through campus for the graduate and their guests and includes performances by the Huskies Pep Band and photo opportunities along the walking path. Faculty and staff have been invited to stand along the walking route during specific times based on College. In addition, graduates will have the opportunity to sign their class banner. Faculty and staff have been invited to stand along the walking route to add to the festivities. Graduates will receive their diploma and diploma cover in the mail in the months to follow.

The graduation celebration will take place from 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm on Friday, April 30. Graduates will be able to sign up for a specific time frame to attend with their guests. 

Students can fill out the Spring 2021 Celebration Form. Please fill out the form no later than Wednesday, April 7. You will be asked to provide the following information: Name, M number, graduation date, arrival time and the number of guests in your party.

Yes, students may book an appointment to have a professional photo taken in the afternoon on Wednesday, April 28 from 4 pm - 6 pm or Thursday, April 29 from 9 am - 4 pm.  Please complete the online Photo Registration form to book your appointment. Space is limited and we encourage you to secure your appointment early. Photos will be available for purchase through GradImages. GradImages will contact the graduate within a few weeks of the celebration with photo options. Pricing will vary based on the package selected. Students with questions can contact the Customer Service Department at GradImages by calling 1-800-261-2576 or emailing ecc.giservice@ gradimages.net.

Graduates and their families are invited to participate in a graduation walk on the beautiful grounds of Michigan Tech. There will be many photo opportunities along the way, a performance by the Michigan Tech Pep band at the top of each hour and the opportunity to sign the Class of 2020 or the Class of 2021 graduate banner. Several departments will also be stationed around campus to congratulate our students.

We've created an interactive map of the graduation celebration walk. Printed copies of the map will be available at the information tents on the day of the celebration. 

Michigan Tech remains committed to the health and safety of our campus community. All guests and graduates will be required to wear a face covering at all times and groups will be asked to practice social distancing during the event. Please note that all visitors will be required to complete the COVID-19 Visitor Symptom Tracking Form prior to their arrival on campus.

In addition, Public Safety and Police Services, Campus Emergency Medical Services as well as Mercy Ambulance will be present on campus during the graduation celebration. 

Regalia is encouraged, but not required. The deadline to order regalia through Herff Jones was April 8. If you missed the deadline and would like to order regalia, please contact capandgown@mtu.edu. If you placed an order with Herff Jones and have questions regarding your order, contact Michele Nash from Herff Jones at mnash@herffjones.com or 248-667-9018. 

If you are an undergraduate student earning academic honors, you will be able to pick up your honors cords and at the Campus Store Buyback Window beginning Monday, April 26, through Thursday, April 29, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. You will need to present a photo ID. If you have any questions, please contact capandgown@mtu.edu. 

If you are a legacy student (your parent or grandparent also graduated from Michigan Tech), you will be able to pick up your legacy tassel at the Campus Store Buyback Window beginning Monday, April 26, through Thursday, April 29, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. You will need to present a photo ID. If you have any questions, please contact capandgown@mtu.edu.

Graduates may bring up to six guests. 

Out of an abundance of caution, the graduation celebration will take place outdoors (rain or shine) to maintain proper social distancing. Masks will be required at all times. We encourage families to bring umbrellas and dress appropriately. 

Yes, free parking will be available on a first come, first served basis. Watch for signs around campus. Also, all metered parking will be free during the graduation celebration. 

Yes, in lots 10W and 24. Please note, overnight parking will not be allowed.

The North Coast Deli located in the Memorial Union Building, The Library Cafe and the Campus Store will be open during the celebration. They will be open during the following times:

North Coast Grill and Deli: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Library Cafe: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Campus Store: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Memorial Union Building and the Library will have limited capacity indoor seating areas. Guests may also sit outside at one of the many picnic tables on campus.

Please refer to the MTU pet policy for more information.

Visit the Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau website for details and to see if businesses are offering graduation specials. The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, located in Copper Harbor, is offering a special menu for graduation weekend, as well as special offers for graduates and families.

Michigan Tech is committed to providing a healthy, safe and clean campus community. For this reason, the University has gone Tobacco free, Smoke free, and Vapor free. The use of all tobacco products and vapor e-cigarettes is prohibited on all Michigan Tech-owned or leased properties. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are asked to respect the Tobacco and E-cigarette-free Initiative and help us create a healthier campus.