Congratulations Huskies! You are one step closer to graduating. Please take the time to follow these steps to make sure your commencement day is a success.
Pay attention to dates and deadlines
Please pay attention to important dates and deadlines sent to your University email regarding graduation eligibility and important dates for participation in the upcoming commencement ceremony.
Submit required forms for your degree
- Review your Student Checklist regularly for items that are needed.
- Review your Degree Completion Timeline to see a complete list of items required and received for your degree(s).
- Ensure that your signed Degree Schedule has been submitted for all degrees and certificates that you’re completing.
Submit the Graduation Application
Current graduate (master's and PhD) students must submit a Graduation Applicationby 4:00 p.m. on the Friday of week 5.
Update your contact information
Please be sure to update your contact information in BanWeb to the most accurate phone number(s) and address(es).
Complete the First Destination Survey
This survey is to be completed once you have plans for after graduation, whether it is going to graduate school, entering into military service, joining the Peace Corps, or taking a job after graduation. It is important because this is how Michigan Tech determines your placement rate upon graduation. The survey is located on Handshake.
Complete your loan exit counseling for financial aid
Some loan programs require that you complete exit counseling. You will receive an email notification if you are required to complete this. If you have questions, contact the Student Financial Services Center at 906-487-2622.
Order your commencement regalia
All participants must wear a cap and gown for the commencement ceremony. Ordering your regalia before the deadline is important.
Order your guest tickets
Seating at every ceremony is limited. Tickets must be ordered for all visitors.
Participate in rehearsal
Rehearsal times will be communicated to participants for all commencement ceremonies. The rehearsal will help you find where you are sitting and give you the opportunity to share that information with your guests attending.
What do I bring to Commencement?
- Cap, Gown, Hood (masters’ candidates only; PhD candidates will receive their hood on stage), Tassel
- Comfortable shoes for walking are highly recommended
Arrive 1 hour before the ceremony begins
Arrive one hour before your ceremony begins to ensure ample timefor parking and to check-in at the Multipurpose room.
At the Ceremony
Collect your card and locate line-up area
- You will be given a card with your name and degree. Please note: you may have up to 3 cards, they will be ordered from 1-3, please keep them in this order.
Find your program/line-up
You will line up with the other students in your program (by degree and by department offering the degree). Look for the sign for your group when you arrive.
- Get familiar with your place in line. Know who is in front of you and who is behind you.
- You will keep this card and should be prepared to hand the card to the name reader as you approach the ramp of the stage.
Please remember
- Do not change places after the processional begins.
- Be in line when the processional begins (when the line is ready to move). Once the music begins, you cannot rejoin the line.
Your walk across the stage
- Before your degree level is recognized, you will be told to stand and proceed in line to the stage. Your marshal will lead you to the stage.
- When the person in front of you begins to walk across the stage and after their name
is called, move to the tape at the middle of the ramp and remain there until your
name is called.
- PhD Candidates will receive your hood on stage from your advisor and college dean.
- Master’s candidates will be recognized by name as you walk across the stage.
- Immediately after exiting the stage you will have the opportunity to have your picture taken. Then return to your seat. Please do not leave the floor before the ceremony is complete.
Recessional
There will be a formal recessional. Wait for the official dismissal and then follow the person in front of you.
How will I get my diploma?
Your diploma will not be handed out during the commencement. Make sure your contact information is up to date so you can receive your diploma after graduation. If you think there is a problem with your diploma's delivery status, please contact gradschool@mtu.edu.