Ceremony Details

All graduates registered for the School of Public Health Graduation Ceremony should have received their tickets last week via email from the Michigan Union Ticket Office. Tickets are required for both graduates and their guests to enter Hill Auditorium.

University structures will be open and free during graduation weekend. There are several university lots around Hill Auditorium and Ingalls Mall. City lots and meters are also available but require payment. For a complete listing of all city and campus parking please visit:

Campus Parking | City Parking

• Doors open at 10:00 a.m. for all graduates and guests.
• Everyone entering the venue will walk through a weapons detection system. This system is the same used at Athletics Campus venues (Michigan Stadium, Crisler Center) as well as other University venues. The Division of Public Safety and Security will manage the system.
• University venues will be following the Michigan Stadium protocols around prohibited items, which includes no bags or purses in the venue. Graduates in particular are encouraged to bring nothing with them as there is no option to store anything at the venue. View the list.
• Once in Hill Auditorium, graduates should proceed to the lower lobby to check in. Guests should proceed to seats on either the main floor, mezzanine or balcony.
• Doors open at 10:00 a.m. for all graduates and guests. The ceremony is expected to end at 1:00 p.m.

Graduates and guests with mobility limitations are encouraged to use the West Entrance to Hill Auditorium off of Thayer Street. Once inside, ushers will be available to assist in locating wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms for guests. Please email sph.events@umich.edu if you have any questions regarding your needs. A sign language interpreter will be present. Closed captioning will be provided

• Graduates will sit on the main floor of Hill Auditorium by degree. If you would like to sit with classmates with the same degree, please gather in the Graduate Check-in area prior to taking seats.
• ADA seating is located primarily on the main floor. Guests can receive assistance from ushers to access these seating areas.
• Guests are encouraged to use the mezzanine and balcony. With graduates using the majority of the main floor, there is limited availability.

Commencement is a joyous occasion that frequently experiences disruptions through cheering, whistling, and other means of celebration. Sometimes, major events draw other forms of disruption for which the University asks that we remain prepared.

With this in mind, we'd like to make guests aware in advance that our venue will have a security presence on-site. Staffed by the University of Michigan's Division of Public Safety & Security, the event security will be focused on maintaining a safe day for our graduates and attendees. You may see this personnel inside and outside of the building during the ceremony.

We understand that for many families, a presence like this may cause some unease and hope you are able to prepare accordingly. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all guests.

The company Graduation Foto will be taking professional photographs at the graduation ceremony. All graduates will receive a complimentary proof of the photo(s) taken, and can order photos through their website.

Guests should not leave their seats to take photos of graduates on stage.

All graduates, their family, and their friends are invited to attend the School of Public Health Graduation Reception immediately following the ceremony on Ingalls Mall.

This area is directly east of Hill Auditorium.

Light refreshments will be served.