UM-Flint Prepares for Historic Commencement

A record number of nearly 660 UM-Flint graduates are expected to participate in the Sunday, May 1, 2011 commencement. To accommodate the large number of graduates, the University of Michigan-Flint will, for the first time, hold two commencement ceremonies on that day at the Perani Arena and Event Center.

Enrollment growth at UM-Flint has resulted in a review of the commencement ceremonies that are held in December and May each year. Due to the increase in graduates, tickets are issued for family and friends to attend the ceremonies. As the number of graduates has increased, it has been necessary to reduce the number of graduation tickets available. Many students have expressed concern regarding the reduced number of tickets.

After broad consultation with administration, faculty, staff, and students, it was decided that the university will hold two commencement ceremonies each spring, beginning with the upcoming ceremonies on May 1.  UM-Flint will continue to hold one ceremony in December.  By holding two ceremonies in May, students will be allowed a larger number of tickets for their guests.  In May, each graduate will receive 10 tickets for their scheduled ceremony.

Any student, faculty or staff member who is not participating in the commencement ceremony but would like to attend, can request a ticket from UREL Executive Director Jennifer Hogan at [email protected] .

Undergraduate and Graduate Students who have earned degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences  and Graduate Students from the Rackham School of Graduate Studies will have their ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on May 1.  Undergraduate and Graduate Students who have earned degrees from the School of Management, the School of Health Professions and Studies, and the School of Education and Human Services will have their ceremony at 4:00 p.m.