Commencement Information

There will not be a rehearsal for this ceremony. 

3:00 p.m.

• Malcolm Field Theatre (Curtiss Hall) doors open [ Campus Map (342kB) ]
• Graduates arrive at Curtiss Hall.  Please go immediately to Curtiss 182 for instructions and line up for the processional.

3:00-3:55 p.m.
Family and friends may be seated

4:00 p.m.
Processional

5:00 p.m.
Recessional

SVSU official colors are Cardinal Red and Royal Blue. White is used as a highlight color.

• Iron and hang your gown to eliminate wrinkles.
• The mortarboard is to be parallel with the floor. 
• Graduate Level tassels are to be worn on the left side of the mortarboard (cap).
• Wear black shoes to match the gown.
• Women, if you wear skirts they must not hang below the gown.
• Corsages and/or jewelry are not to be worn on gowns.

Graduates are allowed four (4) guests to attend.  Tickets are required and will be available throughout regalia pickup at the SVSU Bookstore.  There are no reserved seats.  Members of the audience should arrive early for the best seating locations.  Seating should be completed before the processional begins.

The University requests that all attendees at the Commencement Ceremony observe common courtesy and safety standards and refrain from using artificial noisemakers (such as air horns) and laser pointers, or other devices which could cause physical damage to persons in attendance.

Special Seating: 
Chairs or wheelchair space may be reserved for individuals with disabilities. To reserve special seating for guests, contact the Office of Disability Services at minimum two weeks prior to commencement at (989) 964-7000 or stop by 112 Curtiss Hall.

Graduates: 
Graduates with special needs should contact The Office of Disability Services (989) 964-4168 no later than two weeks prior to commencement

A professional photographer will take portraits as each graduate crosses the stage.  For more information on ordering prints, go to  http://gradimages.com.  You will be under no obligation.  

Please advise your guests that pictures may be taken while remaining in their seats.

Diploma covers will be distributed as part of the ceremony. Graduates will be notified when their diplomas are available following grade processing, graduation verification and diploma printing. Students who do not attend Commencement will receive their diploma covers with their diplomas.