To ensure that Wayne State’s spring/summer and December graduates are appropriately recognized for their achievements, President Noren has reinstated December commencement ceremonies.
The university has not held a December commencement since 2005. In May 2006, Wayne State began hosting a single, larger commencement annually on campus to replace ceremonies that previously had been held twice each year at Cobo Hall.
The return of December commencement is designed to provide a full commencement experience for students who complete their graduation requirements by then, including spring/summer graduates. These students previously would have been required to wait six to nine months for commencement. The return of December commencement includes individual recognition of each student, held over four ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Matthaei Athletic Complex.
These ceremonies will include a tradition begun last May in which PhD and EdD students participated with their school/college instead of in one group as in years past. Each PhD and EdD student is hooded on stage before receiving a diploma. The student may invite his or her adviser to participate in the hooding.
Dates and times for December commencement:
Saturday, Dec. 12
10 a.m.
- School of Library and Information Science
- College of Nursing
- School of Medicine (PhD and master's degree candidates)
- Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- School of Social Work
3 p.m.
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Sunday, Dec. 13
10 a.m.
- College of Education
- College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts
3 p.m.
- School of Business Administration
- College of Engineering
Tickets are required. Graduates may receive four tickets for guests. A photo ID is needed to pick up tickets. Students may get commencement tickets and order regalia at the Grad Expo. The Commencement Office and Alumni Relations invite all graduates to the expo at the Welcome Center and Barnes and Noble bookstore on Nov. 3, 4 and 5, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visit Barnes and Noble for the following:
- Purchase or rent cap and gown
- Order class ring, purchase diploma frame and alumni apparel
- Order announcements
Visit the Welcome Center for the following:
- Pick up commencement tickets
- Speak with Graduate School and financial aid representatives
- Join the Alumni Association and receive a gift with membership
- Renew membership at the Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center
- Take commencement photos. Caps and gowns will be provided
Visit http://www.commencements.wayne.edu for updates and notices, or call the Commencement Office at 577-2414.
