Review these next steps and prepare for Commencement.
Step 1 [Complete this step by 4:30pm Friday, March 15]
- Mid's Registration & Records team completes an audit early each year to identify potential graduates. Students who are identified as potential graduates receive a notification in their Mid Mich Email. Degree(s), certificate(s), or training credential(s) are awarded unless a student declines to receive their credential. Instructions for declining are included in the email notification.
- If you think you're eligible for graduation this semester and have not received communications from the College by February 6, email graduation@midmich.edu.
Step 2 [April 1 - May 3]
Prepare for Commencement at Mid's Bookstore to purchase your Cap & Gown, claim your Commencement Ceremony tickets, and more.
- Ceremony Accommodations | If you require special accommodations at the commencement ceremony, email graduation@midmich.edu.
- Graduates can purchase their cap and gown with tassel, claim their Commencement Ceremony tickets, and purchase other graduation-related items at Mid's Grad Fairs, on Tuesday, April 2 and Wednesday, April 3, in the Mt. Pleasant Campus Bookstore.
- All of the items mentioned above are available April 2 through May 3 in both the Mt. Pleasant and Harrison Campus Bookstores.
- Graduates must purchase a Cap & Gown to claim their tickets for Commencement, and tickets are limited to 4 per graduate.
- If you are walking in Commencement, your cap and gown must be royal blue. This is especially important to note if you are not purchasing your Cap & Gown from the Bookstore.
- PTK members can purchase PTK Honors Stoles and Cords. For more information, contact Tammy Alvaro at (989) 386-6634 or talvaro@midmich.edu.
- Silver Special Recognition Cords are distributed at Honors Convocation. View Honors Convocation details.
- The following items are provided to qualifying graduates at no cost and can be claimed at either of Mid's Bookstores.
- Gold Cords: A single gold cord signifies graduating with Honors and is presented to students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.500-3.899, based on the previous fall semester. A double gold cord signifies graduating with High Honors and is presented to students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.900-4.0, based on the previous fall semester.
- Red, White, & Blue Cords: Signify graduates who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Step 3 [Celebrate 11am Saturday, May 4]
- Join us at Clare High School to celebrate your achievements! Don't forget to use the hashtag #midmichgrad2024 when posting to social media.
- Mid provides each graduate with four commencement tickets (see the process to claim your tickets above). Tickets are limited to ensure safe, comfortable seating for all guests. Guests must have a ticket to be seated at commencement. Children under 3 years old who can sit in laps do not need tickets. Students are encouraged to share unused tickets with other graduates. Tickets are NOT replaceable if lost.
- Additional Commencement Tickets may be available to eligible graduates. Details will be available the week before Commencement.
- Commencement Ceremony Procedure & Reminders
- Upon arrival at Clare High School, graduates need to report immediately to the check-in table outside the gym. Report no later than an hour before the ceremony. You will receive a card with your name and degree that Mid representatives will use to read your name as you cross the commencement stage (this is the only way they will know your name!). Students with unusual name spelling or difficult-to-pronounce names should write the correct pronunciation on the card before lining up.
- Line up in the hallway with whom you wish to sit and walk with. There is no required order based on degree. The College does ask that particular Health Science Program graduates line up together—look for signage indicating those programs that should do so. Processional begins five minutes before the 11am ceremony, so plan accordingly!
- Pay attention to the faculty marshals for directions on where to sit, when to stand, and where to walk.
- You are released row by row when it’s time to cross the commencement stage. Do not stand as a whole group.
- Your name is announced when you cross the stage. You are handed a symbolic diploma and congratulated by members of the Board of Trustees.
- Then proceed to the stage ramp to have your picture taken by a professional photographer. Look for the photographer and follow their instructions. Then sit back down in the first open chair in the row you left, which is a different seat than the one that you had originally.
- Bring Only Yourself - Not Your Belongings. Leave personal items in your vehicle or with a guest. You will not want to walk with them during commencement, and you are not seated in the same seat before and after crossing the stage, which makes it difficult to have items stored under your chair during the ceremony.
- Young Children The ceremony is over an hour in length, which makes it difficult for young children to enjoy. Online streaming of the ceremony is available through the College's website and Mid's YouTube Channel as an alternative to attending in person. There is a designated area of floor seating reserved for families with young children to provide easier access to exits, should it become necessary for a caregiver to step out.
- Graduate Photos Mid provides a professional photographer who takes photos of every graduate.
- Scan the QR Code to provide the photographer with your contact information and photo. This will help the photographer send you the correct photos.
- Follow the photographer's instructions after you've crossed the commencement stage.
- Within 72 hours you'll be able to see and order photos via an emailed link or at graduationfoto.com. Simply click on "View Your Proof & Order" and enter Mid Michigan College as the Event Name.
- Diplomas You receive a symbolic diploma during commencement. Your actual diploma will be mailed to you over the summer.