Spring 2009 Graduation Information for School of Social Work

May 2009 Degree Candidates & August 2009 Degree Candidates, who opt to participate in the Spring commencement activities rather than the Summer (August 1) commencement.

GRADUATION APPLICATION/APPLY FOR GRADUATION: If you havent already completed your graduation application via Wolverine Access, you should do so immediately by logging into Wolverine Access - click on Student Business and then click on "Apply for Graduation" and follow the instructions.

SSW SPRING COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY:

Date: SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2009

Time: 1:00 P.M.

Place: POWER CENTER (corner of Huron Street and Fletcher)

There is no rehearsal. It is important for graduates to arrive at the Power Center between 12 noon and 12:15 p.m.; so you can receive instructions and get assembled, etc. You should go to the Rehearsal Hall, which is past the reception counter, to the right and up the stairs when you enter the Power Center. This is where you will gather to robe, complete a name card for the announcement of your name as well as one for the photographers use, get instructions on where to go for the group photo and to assemble in alphabetical order for the procession. No tickets are required for the SSW ceremony.

 NOTE: The entrance doors to the Power Center will not be open until 12:00 noon and seating for guests will begin between 12:15 p.m.  12:20 p.m. There is guest seating in the balcony as well as on the main floor. Approximate length of program/ceremony: 1 hr. 15 minutes. Graduates should not wear their Masters hood. You will carry the hood over your left arm. As part of the ceremony, you will be "hooded" (the Masters hood placed over your head). Your tassel should be on the right. The "Marshals" will give you further instructions and assemble you for the procession. You should plan to leave any valuables with family and/or friends prior to the ceremony.

Please inform family and friends to remain seated in the auditorium until after the recessional and the platform party, faculty and all of the graduates have exited the auditorium. You should plan to have your family and friends meet you at a designated area in the main lobby, after the ceremony, away from the doors to the auditorium to allow guests to exit the auditorium in a timely manner.

SSW RECEPTION: Immediately following in the lobby of the Power Center. Light refreshments will be provided.

UNIVERSITY SPRING COMMENCEMENT:

Saturday, May 2 10:00 a.m.

Location: Michigan Stadium

The University Spring Commencement is a University-wide ceremony for all graduates, focusing on undergraduates. The Universitys honorary degrees and undergraduate degrees are conferred at this program. The graduate procession will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the program will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at approximately 11:00 a.m. We encourage MSW graduates to attend. However, note that tickets are required. Visit the Graduates Guide to Commencement web site for further information and updates: http://www.umich.edu/~gradinfo/

GRADUATION ATTIRE: All degree candidates who participate in Commencement must wear academic attire. Academic attire will be available for purchase at all three local bookstores beginning in mid-March.

Michigan Book & Supply

317 South State Street

(734) 665-4990

Michigan Union Bookstore

530 South State Street

 (734) 995-8877

Ulrich's Bookstore

 549 East University

(734) 662-3201

Graduation attire consists of a Masters gown, Masters hood, cap & tassel at a cost of approximately $75 for the complete set. Items may also be purchased separately. The Masters gowns have a different sleeve style than the bachelors gown. The hood is an academic cowl worn by master and doctoral graduates. The colors of the hood & tassel differ based on the particular college/school within the University. Be sure to ask for the "Social Work" hood and tassel. The color of the SW tassel is "citron."

The Office of Student Services, Room 1748 SSWB, has a limited number of caps, gowns & hoods that have been donated by previous graduates for students to borrow. Beginning Monday, March 30, students can stop by the Office of Student Services, Room 1748 SSWB, to borrow attire on a first-come/first serve basis. Students will need to purchase their own tassel, as we do not have these available to borrow.

Graduation attire borrowed from the School must be returned to the School of Social Work Office of Student Services no later than May 15. For graduates who are leaving town following commencement, a drop off box will be available in the graduate robing area to drop off your attire immediately following the ceremony. Be sure to attach a note with your name; so we will know who returned their attire.

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS: Graduation announcements are available for purchase from the Michigan Union Bookstore, Michigan Book & Supply and Ulrichs Bookstore. Personalized announcements must be ordered well in advance. Contact the above stores directly.

PHOTOGRAPHER: A photographer will be available to take individual pictures as graduates cross the stage at the SSW ceremony. Description/mailing address cards will be distributed to all graduates when they arrive at the Power Center graduate robing area. These yellow cards will be collected from each graduate just prior to going up on stage. The proof and order card will be mailed to each graduate. Purchase is optional. Graduates who do not receive a photo proof within two (2) weeks of the ceremony should contact: Graduation Foto, 2045 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, Toll Free: (800) 482-0321, Telephone: (734) 677-3400, Fax: (734) 677-3208, Email: cs@apmphoto.com

PARKING: University parking structures will be open to the public for parking at no charge for attendance at SSW Commencement. Suggested parking: Fletcher Street parking structure between the Power Center and Health Services or Thayer Street parking structure on Thayer Street near the Modern Language Building. Handicap parking is available in both parking structures. There is also some metered parking available on side streets near the Power Center. Be sure to inform your family and friends of the available parking. For driving directions & campus maps:

ACCESSIBILITY TO AND USE OF UNIVERSITY FACILITIES: Graduating students who have a concern or special need in relation to access to the Power Center and stage, please contact Sandy Rod in the Office of Student Services, 1748 SSWB, as soon as possible (email: sandyr@umich.edu). NOTE: We will have a Sign Language Interpreter available at the ceremony and there is ample handicap seating for family/guests.