Western Michigan University will award more than 2,300 degrees during its commencement ceremonies on May 2. The university announced that the ceremonies will take place at Miller Auditorium and will recognize graduates from a range of academic disciplines.
The event is significant for students and their families as it marks the completion of academic programs for those earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Graduates represent 51 countries including the United States.
Ceremonies are scheduled throughout the day: at 9 a.m. for the College of Education and Human Development and College of Fine Arts; noon for the College of Health and Human Services and College of Aviation; 3 p.m. for the College of Arts and Sciences and Merze Tate College; and at 6 p.m. for Haworth College of Business along with the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. In addition to conferring degrees, there will be vignettes highlighting graduate success stories as well as a tribute to all degree earners.
All attendees—including family members—must have tickets to enter Miller Auditorium due to limited seating, with general admission available. Graduates can reserve extra tickets in advance so guests may watch a livestreamed ceremony in Brown Hall if necessary. The university also offers an online livestream option via its commencement webpage.
According to the official website, Western Michigan University enrolls more than 17,000 students across its programs. The institution fields 16 Division I varsity sports as part of its membership in the Mid-American Conference according to official information. WMU has earned top-100 national rankings for several graduate programs according to its website.
The university emphasizes education that is learner-focused, research-oriented, and globally involved according to official statements. WMU also supports inclusive excellence among all students as reported by university sources while promoting sustainability through LEED-certified buildings and award-winning landscaping according to information provided by WMU.
WMU holds formal graduation exercises after both fall and spring semesters as well as following summer sessions.