Attending University of Michigan's 2011 commencement ceremony? Here's what you need to know
File photo | AnnArbor.com
If you're attending, map out a strategy in advance for parking. Some typical parking spots may not be available due to soggy conditions. Pioneer High School is providing parking for a fee, however.
Here's what you need to know if you're heading to commencement, where Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to deliver the commencement address:
When: The ceremony will take place from about 10-11:45 a.m. Saturday; graduates will start entering the stadium at 9 a.m.; gates open at 8 a.m.
Expected turnout: 40,000 people, including about 5,500 graduates
Graduates: 6,678 undergraduate students, 4,313 graduate students and 785 professional students are eligible to participate.
Tickets: Tickets have already been distributed to graduates and members of the public and are no longer available.
Watching from home: The ceremony will be live streamed at the university's website and is expected to air on C-SPAN sometime later in the day.
Keynote speaker: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder
Honorary degree recipients: Snyder, U.S. Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers, film director Spike Lee, Ford Motor Co. executive chairman Bill Ford Jr., journalist Eugene Robinson and billionaire real estate executive, Miami Dolphins owner and U-M donor Stephen Ross.
What’s not allowed inside: No purses, bags, wristlets, cases, umbrellas, flags, signs, balloons, balls, food, alcohol, coolers, camera tripods, chairbacks, strollers, pets or weapons.
What is allowed inside: Binoculars without cases, cell phones, hand-held video cameras without cases, blankets, rain apparel and seat cushions.
How to get there: Several free shuttles are available to the stadium from some hotels, downtown Ann Arbor, and some university parking lots and structures. Parking at Pioneer High School will be available for a fee.
Protests: The main rally is planned for 8 a.m. at Pioneer’s football stadium, and protesters will march to sidewalks outside Michigan Stadium at 9 a.m.
More info: Check out the university's website.
Comments
Townie
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
Is Rick Snyder going to provide the graduates with advice on how to run a company into the ground, sell it to the Chinese and get paid millions along the way? Or perhaps it will be how to campaign with deliberate vagueness so no one knows who they elected? (he'll have to remind them that you have to get rich first before running for office).
David Briegel
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
A talented, creative artist that shows us who we really are. Warts and all! He is one of our best directors and has influenced two generations of young people and even some of us a little older. He is worthy to share the stage with anyone!
xmo
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
Spike Lee? Why would anybody want to give him an Honorary Degree?
dotdash
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 3:44 p.m.
I think Lee is a good choice. Why the question?
BillieR
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
Perhaps in film? And I wonder if he's donated to the University....