Commencement and Eligibility
University Commencement and Rackham Graduate Exercises (RGE)
Commencement at University of Michigan is a ceremony that is held in honor of the completion and/or in anticipation of your fulfilling all academic requirements.
Rackham Graduate Exercises (RGE) is a ceremony held only for doctoral, master’s, or certificate graduates who receive the degree through the Rackham Graduate School. Doctoral students who meet all requirements for degree conferral are hooded by a faculty member at this ceremony. Master’s and certificate students who meet all requirements will receive the diploma or the certificate approximately 12 weeks after degrees and certificates are conferred.
Rackham Doctoral Students
Rackham Graduate doctoral students who meet eligibility criteria can participate in:
- Rackham Graduate Exercises
- Spring Commencement
- Winter Commencement
- School, College & Other Ceremonies
Rackham Master’s and Certificate Students
Rackham Graduate master’s and certificate students who meet eligibility criteria can participate in:
- Rackham Graduate Exercises
- Spring Commencement
- Winter Commencement
- School, College & Other Ceremonies
Academic Attire and Preparing for Commencement
Academic attire, cap and gown, is required for all graduates who participate in Rackham Graduate Exercises. Visit the Commencement website for more information on how to prepare.
Questions?
Contact us at rackhamgraduation@umich.edu.
Contact Academic Records and Dissertations
0120 Rackham Building
915 East Washington Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070
Phone: 734.763.0171
Fax: 734.936.3335
Hours
Academic Records and Dissertations is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The office is closed Saturdays and Sundays and on the following holidays: Thanksgiving (Thursday and the following Friday), Christmas through New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day.