AnnArbor.com file photo
We've compiled all the details you need to know for Saturday's commencement ceremony, whether you're walking across the stage or going to watch someone who is.
Where: Michigan Stadium
When: The main ceremony will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday; graduates will start entering the stadium at 8:45 a.m.; gates open at 8 a.m.
Watching from home: The ceremony will be live streamed online.
Tickets: They've already been distributed. Everyone older than 2 needs one.
Keynote speaker: Twitter CEO Dick Costolo.
Honorary degree recipients: Costolo; William Brehm, a higher education advocate and donor to U-M; Suzanne Farrell, a ballet dancer; Rosabeth Kanter, a business leadership expert and former editor of the Harvard Business Review; and David McCullough, an author and historian.
Social media: U-M is suggesting people use the hashtag #MGoGrad when talking about graduation and related festivities on Twitter. Select tweets during the ceremony will be displayed on the Michigan Stadium scoreboard.
Where to park: Free parking is available in all U-M parking structures and lots Friday through Sunday. Parking at Pioneer High School will be available for a fee.
How to get there: If you have to park far away, are downtown or staying at certain hotels, the university is offering free shuttles to the stadium Saturday morning. Shuttle services are available beginning at 7:45 a.m.
What if it rains: Doesn't matter, the event will take place at Michigan Stadium rain or shine. If there's very bad weather, it could be shortened or canceled all together. Luckily, weather reports aren't predicting a high chance of rain Saturday.
Expected turnout: Approximately 5,000 graduates. In past years there's been a turnout of about 40,000 family and friends. A total of 5,900 undergraduates and 4,400 graduate students are expected to receive their degrees this spring, according to U-M figures. However, not all will participate in this weekend's ceremonies.
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, cellphones, hand-held video cameras without cases, blankets, rain apparel and seat cushions.
College-specific ceremonies: These will be taking place throughout Friday and Saturday —a few occurred Thursday— and next weekend. For dates and times, check the university's commencement website.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.