Department of Statistics Master's Graduation Celebration
Our Department of Statistics Master's Graduation Celebration will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 starting at 9 am at Palmer Commons in the Great Lakes Room (4th Floor).
Due to the large number of graduates and the capacity constraints of our venue, we are asking graduates to limit their guests to no more than 3. Seating is first-come, first-served.
For guests that cannot find available seats in the Great Lakes Room, we have booked the Forum Room across the hall to view the livestream of the ceremony. We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we work within the venue’s space limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q. Where can I park?
A. Closest parking for U-M and non-U-M attendees is Palmer Structure. All U-M parking structures are open and free for graduation activities on Thursday, April 30 - Sunday, May 3.
Q. Should I wear my cap and gown to the Department of Statistics Master's graduation celebration?
A. You are not expected to wear your cap and gown to the Department of Statistics Master's Graduation celebration, but you are certainly welcome to. There will not be a formal dress code, but many students have previously chosen to dress in business or business casual attire.
Q. If I’m planning to purchase the graduation regalia to wear to the various graduation ceremonies, what color cap, gown, hood, and tassel should I get?
A listing of academic gowns, hoods, and colors can be found here. The cap and gown should be black and the hood and tassel should be golden yellow (Science).
Q. Do I need tickets for my guests?
A. You do not need tickets for your guests. However, we ask that graduates bring no more than 3 guests. Seating is first-come, first-served. For guests that cannot find available seats in the Great Lakes Room, we have booked the Forum Room across the hall to view the livestream of the ceremony.
Q. Is there a designated seating area for the graduates?
A. Yes, graduates will be seated by program to help ensure a smooth and organized ceremony.
Seats will be reserved for each program, and you will be directed to your designated section upon arrival. MAS graduates will be seated on one side of the venue, while MDS graduates will be seated on the other.
This approach allows us to keep graduates together by program, maintain the flow of the ceremony, and ensure that all graduates have appropriate seating.
Q. Will there be accessible seating available?
A. Yes, accessible seating will be available in the Great Lakes Room and will be marked as reserved for any guests with limited mobility.
Q. Will the program be livestreamed for family and friends who cannot attend in person?
A. Yes, we will livestream the program for your family and friends who cannot attend the program in person. The link to the livestream will be shared with graduates the day before the event. The livestream can be accessed via the link a few minutes before 9am Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
https://umich.zoom.us/j/99693832269
Meeting ID: 996 9383 2269
Passcode: 2026
Q. Can I join remotely via the livestream as a graduating student if I cannot attend in person?
A. Yes. However, please note that, if you are a graduating student joining us remotely, we will not be able to recognize you as the livestream will be a webinar.
Q. How long is the ceremony?
A.The Graduation Ceremony will last about an hour, until around 10am. There will be a reception to follow, ending by 11am.
Q. Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
A. No, you will not receive your diploma at any of the graduation ceremonies. The Registrar's Office states that diplomas are mailed to the graduate's permanent address or the Diploma Address if one has been created by the student in Wolverine Access. Diplomas are mailed approximately 6 - 8 weeks following the commencement ceremony.
Q. Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?
A. Yes, we have hired a University photographer, who will be taking individual photos after the ceremony in front of the Dept. of Statistics photo backdrop. A link to download your photos will be emailed to you after the ceremony. You can anticipate that it may take a few weeks to receive access to the photos.
Q. Will there be food and beverages?
A. Yes, after the Graduation Ceremony ends around 10am, there will be coffee and breakfast pastries/snacks available in the 3rd floor Windows Lounge until 11am.
