Commencement Information

Commencement Ceremonies 

Spring Arbor University is excited to host Commencement Ceremonies for fall graduates on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The ceremonies will be held on campus.  

May 2024 Commencement will be held on May 11, 2024.

May 11 morning – Traditional campus students 

May 11 afternoon – Graduate students who completed Doctoral and Master’s degrees, as well as Undergraduate students enrolled in programs online, via Zoom, or at SAU’s sites around Michigan and Ohio 

Diplomas 

Each graduate’s diploma will be mailed to the address listed on his or her graduation application. Diplomas will be mailed on the first of the month following the submission of graduates’ graduation applications and the clearance of their academic records and financial accounts.

Participation Requirements 

All graduates must be cleared for participation in commencement through the Office of Registration and Records. If you have any questions regarding your standing, please contact one of the following members of staff.

Global Sites & Online: Your academic advisor
Spring Arbor Campus: Jaime Devine at 517.750.6518
Graduate Programs: Your academic advisor

We encourage those who think they may wish to attend but did not receive a link to our form to please contact jaime.devine@arbor.edu.

Academic Honors 

Graduation honors are awarded to bachelor’s degree candidates for four levels of performance: Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, and Cum Dignitate.

For questions regarding honors eligibility, please contact one of the following members of staff.

Spring Arbor Campus: Jaime Devine at 517.750.6518
Global Sites & Online: Your academic advisor

Caps & Gowns

Complete your cap and gown order online by at least one month prior to Commencement. Please make sure to ship your order directly to your place of residence, as campus pick-up will not be available. If you have any questions regarding caps and gowns, email Jaime Devine at Jaime.Devine@arbor.edu.

Parking 

All parking lots on campus will be open to commencement participants and guests. Permits will not be required. Parking attendants will direct traffic. Please do not park on the street. Drop-off locations will be on College Street and the Main Entrance.

Accessible Parking & Seating 

Accessible parking will be available in the parking lot nearest the ceremony. Parking attendants will direct traffic and will assist with your parking needs. Accessible seating will be available throughout the venue.

Campus Map

Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. A link to the campus map is provided here: https://www.arbor.edu/about/visit-campus/campus-maps/

Accommodations 

There are many dining and lodging options in Jackson, Michigan, which is eight miles away from campus.

Live Stream 

Those unable to attend may view the commencement ceremonies live online. 

Graduate Photographs 

A professional photographer will take two pictures of each graduate, one of the graduate receiving their diploma cover (or hood) and another of the graduate posed with their diploma cover. Proofs will be mailed to each graduate.

Graduation Announcements 

Graduation announcements can be ordered from Balfour at https://www.balfour.com/springarbor. 

Bookstore Hours

The SAU Campus Store will be open the Saturday of commencement. The bookstore is located on the upper level of the Student Life Center on College Street.