Preparation to Graduate
Commencement is a day to remember for graduates, parents, friends and the entire Detroit Mercy community. To make the day go as planned, it’s important to have the right preparation for you and your guests.
To help you prepare, be sure to check out the information here on the Grad Salute in March, caps and gowns, parking, and local hotels.
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Baccalaureate Mass
Date: May 11, 2024
Baccalaureate Mass is an integral part of the Commencement activities. Candidates and guests of all faiths are invited to join this Catholic Mass thanking God for our blessings and praying for the future.
Mass for all three campuses — Dental, Law and McNichols — begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Student Union Ballroom, located on the McNichols Campus. (see campus map)
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Caps and gowns
Caps, gowns, and tassels (and stoles for bachelor degrees and hoods for master, specialist and doctoral candidates) can only be ordered online. The website for placing an order can be found at herff.ly/udmercy.
Prices vary by degree. Bachelor $64.25, Masters/Specialist $93.60 and Doctoral $99.75. There is a standard shipping and handling rate of $13.95 within the U.S. plus sales tax.
Your cap & gown (and stole or hood) will be shipped directly to you. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
The last day for regular online orders is Sunday, April 14, 2024. For orders between April 15-25, a RUSH order can be placed. which will incur a RUSH $50 expedited charge in addition to the regular shipping fee.
No orders will be accepted after April 25, 2024
Attire
Commencement is a formal academic ceremony. Although Calihan Hall is not air-conditioned, please dress accordingly. With hundreds of graduates, faculty and guests, depending on the weather, it may be warm. Because you will be standing in line and marching both inside and outdoors for over an hour, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Gown decoration is strictly limited to University, college and school honor regalia. A listing of the approved items may be obtained from your college or school office or the Office of the Registrar. Caps should not contain adornments or messages. Candidates whose caps and gowns do not comply with the academic standards will not be permitted into the arena. You may not wear a cap and gown from another institution. All bachelor degree candidates will be wearing a Detroit Mercy stole with their cap and gown. These can be purchased separately online if you already own a cap and gown.
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Guest ticketing and Calihan Hall seating
Guest Tickets
Tickets are not required for the ceremony.
Seating for Disabled Persons
Guest seating is restricted to the upper arena which is accessible only by stairs. A limited number of seats for disabled persons are available on the main floor. Only one family member is permitted to sit with those who require disabled seating. Escorted entry is through the northeast arena door only. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Strollers will not be accommodated in the disabled seating area.
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Locations and Parking
Locations
Share a copy of the McNichols Campus Map with your guests so that they may familiarize themselves with the campus, its facilities and parking areas.
You may also wish to see the Driving Directions page.
Parking
Parking will be crowded and campus traffic will be heavy. Please allow extra time and car pool.
Handicapped parking, in front of Calihan Hall, is limited and restricted to those with valid handicapped stickers or license plates.
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Local Hotels
Suggested Detroit Area Hotel Accommodations
Baymont Inn & Suites
32800 Stephenson Highway
Madison Heights MI 48071
248-588-3388Hampton Inn
32420 Stephenson Highway
Madison Heights MI 48071
248-585-8881Downtown Detroit Courtyard
333 East Jefferson
Detroit MI 48226
313-222-7700Troy Marriott
200 W Big Beaver Road
Troy MI, 48084
248-680-9797Detroit Marriott - Southfield
27033 Northwestern Highway
Southfield MI
248-356-7400Holiday Inn Express - Southfield
25100 Northwestern Highway
Southfield MI 48075
248-350-2400 -
Regalia (Faculty, librarians and academic administration)
Faculty, librarians and academic administration will also be able to use regalia (cap, gown and hood) for this year's annual Commencement Ceremonies on:
- Friday, May 11 (School of Dentistry and Schools of Law)
- or Saturday, May 13 (McNichols Undergraduate and Graduate student ceremony).
If you do not have academic regalia, you can order directly from our cap & gown vendor, Herff-Jones. The items for purchase are cap/tam, gown and/or hood. The gown is an eco-friendly design and is made to be used a few times but is not considered a long-term garment. Items are shipped directly to the address you provide during the order process.
Last day to order online for Commencement 2024 is April 25, 2024. Any orders placed April 15 through April 25, 2024 will be charged expedited shipping fees. No orders can be placed online after April 25, 2024 for Commencement 2024.
We encourage early ordering to ensure you receive your order in plenty of time to participate. All orders will be shipped to the address you provide in your order. It is recommended that you don't use your campus address and use a personal address for shipping.
For questions, please contact Crystal Becker, Assistant to the Dean at 313-494-6621.