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Graduation and Commencement Information

Graduation Application for Degree

To be eligible to graduate, you must complete a graduation application, and apply prior to the deadline. Check the CCS Academic Calendar for the published deadline for the semester of intended graduation.

The graduation application fee is $50.00 (for both Undergraduate and Graduate students).

Graduates participating in Commencement ceremonies are required to purchase regalia through the CCS Bookstore (via the School Spirit tab.) Students will be responsible for ordering their regalia online from September 3 to October 11, 2024. Online ordering available 24/7.

Students must apply for graduation through the Registrar’s Office to be confirmed for degree/program completion and/or to participate in Commencement ceremonies.

Questions regarding the graduation application, or diploma, can be directed to the Registrar’s Office during business hours, 9 am – 4 pm; 313-664-7672; [email protected].

Questions regarding regalia can be directed to the Student Affairs Office during business hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 313.664.7879 or [email protected].

Additional Information

Date and Time

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Doors Open: 5:00pm
Ceremony Begins: 5:30pm

Graduates are to arrive at 4:00pm for rehearsal.

Doors will open 1 hour prior to the start of Commencement for guests. The ceremony lasts approximately one hour. Graduates are asked to stay for the entire ceremony. Tickets will be required for all guests age three and over.

Venue

Gem Theatre
333 Madison Street
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(313) 963-9800

Parking at or near venues is available. Guests should anticipate paying for parking. Carpooling is encouraged.

Diplomas

For May graduates, each graduate is presented with a diploma cover during the Commencement ceremony to mark the occasion. Diplomas will be available for pick up in person in the Yamasaki Building on the Ford campus. If not picked up they will be mailed within six weeks after the Commencement ceremony to the address provided on the graduation application.

For December graduates, each graduate is presented with a diploma cover during the Commencement ceremony to mark the occasion. The official diploma will be mailed to the address provided on the graduation application in late January.

Diplomas will not be released to students with account holds (see notifications in Self-Service.)

Questions regarding the diploma and certificates, or ordering a replacement diploma or certificates, can be directed to the Registrar’s office at 313-664-7672 or [email protected].

Regalia (Cap & Gown): Ordering & Recycling

Ordering Regalia (Students’ responsibility)

September 3 – October 11: Online ordering available 24/7.
Graduates participating in Commencement ceremonies are required to purchase regalia through the CCS Bookstore (via the School Spirit tab).

Pick Up Regalia

November 25 – December 10: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pick Up Location: Student Affairs Office (2nd Floor); Yamasaki Building; Ford Campus

Questions regarding regalia can be directed to the Student Affairs Office during business hours, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 313.664.7879 or [email protected].

Recycling Your Regalia (Cap & Gown)

Consider recycling your regalia. Put regalia in a bag noted “Regalia Donation. Attn: Student Affairs” and drop off to any CCS Campus Security location, Department Program Manager or Campus Office.

In the effort to remain green on campus, all College for Creative Studies graduates will be wearing environmentally conscious GreenWeaver® regalia, made here in the USA.

This line of graduation wear is made of fabric spun from molten plastic pellets produced from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

Each year in the US more than 35 billion plastic water bottles are thrown away, enough to circle the Earth four times. Most end up in landfills or incinerators, and millions litter America’s streets, parks, and waterways.

With an average of 25 plastic bottles being used to produce your cap and gown; you are helping to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for our planet.

Tickets

Each graduate will receive 10 tickets for their guests. Graduating students will not need a ticket for the ceremony. Please plan to distribute tickets to guests ahead of time; graduates will not be able to meet guests at the entrance to give them tickets. There is also no will-call option. Tickets will be handed out at the cap and gown pickup.

Reception

For May graduates, a reception offering a preview of the Student Exhibition will take place following the ceremony. Graduates are welcome to bring their Commencement guests to the campus for a reception and Exhibition preview. Tickets are not required for the reception.

For December graduates, a reception will take place following the ceremony at the Gem Theatre. Tickets are not required for the reception.

Accessibility and First Aid

Graduates with Mobility Limitations

If a graduate has a mobility impairment (wheelchair, crutches, etc.) or is hearing impaired, please notify the Student Affairs Office during business hours, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at 313.664.7879 or [email protected].

Wheelchair and Mobility-Limitation Seating

CCS and the venue hosting Commencement do not provide wheelchairs for guests. Guests with mobility limitations or who have difficulty walking are encouraged to bring their own wheelchair.

Guests arriving in a wheelchair should ask a venue usher for assistance to the designated seating area. Every effort will be made to try and seat guests together; however, accessible seating is limited and, due to space constraints, an escort may not be able to accompany the guest to the special seating area.

CCS anticipates that Commencement ceremonies will be live streamed when available. A link will be available through the venue’s website at the start time on the day of the ceremony.  Venue limitations may impact CCS’s ability to offer a live streaming option.

First Aid

First aid is available during all ceremonies. Please contact a staff member and/ or venue usher if assistance is needed.

Live Streaming

Guests are welcome to live stream using their personal devices.

Diploma Frames, Class Rings, Alumni Spirit Wear

Visit the CCS Bookstore (via the School Spirit tab) or in person, to purchase diploma frames, class rings and alumni merchandise.

College for Creative Studies Bookstore is located in the Taubman Center (TC) (460 W Baltimore, Detroit, MI 48202) 313.664.1160. Visit the CCS Bookstore website for hours. Street parking or the CCS parking structure is located across the street from the TC.

The CCS Bookstore is open to the public.

Office of Student Affairs

Second Floor – Yamasaki Building
313.664.7879
[email protected]