Multicultural Graduation Celebration
The Center of Race & Ethnicity (CORE) hosts the Multicultural Graduation Celebration (MGC) to acknowledge the achievements of graduating students of color; domestic and international students at EMU. This event also celebrates the rich culture of our diverse student body; from the music, performances, speeches, and more.
This is a free event that occurs the Friday before commencement in December and April.
Students who participate also receive a stole of their choosing. CORE invites all students, graduates, parents, families, and friends to be a part of this grand celebration. The guest number is limited to 8 individuals. Note: If you are completing your degree in the summer, you can participate in April’s MGC.
Information for Graduates
IMPORTANT: Students must arrive and check-in by 4:30 p.m. Do not bring coats, purses, selfie sticks, or other personal items into the venue. All personal items must be left with family or guests.
The celebration is expected to last approximately two hours.
All graduates who plan to participate in the Multicultural Graduation Celebration must purchase and wear EMU approved regalia (cap and gown).
If you are interested in participating in the Multicultural Graduation Celebration you MUST REGISTER. We encourage you to register ASAP as the registration deadline is Friday, March 17th.
Commencement is intended to be a festive occasion celebrating the accomplishments of our students. However, it is also ceremonial. Graduates are expected to abide by the following guidelines:
- All graduates who plan to participate in MGC must wear full EMU approved regalia (cap and gown).
- Graduates should remain in their seats during the entire ceremony unless utilizing the restrooms.
- Students are required to be in their seats for the address by our keynote speaker.
- Cell phones are permitted, but out of courtesy to other participants, students are asked to silence their phones and make judicious use of phones and not use them during the formal speaking portions of the ceremony.
- It is particularly important that students respect their fellow students and the faculty, administrators, and guests who have come to witness and participate in the graduation celebration. For this reason, graduates are expected to return to their seats after they walk and remain there until all students have walked and members of the celebration have exited the stage.
- Please plan post-ceremony activities accordingly.
Name Reader Cards
When you register for MGC, you will be asked to provide the phonetic pronunciation of your name. You will be given a name reader card during check-in on the day of the celebration. When you approach the stage as directed by the faculty marshals, you will hand your card to the name reader.
Location
The celebration will be held at the Frederic H. Pease Auditorium located on 494 College Place in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Directions
Traffic becomes very heavy on commencement day, particularly on Washtenaw Avenue. Please plan on leaving early to give enough time to arrive.
Parking
FREE parking is available in the Pease A1 Lot. We highly recommend carpooling to the event to ensure you are able to park. Spots fill quickly so plan accordingly.