Graduate with diploma

Commencement

 

2025 Commencement

Join us as we graduate our 58th class of students.


School of Arts and Sciences
(includes graduates of our partner Michigan State University programs)

Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m. | Dale A. Lyons Building, Dowagiac Campus

Graduates should check-in to the William P.D. O’Leary Building at 8:30 a.m. The O’Leary Building is directly across from the Lyons Building.


School of Business and Advanced Technology
School of Nursing and Health Services

Saturday, May 10 | 1 p.m. | Dale A. Lyons Building, Dowagiac Campus

Graduates should check-in to the William P.D. O’Leary Building at 11:30 a.m. The O’Leary Building is directly across from the Lyons Building.


Dowagiac Campus Map | Driving Directions

About Commencement

Our favorite day of the year is drawing near! We are more excited than ever to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2025 graduates. We couldn’t be more proud of them. 

Here are a few details to help you prepare for Commencement, May 10, 2025.

Parking

Guests may park for free in the parking lots at either the Dailey Road or Cherry Grove Road entrances. The Cherry Grove Road parking lot is closer to the Lyons Building, but both lots are just a short walk away from the ceremonies.

Tickets

Earning a degree or certificate is a huge accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated with loved ones. SMC strives to have at least two guests per graduate present on their big day. To fill the limited seating space available in the theatre in the Dale A. Lyons Building, and ensure each graduate will have guests present to watch them cross the stage, each graduate will receive two (2) tickets for entrance into the theatre.

Additional guests (guest without tickets) are invited to view the ceremony via live stream in the Fred L. Mathews Library and Conference Center.

Guests who are not able to come to campus may watch live on the SMC YouTube channel.

Doors Open

Doors will open to guests at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. Commencement ceremony and at 12 p.m. for the 1 p.m. Commencement ceremony. Guests planning to be seated in the theatre in the Dale A. Lyons Building must bring their tickets with them and approach the Guest Check-In area upon arrival.

Again, please note tickets are only required for entrance into the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building. No tickets are necessary for additional guests to watch the live stream in Fred L. Mathews Library and Conference Center.

Information for Graduates

  • Graduates should check in to the William P.D. O’Leary Building on the Dowagiac Campus 1 hour and 30 minutes before the beginning of the Commencement ceremony.
  • Graduates should not bring coats, purses, or other personal items with them into the check-in location, as there are no secure facilities in which to leave them.
  • Graduates should bring their cell phones in order to complete the online form from Graduation Foto.
  • Honors cords will be distributed at the Graduate Check-in Station on graduation day.
  • All graduates will be photographed by a professional photographer as they walk across the stage. Graduates will receive information on how to purchase these images at a later date.

Getting Your Diploma

  • Diplomas will be mailed directly to graduates 5-7 weeks after the end of the semester.
  • Graduates who participate in Commencement will receive an SMC diploma cover when they cross the stage. Graduates who do not participate in Commencement can request a diploma cover by emailing the Records inbox (records@swmich.edu).

Additional Information

  • Restrooms will be available in the Daugherty, Lyons, O’Leary, and Briegel buildings.
  • No vending machines or refreshments will be available. Water will be available at the information desk.
  • Pets will not be permitted at the ceremony.