First-Generation Celebration 2026

• You are free to wear whatever clothing you wish.
• Some graduates choose to wear something special or less casual, but there is no dress code for this event.
• You do not have to wear your cap and gown, but you can if you wish. 

• Students need to arrive at the Michigan Union Ballroom (2nd floor) between 6:00-6:30 p.m. All graduates and their guests will need to be seated by 6:30. The program will start promptly at 6:30 PM.

Central Student Government (CSG) is offering cap-and-gown rental at no cost to you.

Learn more here.

The north entrance of Michigan Union is wheelchair accessible. From the North entrance, the elevators are located in the center of the building.

The event is located on the second floor. When you exit the elevator turn right and the ballroom is at the end of the hallway.

Men’s and Women’s restrooms are located on the second floor across the main hallway from the elevator. A gender-inclusive restroom is located to the left when exiting the elevator. A smaller room (Room 2210 ABC) located next to the ballroom will offer a live stream of the graduation.

• There will be CART services (Communication Access Realtime Translation) provided. This real-time captioning service will be located on a screen to the right of the podium in the Rogel Ballroom. Volunteers will direct people to reserved seats for individuals who wish to access this services if the ask at registration.
• A recording of the ceremony will be made available and sent to registered students in the weeks after the celebration. 

Free Parking: There is a University of Michigan parking structure located at 500 Thompson Street. It is free and open to the public after 6:00 PM in any spot not marked “Gold.”

Limited PAID street parking is available on State Street, Thompson, and Maynard. 

The closest public parking structure is the Thompson/Maynard Garage (0.3 miles from the Michigan Union). The address is 320 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI. It is $1.20/hr and you can pay with cash or card.