Graduation and Commencement Information

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.

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].

Ordering Regalia (Students’ responsibility)

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. Online ordering available 24/7.

2024/ Fall graduation applicants: Website is open September 3, 2024 to October 11, 2024

2025/ Winter graduation applicants: Website is open January 6, 2025 to April 15, 2025

2025/ Summer graduation applicants: Welcome to participate in Fall (December) Commencement; order regalia in the fall. Please notify [email protected] if you plan to participate in the ceremony.

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.

Each graduate will receive 8 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.

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.

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.

Guests are welcome to live stream using their personal devices.

First Aid

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

Guests are welcome to live stream using their personal devices.

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.