Graduation 2026 Information

April 20, 2026 Washtenaw Technical Middle College

Commencement 2026 is Saturday, May 16!

Caps, Gowns, Tassels, & Honors Cords

Graduates purchase a cap, gown, and tassel at the WCC bookstore. Available now.

  • The cost of a cap, gown, and one WTMC tassel is $54.98. Students that want an additional tassel can purchase an extra.

  • If you already own a gown (from an older sibling or you purchased your own black gown online), you can purchase a cap and tassel at the Bookstore.

WTMC honors cords will be given out at graduation rehearsal for students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

WCC honors cords can be purchased at the WCC Bookstore for students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Both WTMC and WCC use the same cap and gown. If you will be participating in both ceremonies, you will need a tassel for WCC and for WTMC. WCC’s tassel is green/gold. WTMC’s tassel is blue/silver/white.

Graduation Rehearsal

When: Friday, May 15, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Eastern Michigan University George Gervin GameAbove Center
799 Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

What: Graduates will do a brief walkthrough of the ceremony and the graduation day meeting room. They will receive general information about graduation day and have any questions answered. Students eligible for WTMC honors cords will receive them at the end of rehearsal.

Commencement Ceremony

When: Saturday, May 16, 2:00 p.m. (The ceremony will end at approximately 4:00.)

  • Graduates arrive at 1:30 and meet in the auxiliary gym located on the ground floor of the arena (one level below the entrance/lobby). Students should only bring their caps & gowns. Personal items should not be left in the auxiliary gym.

Where: Eastern Michigan University George Gervin GameAbove Center
799 Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Tickets: Tickets are not required. All seating is on a first come, first served basis with more than enough seating for families and friends of the graduates.

Respectfully Celebrating the Accomplishments of our Graduates

We want to remind students that graduation is a time of celebration and recognition. Students who attend the graduation ceremony are encouraged to celebrate their own achievements as well as the successes of their peers. 

Graduates are expected to wear academic gowns and caps during the ceremony, and are welcome to include honors cords in their dress. We ask that students do not bring signs, flags, airhorns, or other items that distract from the celebration of our graduates during the commencement ceremony.

Security at the Ceremony

Parking and Entry/Exit: Grads and families park in the main lot. The VIP lot is reserved for WTMC staff and faculty. Enter through the security checkpoint and follow the signs.

Prohibited Items: All attendees are expected to follow the security policies of Eastern Michigan University. Please see the lists of prohibited and permitted items below.
Graduation Photos

Call Photography is the official commencement photographer for both the WCC and WTMC ceremonies. There will be multiple pictures taken of each graduate as they cross the stage, receive their diploma, and then exit the stage. These photos will be available for purchase online. Each graduate who participates in the ceremony will have their photos emailed to them to preview with the option to purchase.

Participating in the WCC Graduation Ceremony

Many WTMC graduates choose to also walk in the WCC graduation ceremony held immediately before the WTMC ceremony. For more information on WCC's ceremony and schedule, click HERE to visit WCC's "Graduation" page.

Who: Students receiving an associate degree or certificate of 15 credits or more (finishing in April-Aug 2025) are invited to participate.

When: Saturday, May 16, 2025 at 9:20 a.m. 

Where: The EMU George Gervin GameAbove Center, 799 Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

Important Dates

  • May 14: WCC Honors Convocation Ceremony
  • May 15: Last day to purchase your cap and gown at the WCC Bookstore
  • May 15: WCC Commencement rehearsal starts at 6:00 p.m. at the EMU George Gervin GameAbove Center. Directly after rehearsal, graduates (no guests, please) are invited to stay and enjoy a complimentary catered dinner.
  • May 16: Commencement Ceremony starts at 9:20 a.m. at the EMU George Gervin GameAbove Center.

Cap/Gown and Honor Cords

A cap and gown is the required graduation attire and can be purchased from the bookstore.

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