Commencement at SMC is the time we celebrate our amazing students and their accomplishments.

Commencement


2026 Commencement
Join us as we graduate our 59th class of students.

Saturday, May 9 | 10 a.m. | Alumni Plaza, Dowagiac Campus

Graduates of the

  • Advanced Technology Department
  • Communication Department
  • Math and Science Department
  • Social Sciences Department
  • Visual and Performing Arts Department

Graduates should check-in to the Fred L. Mathews Library and Conference Center at 8:30 a.m. 

Saturday, May 9 | 1 p.m. | Alumni Plaza, Dowagiac Campus

Graduates of the

  • Business Department
  • Health Services Department
  • Nursing Department

Graduates should check-in to the Fred L. Mathews Library and Conference Center at 11:30 a.m. 

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 2026 graduates. We couldn’t be more proud of them. 

Here are a few details to help you prepare for Commencement, May 9, 2026.

Parking

Guests may park for free in the parking lots at either the Dailey Road or Cherry Grove Road entrances. Both lots are just a short walk away from the ceremony in Alumni Plaza.

Tickets

Tickets will not be needed for the outdoor ceremony in Alumni Plaza. Graduates may invite as many guests as they would like to attend the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9.

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

Information for Guests

Guests may begin to arrive at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. ceremony, and 12 p.m. for the 1 p.m. ceremony. Commencement will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. SMC will provide many chairs for guests, but guests may bring their own lawn chairs, if they prefer. The grounds may be wet in the morning hours. Please prepare appropriately for the weather and the grounds. 

Information for Graduates

  • Graduates should check into the Fred L. Mathews Library and Conference Center 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.