Flint, Michigan – On May 3, the University of Michigan-Flint will turn an ordinary spring Saturday into a day of applause, reflection and fresh beginnings as it honors nearly 950 students eligible to graduate during its Winter 2026 commencement ceremonies at the Dort Financial Center.
The celebration will unfold in two parts. The first ceremony, for the College of Arts, Sciences & Education and the College of Health Sciences, is scheduled for 10 a.m., with doors opening at 8:30 a.m.
Later in the day, the College of Innovation & Technology, the School of Management and the School of Nursing will take the stage at 3 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. By dividing the day into two ceremonies, UM-Flint is continuing a format that gives graduates and their supporters room to share the moment together without a guest limit, taking full advantage of the Dort Financial Center’s larger seating capacity.
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The return to the Dort also carries a sense of continuity. UM-Flint resumed hosting commencement at the venue in December 2025, marking its first ceremonies there since 2019. That move restored a broader, more inclusive atmosphere for one of the university’s signature traditions.
“We are thrilled to once again celebrate with larger groups of friends and family — the people who have cheered our graduates on every step of the way. That kind of shared celebration is exactly what this occasion deserves,” said Abby Parrill-Baker, UM-Flint provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.
She added, “Commencement is the most important event of the academic year. It is the moment the entire UM-Flint community comes together to recognize the achievements of our learners and look toward the future successes that await them.”
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This year’s ceremonies will also be part of a larger milestone for the University of Michigan. During the May commencement season across all three campuses, the university is expected to confer its millionth degree. Graduates will receive a special tassel featuring a “1M” charm to mark the occasion. Since opening in 1956, UM-Flint alone has awarded more than 56,000 degrees.
Student voices will help define the day as well. Ken Whittaker, completing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies through UM-Flint’s Accelerated Online Degree Completion format, will speak during the morning ceremony. Caroline Huffman, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, will address graduates in the afternoon.
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For those unable to attend, the ceremonies will be livestreamed and recorded. Graduates are also being invited to share their stories and future plans at graduates.umflint.edu, where friends and family can leave public messages of encouragement. Additional ceremony details, including accessibility information and commencement updates, are available through the university’s commencement website