For the first time since 1926, Wayne State University will host commencement on main campus, in a single, larger, annual celebration replacing the twice-a-year ceremonies at Cobo Hall.

WSU will host the first combined ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2006, at Matthaei Physical Education Center and Tom Adams Field at the Wayne State Football Stadium. All academic programs will participate except those in law and medicine. The Law School and School of Medicine will continue to hold their ceremonies off campus. Wayne State expects approximately 1,500 graduates and their family members and friends to attend the first ceremony, which will be a true campus celebration. This event will be an opportunity to build relationships with alumni and create exciting, lasting memories and new traditions, including the announcement of graduate names during the ceremony.

A university wide committee submitted a formal proposal recommending the changes to Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid in December 2005. The committee included representation from the Council of Deans, the Academic Senate, the Department of Athletics, the Office of the President, the Division of Facilities Planning and Management, and the offices of Commencement, Special Events and Services, Registrar, Alumni Affairs and Marketing and Communications.

Wayne State will do its best to accommodate those whose participation in a Saturday ceremony may be difficult because of religious observances. WSU will work closely with the Hillel Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit to assist observant Jewish students and their families.

For more information, e-mail Jenifer Daniels at aj7924@wayne.edu.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.