Call it the COVID comeback. In 2020, graduations were migrated online, eschewing pomp-and-circumstance for caution-and-safety. Last spring, many schools remained wary, as speakers zoomed in from studios and offices. Behind a monitor or a mask, commencement just wasn’t the same. Forget celebrating shared sacrifices and profound memories — let alone embracing big changes and new possibilities. On graduation day, fun and friendship was often replaced by distance and distraction. In the pandemic, second-years missed out on their moment — the cries, hugs, and toasts that come when a community honors a job well done.

For the Class of 2022, lowered expectations have been replaced with a deep pride. Before enrolling, many were tempted to take shelter and ride out the pandemic. Despite their reservations, they weathered Zoom fatigue and last minute cancellations. When it came time to lead, they rebuilt the clubs, events, and traditions that defined cultures and connected generations. Now, it is their chance to exhale, look back, and smile. They’ve earned that much…and so much more.

Starting April 29th in Ann Arbor and culminating July 6th in London, you’ll find MBAs donning their regalia and parading to stage. Question is, where are these ceremonies being held…and when? Well, those two queries are just the start for graduates and their guests. Here are a few more: Where do you register for tickets? What happens if it rains? Where do you park? Are face coverings and vaccinations required?

Fortunately, programs begin posting graduation microsites in early spring to address these very issues.  Here, you’ll find daily schedules and graduate checklists, along with links to live stream the event. Being this is business school, you can usually purchase flowers and gifts here too. At the same time guests are pointed to campus maps and venue seating, along with local dining, lodging, and attractions. Of course, schools are careful to address items like ADA accommodations and prohibited items in bags. For MBAs, these sites cover items ranging from returning caps and gowns to timelines for send-off events like receptions and concerts.

Wondering when your favorite schools are holding their graduation and who’ll be their guest speakers? Here are all the details for the Class of 2022…

University of Michigan (Ross)

Graduation Date: April 29, 2022

Graduation Speaker: Brad Keywell, Executive Chairman of Uptake Technologies

Graduation Information: Ross Commencement 2022

 

 

Georgia Tech (Scheller)

Graduation Date: May 6, 2022

Graduation Speaker: No speaker.

Graduation Information: Georgia Tech 2022 Commencement

Additional Notes: Scheller MBA graduates participate in the Master’s ceremony, which is held separately from the undergraduate and Ph.D. ceremonies. For additional details, click here.

 

Emory University (Goizueta)

Graduation Date: May 6, 2022 (Graduation Celebration)

Graduation Speaker: Student speakers from the Class of 2022

Graduation Information: 2022 Emory University Commencement

Additional Note: Emory holds its all-school graduation on May 9th, where the commencement speaker will be Tyler Perry. MBAs are invited to attend.

 

Michigan State (Broad)

Graduation Date: May 6, 2022

Graduation Speaker:  Student speaker.

Graduation Information: Advanced Degree Ceremony

Additional Note: MBA students hold a private ceremony, but the ceremony is part of the larger graduate program.  For additional information, click here.

 

Indiana University (Kelley)

Graduation Date: May 6, 2022

Graduation Speaker:  Tatiana Quaife (MBA ’09), Director, Regional Marketing (Americas, EMEA, and APAC) for Airbnb

Graduation Information: 2022 Graduation. To see the live broadcast, click here.

The Kelley MBA ceremony will be held at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022 at the IU Auditorium. IU’s Graduate Commencement will take place later that day at 3 p.m. at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (1001 E. 17th Street). A reception will be held here at Kelley after the Recognition Ceremony.

 

Rice University (Jones)

Graduation Date: May 6, 2022

Graduation Speaker: None

Graduation Information: 2022 Jones GSB Investiture

Full Commencement: Graduate students are also invited to walk in Rice’s full commencement ceremony on May 7th, where the speaker will be Sonia Nazario, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. To learn more about these ceremonies, click here.

 

Duke University (Fuqua)

Graduation Date: May 7, 2022

Graduation Speaker: Debbie Allen, Entertainer and Entrepreneur

Graduation Information: 2022 Daytime MBA Graduation Ceremony

 

Ohio State University (Fisher)

Graduation Date: May 7, 2022

Graduation Speaker: Lisa Ingram, President and CEO of White Caste

Graduation Information: 2022 Fisher Pre-Commencement Ceremony
The all-school ceremony kicks off at noon on May 8. To learn more, click here. The graduation speaker here will be Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger.

Arizona State (W. P. Carey)

Graduation Date: May 13, 2022

Graduation Speaker: Ohad Kadan, Dean of the W. P. Carey School of Business

Graduation Information: 2022 Carey Business Graduate Convocation

Additional Note: MBAs can also participate in the ASU Graduate Commencement on May 9. For additional information, click here.

 

USC (Marshall)

Graduation Date: May 13, 2022

Graduation Speaker: Glenda McNeal, President, Enterprise Strategic Partnerships for American Express

Graduation Information: Marshall School of Business Graduate Ceremony

The school-wide commencement will be held on the morning of the 13th, with Allyson Felix being the speaker. To learn more, click here.

 

Next Page: Wharton School, Columbia Business School, NYU Stern, and more.