The below information refers to the 2026 commencement season, and details are subject to change for future semesters.
Commencement Weekend at the University of Michigan, specifically Wednesday through Friday, is our busiest balloon period of the year. SORC is staffed entirely by students; their academic commitments come first! Student availability is very limited at this time, so these limits must be observed for all balloon requests:
- The maximum number of balloons available for any individual order is 48.
- The deadline to request balloon deliveries for Commencement week is Friday, April 17 at 11:59PM.
- It is possible that we will reach capacity before then. We have a limited supply and limited human resources.
Other notes about Commencement orders:
- We need a minimum 2-hour window for delivery. We have dozens of deliveries (over 1,000 balloons in a single day to over 30 different destinations on and off campus!) and cannot accommodate a small delivery window.
- Someone must be present during the delivery window to accept the balloons. We cannot leave balloons unattended.
- We must have your cell phone number in case we are running late or can't find you.
- The latest available delivery time on Friday, May 1 is 3-5PM.
- We are not able to offer pickup/delivery for balloons on Saturday 5/2 or Sunday 5/3. Balloons received on Friday should last through the weekend if they are kept in a temperature controlled environment, however we cannot guarantee it because of the nature of balloons.
- We are not able to do balloon sculptures, Victors Centerpieces, arches, or any other complex arrangements.
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NEW EVENT EQUIPMENT RENTAL
We are now offering some exciting new options to take your events to the next level, including:
- Photobooth: Elevate your event with the Salsa 2, the most versatile and user-friendly digital photo booth available. Perfect for weddings, campus events, and more.
- "Block M" Backdrop: 8x8 backdrop featuring a blue background with maize step and repeat "Block M" design. Perfect addition to your photobooth rental or campus event.
- Sound Equipment: All-in-one portable PA system that sets up in minutes and can fill small-to-medium rooms or amplify your voice outdoors. This package also comes with the Shure SM58 microphone and all necessary cords, including an Aux cord to easily connect with your phone or computer.
- A-Frame Signs: Enhance visibility and guide attendees during your event or commencement with our A-frame sign rentals.