1. Apply to graduate - you MUST apply to graduate with the Registrar's Office. Complete the application before Friday, October 11, 2024, for the Fall 2024 semester. This will ensure your name is included in the printed commencement program. If you apply after the deadline or have FERPA restrictions on your account, your name will not print in the program.
   • To check FERPA restriction status, login to SIS, click "My Profile," select “FERPA Restrictions” in the left navigation, then "FERPA Activities View." To remove restrictions, simply un-check the box.
2. Register to participate in a ceremony. Registration deadline is December 6, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. EST.
3. Arrange for your cap and gown. Any questions about academic apparel can be emailed to spirit@msu.edu or call their MSU Union location at 517-355-5116. Visit the Official On-Campus Provider of Caps and Gowns, the Spartan Spirit Shop, in-store or on-line at: spartanspiritshop.msu.edu/collections/graduation.
4. If you are Honor/High Honor: Pickup your honor cords from your Academic Advising/Student Affairs Office within your college.

Please bring your cell phone, if possible. You will need your cell phone to register for the graduation photos.

ASSEMBLY

Please review the college-specific ceremony information above for your assembly time and location and arrive in your academic apparel. Tassels should be on the RIGHT side of the cap. Name/photo cards are distributed at assembly. Commencement staff will direct all candidates at arrival. BRESLIN ENTRANCE MAP (PDF)

The University is not responsible for coats or other belongings left in the assembly or seating areas. Please leave your coats and other belongings with guests.

Babies, children, and other guests are NOT permitted on the Arena floor or in the degree candidate assembly or seating areas.

ORDER OF CEREMONIES

*This order may vary by college and/or ceremony venue

1. Processional (walking in)
2. The Star-Spangled Banner or America the Beautiful
3. Moment of Silence
4. Commencement Keynote Address
5. Special Music
6. Presentation of Degree Candidates, Conferral of Degrees, and Diploma Presentation
7. Alma Mater
8. Recessional

THE PROCESSIONAL
The processional begins about 10 minutes prior to ceremony start and proceeds as follows:

1. Faculty
2. Platform Party

CONFERRAL OF DEGREES AND PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS

Baccalaureate degree candidates wear tassels on the RIGHT.
Candidates rise at the invitation of their college dean. The Provost, joined by the Board of Trustees, confers the degrees en masse. Degree recipients are seated and then escorted to the platform by college. Graduates make their way to the stage. The President presents the token diploma.

There will be at least one photo provided: 1) as you are presented with the token diploma, or 2) a posed photo before you return to your seat. Degree recipients are escorted back to their seats.

THE RECESSIONAL

After the Alma Mater, the recessional proceeds as follows:

1. Platform Party
2. Faculty

FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY

Breslin Center ceremonies: Baccalaureate degree graduates will exit through the Service Tunnel/Drive on the south side of the Breslin Center to meet guests outside of the facility.

It is strongly recommended to take photos inside of the Breslin (if desired) prior to candidate assembly as reentry will not be permitted per Breslin Center policy.

BACCALAUREATE DEGREE CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES

Please contact the commencement office at commencement@msu.edu by Monday, November 4, 2024, with requests for accommodations for the ceremony. Requests made after that date will be met when possible. Parking is limited in the area.

We encourage all participants and their guests to use commencement shuttle bus service. Shuttle buses are accessible. There is no charge.

Barrier-free parking is located in the Breslin Center lot #126 (EAST SIDE OF THE SERVICE DRIVE/TUNNEL). Please enter from Shaw Lane. Parking in this area is limited to those with a State of Michigan or other State-issued disability placard. Breslin Area Parking Map

The Senior Class Council will select one graduating senior to deliver the student speech at each Baccalaureate Degree Ceremony. Speeches are to be no longer than 4-5 minutes. If you are interested in representing the Class of 2024, please review the Speakers page for more information.