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Michigan State University

Commencement
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Baccalaureate Degrees

Baccalaureate Degrees

Commencement Ceremonies

Jack Breslin Student Events Center
Saturday, December 16, 2023

Each ceremony is about two hours. No admission tickets are required.

Pre-registration for ceremony participation closed on December 1 at noon; however, students are still welcome to participate in their ceremony! Students will simply need to fill out a blank name card upon their arrival on the day of their ceremony. Graduates that pre-registered will have a printed name card.


Doors open one hour and 15 minutes prior. The ceremony is about two hours. Babies, children, and other guests are NOT permitted on the Arena floor or in the degree candidate assembly or seating areas.

Please review the clear bag policy on the Breslin Center's website.  

There are no limits on guest attendance, and no tickets are required.  Please refer your guests to the Guests page for more information.

Find ceremony-specific graduation information below.

10:00 A.M.

Arts and Humanities (Residential College)

Arts and Letters

Eli Broad College of Business

Education

James Madison

Music

Social Science

Breslin Center, 534 Birch Road

Assembly: Candidates assemble at 9:00 a.m. on the Arena level. Take the Service Tunnel/Drive on the south side of the Breslin Center down to the Arena level. Name/photo cards are distributed by college. Candidates are seated by College in the Arena.

Exit: Students exit the Breslin Center through the Service Tunnel/Drive at the south side of the building to meet guests outside.

2:00 P.M.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Communication Arts and Sciences

Engineering

Lyman Briggs

Natural Science

Nursing

 

Breslin Center, 534 Birch Road

Assembly: Candidates assemble at 1:00 p.m. on the Arena level. Take the Service Tunnel/Drive on the south side of the Breslin Center down to the Arena level. Name/photo cards are distributed by college. Candidates are seated by College in the Arena.

Exit: Students exit the Breslin Center through the Service Tunnel/Drive at the south side of the building to meet guests outside.

Instructions for Graduating Seniors

We ask your cooperation in observing graduation etiquette. Any items visible and worn with your academic regalia should be appropriate to the occasion and not detract from the recognition of your fellow graduating seniors. Do not wear flowers or decorative jewelry on your academic gown. Low-heeled shoes are recommended. Please be respectful as names are read, so that each and every graduating senior receives the proper recognition.

Please put your phones on silent. Additionally, keep in mind that on stage you will be using both of your hands simultaneously. One hand to receive your diploma and one hand to shake the dean’s hand. Wearing an outfit underneath the gown that has a pocket for your phone is ideal. Academic apparel does NOT have pockets. Please note that you do need your cell phone to register for graduation photos.

Please review the security page for all prohibited items.  

Metal detectors will be at all entrances; please plan accordingly for lines into the facility.  

  1. Apply to graduate - you MUST apply to graduate with the Registrar's Office. Complete the application before Friday, October 13, 2023, for the fall 2023 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.
  2. Register to participate in a ceremony. Registration deadline is December 1, 2023 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.

ASSEMBLY

Please have your guests hold your coat or other belongings.  Items are not allowed in the candidate seating area.

TASSELS - Wear your tassel on the RIGHT of your cap.

BACCALAUREATE DEGREE CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES

Please contact the commencement office at commencement@msu.edu by Monday, November 6, 2023, 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 2023, please review the Speakers page for more information.

Application for Graduation & Diplomas

Cap and Gown & Other Graduation Orders