All Michigan State University degree candidates who attend their commencement ceremony are recognized individually for their academic achievement. Please help us provide a memorable event for all involved.
- No tickets are required for guests.
- There are no limits on the number of guests per graduate at this time.
- Gates/Doors open one hour prior to ceremony start times. With the exceptions of the Master's Degrees and Social Science ceremonies, which will open hour and 15 minutes prior.
- Seating for guests is first-come, first-seated.
- We kindly ask that everyone remain for the entire ceremony out of respect to all graduates present.
- No guests (including babies and children) are permitted in the candidate assembly areas or on the area floor.
- Please be respectful of all candidates. All names deserved to be heard.
- Photographs are encouraged, but please remain in your seat when photographing or recording. Professional photographers will provide at least one photo of each graduate. The vendor will contact the graduates with purchasing information.
- Please review the security page for prohibited items.
Spring Undergraduate Convocation vs. College-Level Ceremonies
The Spring Undergraduate Convocation Ceremony is a one hour ‘kick-off’ to the commencement events and is for all graduating seniors. Degrees are not conferred at this ceremony. This is the ceremony where all University administrators are present and the main commencement keynote speaker addresses baccalaureate degree candidates. Graduates remain seated for the duration of the ceremony and do not walk across the stage.
The college-level ceremonies are when degrees are conferred and each graduate is individually recognized as they walk across the stage to receive their token diploma*.
Baccalaureate Degree Graduates are invited to attend both Convocation and their college-level ceremony.
*Note: Token diplomas are distributed at the commencement ceremonies as a ceremonial representation of a graduate’s earned degree. Official diplomas listing a graduate’s name and degree are mailed approximately 6-8 weeks after the end of the semester.
Venues
MSU commencement ceremonies take place at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, 534 Birch Road, East Lansing, MI and the Wharton Center, 750 East Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI (spring semester only).
Please review the clear bag policy on the Breslin Center's website for details on bags or purses that will be permitted during the commencement ceremonies.
Note for Breslin Center ceremonies: Graduates will exit through the tunnel drive at the south side of the building to meet guests outside. It is recommended to take photos in the Breslin prior to candidate assembly as reentry after exit is not permitted per Breslin Center policy.