Graduation and Commencement

https://reg.msu.edu/StuForms/GradApp/GradApp.aspx

When should I apply to graduate?

• Spring semester – apply in the first half of January
• Summer semester – apply in the first half of January
• Fall semester – apply in the first half of September

If you miss that deadline, 

1. You MUST still apply to graduate in order to trigger the graduation process in the Office of the Registrar. 
2. Your name may not appear in the Commencement Program, but you can still walk in the Commencement ceremony

If you are able to come to East Lansing in May or December, you can walk across the stage with your classmates and shake hands with the Dean of Arts & Letters in the Advanced Degrees ceremony in East Lansing. The event when you walk does not have to be the same semester when you officially graduate. Summer graduates may walk in May or December, for example. 

Register to participate: REQUIRED! https://commencement.msu.edu/graduate-information/advanced-degrees 

Order your cap and gown: To order online visit the Spartan Spirit Shop website. With questions, please contact the Spartan Spirit Shop at (517) 355-5116.

We usually plan a reception on campus on the day of the ceremony and a dinner at a restaurant nearby. Organizing messages will come through Teams and email. And plan to book your hotel early!

Your Guests are very welcome! Others have brought their spouses or partners, children, and parents. Let us know so we can make sure we have food and drinks, and also read these MSU instructions for Commencement guests: commencement.msu.edu/guests. 

Events will be listed on the MAFLT Events page or SharePoint Events and Calendar.

From the Commencement site: 

DIPLOMAS
Graduates – your diplomas will be mailed approximately one month after your degree has been awarded.  Questions regarding your Graduation Application or Diploma, please email the Registrar’s Office at reg@msu.edu or call 517-355-3300.