Fall 2026 Commencement

MSU's Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremonies for baccalaureate graduates will take place on Dec. 19 in the Breslin Center. James Madison College graduates will be recognized at the 9 a.m. ceremony.

1. Apply to graduate - you MUST apply to graduate with the Registrar's Office. Complete the application before Friday, October 16, 2026, for the Fall 2026 semester. This will ensure your name is included in the commencement program. If you have a FERPA restriction on your account or apply after the deadline, your name will not appear 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 your ceremony. The registration deadline is Monday, December 7, 2026, at 12 p.m. EST. Registration will open at the start of the fall semester. After the ceremony participation has closed, 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.

3. Arrange for your cap and gown with the MSU Official Graduation Store, the Spartan Spirit Shop. Academic regalia can be purchased online or in-person at their MSU Union location. Questions about academic apparel can be emailed to spirit@msu.edu or by calling 517-355-5116.

Find more information on MSU's Commencement website.