The doors will open at 9:00 a.m. and graduates are to be in place by 9:30 a.m.  Degree candidates will be lined up in ROOMS 1 and 2 of the MPEC (separate building adjacent to the Kay Yeager Coliseum.)  Use the entrance to the left of the flags.  Family members and guests will not be allowed in the graduate line up area and should proceed to the Kay Yeager Coliseum.  Signs will indicate where the graduates will line up.  We anticipate the ceremony will last about two and one-half hours.  After the recessional, graduates will proceed outside to meet family and guests.

Regalia: The MSU Bookstore is ready to assist you with your graduation needs, from regalia, to announcements and MSU ring.  You may contact the bookstore at 940-397-4303 to purchase your regalia and have it shipped to you.  The MSU Bookstore will be open Commencement Saturday, May 12, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Honors: Cords for Honor graduates (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) will be distributed as you line up. They are to be worn pinned to the left shoulder seam.

Dress: All graduates will wear an Academic Gown and a Mortar Board (without personal accessories or messages).  All tassels should be worn on the right and will be shifted to the left together, except for master's candidates who will wear their tassel on the left the entire ceremony.  Casual wear is not appropriate. Graduates may not wear jewelry or flowers on the gown and may not carry a purse or camera. There will be no secure place to leave valuables during the ceremony. Pin car keys to the inside of the gown if necessary. Female candidates for the associate and bachelors degrees should have white collars in their gown packets. All Master’s candidates will have hoods instead of collars, which they will carry on the right arm so they can be hooded during the ceremony. The hoods will be issued by the Bookstore.

Photographer:  The University has arranged for a photographer to take pictures as you receive your diploma cover and a second shot after exiting the stage.  The photograph with the President is candid, so you do not have to stop to pose for that photo.  Proofs will be mailed to your current mailing address on record about two weeks after graduation.  Order information may be found at www.flashphotography.com Dept Code FWP.  Order on or before Commencement day to receive special pricing and expedited service.

The ceremony is being recorded and will air on digital Channel 2 or QAM 11.1 at 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 15 through Friday, May 18.  If you are interested in purchasing a DVD, contact the Office of Public Information and Marketing at (940) 397-4352, or order online at http://www.mwsu.edu/stores/publicinfo.  

Attendance at Commencement is a degree requirement for May graduates unless officially excused. If you are absolutely unable to be here, contact the Office of the Registrar to obtain a form to request permission to graduate in absentia.

Diplomas:  Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and a final evaluation in the Office of the Registrar, you will receive your diploma.  If all of your degree requirements are completed, diplomas may be picked up beginning June 5, 2012.  You must bring a picture I.D.  If you have someone else pick up your diploma, you must send a signed authorization for us to release it to that person and that person must present picture I.D.  If you asked us to mail your diploma, it will be mailed about June 12, 2012.  Students who did not complete degree requirements will be notified by letter.

If you have any other questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at (940) 397-4116.