Information for Graduates

Important Dates and Deadlines

Additional Deadlines for Masters and Specialists Degree Candidates

Graduation Checklist

• All undergraduate students must inform the University of their intended graduation by submitting an Intent To Graduate. You must do this in order for your records to be reviewed for eligibility for graduation, for your diploma to be ordered, and for your name to be in the printed commencement program. You must apply by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2013 for your name to be in the Summer 2013 printed program. Students who turn in their Intent to Graduate after this date (provided they are eligible for graduation) may still participate in the Commencement ceremony, but will not be included in the printed program. There are no exceptions to the printed program deadline due to printing deadlines.
  
  If you file electronically through My Missouri State, you will receive an immediate confirmation message that your submission has been received as well as some basic graduation information in your confirmation email, so this is the recommended method of submission. It is recommended that you keep a copy of this confirmation. Please be sure to submit your name exactly as you wish for it to appear on your diploma. Please verify that you entered the correct semester of graduation by going to your advising notes and checking the "Declared Graduation Date" line in the Student Information box. Please wait 3-5 business days before attempting to verify this in order to give our staff enough time to process your Intent to Graduate.
  
  Seniors may submit an online Intent to Graduate through My Missouri State. The link to the Intent to Graduate form is on the Commencement channel on the Academics tab. Seniors who don't have access My Missouri State may complete a .pdf version of the Intent to Graduate but will not receive a confirmation and information e-mail like those who file electronically. This request can be faxed or scanned/emailed to the Office of the Registrar at Registrar@missouristate.edu. The Intent to Graduate must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2013 for inclusion in the Summer 2013 printed commencement program.
  
  Masters, specialists, and doctorate candidates must submit an online Application for Graduation through the Graduate College web site. The Application for Graduation must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2013 for inclusion in the Summer 2013 printed commencement program. 
• Seniors should review their degree audit to see if they have fulfilled all academic requirements for graduation. It is recommend that you review your degree audit and apply for graduation as soon as you have registered for your final semester of classes. Students who have questions concerning their graduation requirements, should contact their academic advisor or the Office of the Registrar, Carrington Hall 320, 836-5520.
• Seniors must take the University Exit Exam (formerly known as the University Assessment Exam or General Education Exit Assessment Exam). Registration for this exam takes place through the general registration system by enrolling in GEN 499. See the University Exit Exam website for further details about the exam. Failure to complete the University Exit Exam prior to commencement will prevent a student from graduating. There is no statute of limitation on the validity of the exam once it is completed.
• Masters, specialists, and doctorate candidates must consult with their advisor and/or the Graduate College to determine if all degree requirements will be met.
• Verify your permanent home address through the "My Missouri State" system. Students who need to change their permanent address may do so by filling out a Change of Address form through the Office of the Registrar.

• Clear all holds such as overdue library books and fines, outstanding financial obligations to the University, etc. While a hold does not prevent graduation, it does prevent the release of your diploma and/or transcript until the hold is resolved.
• Students who have borrowed a federal Stafford student loan are required to complete exit counseling prior to graduation at http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/SaEcWelcome.do. While failure to complete exit counseling does not prevent graduation, it's important to follow through with this procedure so that your lenders will be updated regarding your graduation date.
• Students who are not planning to participate in the Summer 2013 commencement ceremony, may pick up a diploma cover in the Office of the Registrar, Carrington Hall 320, beginning July 29, 2013. Commencement ceremony participation is optional and does not affect your official graduation status.

Graduation Announcements

Option 1: Order personalized announcements online. Check back here on June 3 for dates and link to order online.

Option 2: Go to the Graduation Celebration at the MSU Bookstore on the following date to purchase announcements from Herff Jones: June 19, 2013 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Special offers on announcements, rings, and diploma frames.

Your degree, major, and time of ceremony are printed on the announcement. If you do not know your degree or title of your major, use the My Missouri State find the information on record. If you are unsure of your college, check the list of colleges and departments. See below for the division of ceremonies.

Caps, Gowns, Tassels, Hoods

All graduates are required to wear authorized caps, gowns, hoods (as applicable) and tassels. Cap and gown package purchase prices are bachelors-$29.99; masters-$58.99 (including hood); specialists-$64.99 (including hood); doctors-$69.99 (includes hood). Extra Tassel:$8.99

Option 1: Order online and have your cap/gown mailed to the MSU bookstore or your home address. Check back here on June 3 for the date and link to order online.

Option 2: Go to the Graduation Celebration at the MSU Bookstore on the following date to purchase cap/gown: June 19, 2013 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. You will be able to pick up the cap and gown immediately. Special offers on announcements, rings, and diploma frames.

Option 3: If you miss the deadline for ordering online, you may purchase your cap/gown at the Bookstore on July 29-August 1, 2013 or at the main floor of Hammons Student Center at Commencement on August 2, 2013 one hour prior to the ceremony.

Scholastic Honors

Students who have questions regarding their scholastic honors eligibility should first read the Scholastic Honors Policy and then contact the Office of the Registrar, (417) 836-5520, Carrington 320 with further questions. Students who are eligible for scholastic honors recognition may pick up their cordon on the main floor of Hammons Student Center on the day of Commencement. Scholastic honors are automatically calculated by the University, so the student does not need to do anything in advance related to scholastic honors.

As noted in the policy, recognition for honors at the Commencement ceremony is based on GPA eligibility at the conclusion of the preceding semester (Spring 2013). Summer 2013 grades have not been officially submitted at the time of Commencement. There are no exceptions to this policy. Final scholastic honors eligibility (including Summer 2013 grades) will be recognized on the diploma and academic transcript.

Note: Transfer students must complete a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours at Missouri State University prior to official graduation to qualify for any honors. Additionally, honors are based on the LOWEST GPA of your Missouri State GPA and your combined GPA.

Note: Graduate students are not eligible for scholastic honors.

Note: Students who participate in Missouri S&T's cooperative engineering program are eligible to participate in Missouri State's commencement ceremony. Their scholastic honors (based on Missouri S&T scholastic honors requirements, which are different from Missouri State) will be listed in Missouri State's printed commencement program and will be read aloud during name announcement. Since Missouri S&T does not issue honors cordons, cooperative engineering students do not wear honors cordons.

Veterans Recognition

Missouri State University graduation candidates who have served in the military or who are scheduled to receive ROTC commissioning will be recognized with a red, white, and blue cordon. Eligible graduation candidates will be contacted by Veteran Student Services. The cordon may be picked up through the Veteran Student Services office prior to commencement.

Division of Commencement Ceremonies

Friday, August 2, 2013
1:00 p.m. (all colleges, all students)
JQH Arena

There is one ceremony and undergraduate division is by college of major (program of study).  If you are unsure of your college, check the list of colleges and departments.  

• Masters and Specialists degree candidates will march together with all other graduate degree candidates.

• Education majors will march with the college of their major. Please see the following examples:
  • Business Education majors would walk with the College of Business.
  • Music Education majors would walk with the College of Arts and Letters since the Department of Music is in the College of Arts and Letters.
  • Physical Education majors would walk with the College of Health and Human Services since the Department of Kinesiology is in the College of Health and Human Services.
  • Child and Family Development, Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and Special Education majors are in the College of Education. Secondary education majors do not walk as part of the College of Education.
• Individualized majors (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) are interdisciplinary by nature. Students pursing an individualized major are encouraged to walk with the college in which their primary department (and advisor) are assigned.

Commencement Day Instructions

Friday, August 2, 2013
1:00 p.m. (all colleges, all students)
JQH Arena

• The ceremony will start promptly and will last approximately 90 minutes.  No tickets are required and there is no reserved seating. The event is open to the public.
• The doors to both Hammons Student Center (for graduate candidate lineup) and JQH Arena (for Commencement guests) will open one hour prior to the beginning of each ceremony.
• Graduates are to assemble on the main floor of Hammons Student Center no later than 45 minutes prior to the start of their assigned ceremony. Further directions will be given at that time.
• Please do not bring umbrellas, cameras, purses, or any other items with you to either Hammons Student Center or JQH Arena.  You are not permitted to carry them in the Procession and there will be no place to secure them.
• Graduates will be required to march from the main floor of Hammons Student Center to the main floor of JQH Arena.  If you need special accommodations of any type, you should notify Mr. Andrew Wright, Commencement Chair and Assistant Vice-President/Director of Admissions, at (417) 836-5517 no later than four weeks before commencement.
• Graduates will be led down to the arena floor in two lines. The right hand line will be seated on the left side of the arena floor (facing the stage): the left hand line will be seated on the right side of the arena floor (facing the stage). If you want to sit next to someone, that person must either be in front or behind you, not to the side of you.  The chairs on the arena floor are in rows of 10.  So there is a 1 in 10 chance that you will not get to sit next to that person.
• At a certain point the President and the Provost will introduce the various candidates for degrees. The graduates will proceed forward to have their names read and to receive a diploma cover by one of the Board of Governors. At this moment your picture will be taken by a professional photographer and you will receive a proof of the photograph plus information on ordering prints within three weeks.
• When all graduates names have been announced, the ceremony will end with the singing of the Alma Mater and a recessional of Platform party, faculty, and graduates out of the arena. 

• In fair weather the graduates will be marched out of the northwest entrance of JQH Arena. Graduates are requested to prearrange a meeting place with their guests at a location outside the Arena.

Special Accommodations

Graduates will be required to march from the main floor of Hammons Student Center to the main floor of JQH Arena. If you need special accommodations of any type, you should notify Mr. Andrew Wright, Commencement Chair and Assistant Vice-President/Director of Admissions, at (417) 836-5517 no later than one week prior to the ceremony.

The University must have at least one week notice of any disability accommodation (other than seating) for  guests in order to serve the needs identified. That notice must be to Mr. Andrew Wright, Commencement Chair and Assistant Vice-President/Director of Admissions, at (417) 836-5517. There is no need to contact Mr. Wright for seating accommodation, which is described below.

Special (non-reserved) seating areas are available for guests with permanent or temporary disabilities. No stairways are encountered. Guests in wheelchairs as well as those who are unable to climb stairs are permitted in these areas. Due to space limitations, we ask that only one other family member be seated with the guest in the special areas. There are no reservations taken for these seats. To seek assistance in locating this seating, you may see one of the ushers located at the entrances the day of the ceremony. 

Proper Dress and Decorum for Commencement

• Please make sure that the clothing you wear will appear in good taste when the gown is removed. Tassels are worn on the left side of cap. Caps are worn flat on the head.
• Only approved academic regalia can be worn in the ceremony. Signs or slogans on top of cap are not permitted and will be removed. Only scholastic honors are recognized as a part of the regalia. No honorary cordons or pins (from departmental or national organizations), scarves, jewelry or corsages may be worn on the outside of the robe.
• Ceremonial procedure follows closely the code adopted by the American Council on Education. This code calls for all persons, men and women, to wear the cap during all purely academic activities. Neither men nor women will remove caps for the National Anthem.
• Commencement guests are requested to remain in their seats during the entire ceremony and to respect the rights of others to view the ceremony in its entirety, without being distracted or having their view blocked by others.
• Persons are also requested to refrain from applauding except at times when invited to do so. Loud applause, cheers, etc., often cause the names of some graduates to be "drowned out." Each graduate deserves equal recognition for his/her accomplishment. Guests will be given the opportunity to applaud their graduate.
• The awarding of a college degree comes at the end of many years of hard work and dedication. The dignity of the college degree and of the academic community should be recognized. Each person who achieves this goal might view it in a slightly different manner. Each student must respect the rights of his/her colleagues and not celebrate that achievement in a way which infringes on the rights of others. Thank you for your cooperation in observing these guidelines.

Diplomas and Transcripts

• Diplomas will be mailed beginning on September 27, 2013 to the student's permanent address provided all degree requirements have been met and all holds have been cleared.  
• If you change your primary/permanent address on file with the University, you are encouraged to do so no later than the Friday following Commencement. You still can change your address later than that, but the change may not be reflected on the mailing list generated for diploma mailing. If you change your primary/permanent address later than the Friday following Commencement, you will want to contact the Office of the Registrar at (417) 836-5520 to ensure your address is updated on the diploma mailing list.
• The name on your diploma will be as you requested on the Intent To Graduate form. The degree, major, scholastic honors, and Honors College citations are printed on the diploma. Options within a major and minors are not printed on the diploma but are included in degree information on the transcript. Students who have two majors under the same degree receive one diploma (one degree) listing both majors. There are no exceptions to the options or two majors policy. You may not request a name change to your diploma after Commencement as the diploma order production will begin.
• Transcripts with final grades and degree earned will be available beginning August 16, 2013.  See Transcript Requests for information. One complimentary copy of your transcript will be mailed with your diploma.
• Replacement diplomas are available for a $20 fee ($30 for diploma and diploma cover) from the Office of the Registrar, Carrington Hall 320, (417) 836-5520.

Career Center

Visit the Career Center to discover the many resources available to Missouri State students and alumni as you continue your job search. It's not too late to register with Career Center to participate in on-campus recruiting and to have your resume referred to employers.  

Don't forget to complete the Graduate Follow-Up Survey which you will be receiving in the mail. This information is confidential and helps us better serve Missouri State students and may result in your winning a $25 Bookstore gift certificate.

Alumni Association

Visit the Alumni Association table at the cap and gown pick-up area in the bookstore July 29 - August 1, 2013  from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and August 2 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.  We have a GIFT for you!  We are proud of your accomplishments and want to keep in touch with you after you leave Missouri State. Complete an Alumni Record Form and pick up your graduation memento from the Alumni Association. Not picking up a cap and gown? Drop by anyway. All graduates are invited to receive a gift. After August 2, 2013, call (417) 836-5654 to find out where to pick up your memento.

The goal of the Missouri State Alumni Association is to be your lifelong link to the University--to keep you informed and involved with your alma mater for the rest of your life. All alumni (with current addresses on file) receive:

• Three issues annually of Missouri State magazine, your official alumni publication
• 12 issues of the Bear Bulletin, your monthly e-newsletter
• Event information for Homecoming
• Invitations to alumni gatherings in your area
• Special reunion and event invitations
• Access to Missouri State's online community which offers a personal profile, directory of alumni, permanent University e-mail address, resume posting, upcoming event information and much more

News Release of Graduation Candidates

Each semester, the Office of University Communications sends the names of Missouri State University graduation candidates to their hometown newspapers. See the Office of University Communications web site for more information about how and when this list is distributed. For more information, contact the Office of University Communications at (417) 836-6397. 

Commencement Photography

Grad Images will be taking individual portraits one hour prior to each commencement ceremony on the main floor of Hammons Student Center. No appointment is necessary and portrait sittings are free. A candid photograph will also be taken at the student's moment of recognition in the ceremony. 

Graduates will be sent a free passport sized digital proof of these photos with ordering information within 5 to 7 days following the commencement ceremony. Graduates will also receive an email notification with a secure link to photos. Students may place orders or obtain answers to questions at www.gradimages.com or 1-800-424-3686. There is no obligation to purchase, and Grad Images guarantees complete satisfaction.

Commencement Eligibility

Students must have ALL graduation requirements in-progress during their intended semester of graduation (includes transfer work from other institutions) in order to be eligible to participate in Commencement.

The only possible exception to this policy are those students who will complete all their graduation requirements during the subsequent intersession. Undergraduate students who meet this criteria may request permission to participate in an early commencement ceremony by petitioning Dr. Rachelle Darabi in the Office of the Provost after they have actually registered for their intersession class(es). The contact person for submitting such an appeal to Dr. Darabi is Lori Roessler (Academic Assistance Program Coordinator for Student Development and Public Affairs). Appeals may be submitted via e-mail to Ms. Roessler at LoriRoessler@missouristate.edu. Graduate students would request permission to participate in an early commencement ceremony by petitioning Dr. Tom Tomasi, Assistant Dean of the Graduate College.

Those given permission to participate in an early should understand that, although their name will be read during the ceremony, it will not appear in the commencement program nor will they officially graduate until the conclusion of the semester in which all graduation requirements have been completed. Per University intersession policy, fall intersession (August) is part of the following fall semester, winter intersession (January) is part of the following spring semester, and summer intersession (late May/early June) is part of the following summer session. Students who receive permission to participate are not eligible to be recognized for scholastic honors during the Commencement ceremony.

Information for Students Graduating From a West Plains Completion Program

If you are completing your degree through MSU Springfield at the West Plains campus, you may wish to participate in the Missouri State University-West Plains Commencement ceremony instead of (or in addition to) the Springfield Commencement ceremony. For information on how to participate in this ceremony, please see the MSU-West Plains Graduation Procedures page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:   How can I make sure that I have taken care of everything?

A:   Please review the "Graduation Checklist" above to ensure you have completed (or are aware of) everything on the checklist. If you have a question regarding your degree audit, please consult with your academic advisor. If you an undergraduate student and have questions concerning your graduation eligibility, you may also visit the Office of the Registrar in person and a staff member will go over your graduation eligibility with you. If you an graduate student and have questions concerning your graduation eligibility, you may also visit the Graduate College to review your graduation eligibility with you.

Q:  I have transfer work from another school that will help fulfill my remaining graduation requirements. Do I need to do anything? Does the transfer work have to be here prior to the Commencement ceremony in order to be eligible to participate?

A:   Please inform the Office of the Registrar that you will have transfer work to come in at the end of the semester. There is an information box at the bottom of the Intent to Graduate form where you can communicate this to us. We record this information so that when graduation checks begin after final grading, we know to expect further transfer work from you. It is highly likely that your transfer work will not be received prior to commencement, and it will not prevent you from participating in the Commencement ceremony. Assuming your transfer work will fulfill your remaining graduation requirements, you will receive a letter in the mail informing you that you have until the mid-point of the next semester (the specific date is included in the letter) to get your transfer work here and evaluated by the Admissions Office. It is important that you request an official transcript of your transfer work to be sent to Missouri State as soon as your transfer work has been graded.

Q:   Do I need to RSVP for Commencement?

A:   You do not need to RSVP for Commencement. A name card is prepared for every eligible graduation candidate which is picked up at check-in for graduation on the main floor of Hammons Student Center. The name card is used to announce your name during the ceremony. If you are not present, your name will not be read during the ceremony.

Q:   I am planning to bring personal belongings (i.e. coat, purse, umbrella) to the Commencement Ceremony. Where can I leave them?

A:   Please do not bring these items to the Commencement ceremony as there is no safe place to store them during the ceremony. It is recommended that you leave these items with family and friends or leave them in your vehicle. You should not pick up a Commencement program when you arrive as one will be in your chair on the arena floor.

Q:   What do I get to wear to recognize my scholastic honors and/or Honors College participation?

Only students eligible for University scholastic honors and Honors College graduates are allowed to wear extra academic regalia. Students in departmental and national honor societies are not allowed to wear additional regalia. Those students who are eligible for scholastic honors cordons or Honors College stoles will be able to pick up this regalia as they check in at Commencement. Honors College graduates will receive a blue stole. Students who are eligible for scholastic honors (see "Scholastic Honors" above) will be able to pick up their cordon (Summa Cum Laude-gold, Magna Cum Laude-silver, Cum Laude-maroon) as they check in at Commencement.

Q:   Will I receive my diploma at Commencement?

A:   No. Final grades are not yet due at the time of Commencement. Once final grades are processed, a review of each graduation candidate's eligibility is completed and diplomas are prepped for mailing. This process takes 6-8 weeks. Please see the "Important Dates and Deadlines" at the top of the page to find out when diploma mailing will begin.

Q:   I have checked the "Scholastic Honors" eligibility above and I am not currently eligible for scholastic honors. If my instructors will confirme my grades for my last semester, will you consider them for recognition at the Commencement?

A:   No. Exceptions to the scholastic honors policy cannot be made. Scholastic honors eligibility is based on your GPA level at the end of the semester prior to your intended semester of graduation. Final grades are not due yet at the time of the Commencement ceremony. Even if your instructor were willing to confirm your grades, it would not be fair to all of the other graduation candidates to not have their final grades considered as well.  Final scholastic honors eligibility will include final grades and will be reflected on your diploma and transcript. Students who become eligible for scholastic honors based on final grades, or who were eligible but whose level of honors changed based on final grades, may receive their scholastic honors cordon by contacting the Dean of Students Office at (417) 836-5527.

Q:   I missed the deadline for inclusion in the printed Commencement Program. Can I get my name printed in the program anyway?

A:   No. Unfortunately, in order for the Commencement programs to be ready for the ceremony, a strict deadline must be honored to give the printer enough time to produce the program. Once the program has been sent to print, we are unable to make any further changes. However, students who miss the program deadline may still participate in the Commencement ceremony and may still be recognized for scholastic honors if eligible.

Q:   The date in which the "Important Dates and Deadlines"  states my diploma will be mailed has arrived and I do not have my diploma yet. Is something wrong?

A:   The "important Dates and Deadlines" indicates the date that the diploma mailing process begins. Depending on the number of graduates, all diplomas may not go out the first day of mailing. It is recommended that you wait at least one week past the deadline before inquiring about your diploma. Additionally, the following items may delay the receipt of your diploma:

1. You have a Hold that prevents your diploma and transcript from being released. A letter will be sent to your permanent address to notify you at the time of the diploma mailing.
2. You have an unresolved graduation issue. Undergraduate students will be sent a letter (at permanent address) regarding the unresolved graduation issue. The Graduate College will communicate with graduate students regarding any unresolved graduation issue.