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Senior Checklist

Get Ready for Graduation!

Apply for Graduation

Congratulations! It is your senior year and naturally, you are starting to think about life after graduation. Your first step is to complete the graduation application form on or before the end of the first week of the semester you expect to complete your degree requirements. For complete information and to apply for graduation, visit the Graduation Application.

Attend GradFest

Attend the annual GradFest event at the MSU Union to purchase your cap and gown, tassel(s), graduation gear, class ring, diploma frame and much more. Complete information including dates, times and format can be found on the Spartan Spirit Shop website.

Take Your Senior Picture

Have your picture taken for The Red Cedar Log, the official yearbook of Michigan State University. You can also contribute stories, photographs, information about your favorite professor and other items for inclusion in the book. 

Update your Career Services Portal

There is a network of over 500,000 Spartan alumni waiting to welcome you after graduation. Remember to keep your MSU Career Services portal up to date. By doing so you will receive information about how to connect with alumni that live in the area you are moving, work at your new employer and different ways to connect with Spartans around the globe.

Attend Your Graduation Reception

Help us celebrate you by attending the annual senior Graduate Reception. Join us and fellow graduates for an evening celebrating your accomplishments and time at MSU. Enjoy food, beverages, pictures with President Stanley and Sparty and much more. We hope to see you there!

Update Your Profile

As your journey after graduation begins, be sure to Update Your Profile with the MSU Alumni Office.  We will do our best to keep you connected to what meant most to you when you were on campus. Staying connected is one of the most important ways you can make an impact for future Spartans. Update your address and employer, select what types of communications you would like to receive and much more.

Locate a Local Alumni Club

Locate the MSU Alumni Club where you are moving and learn how you can become involved! Alumni Clubs are regionally based communities of Spartans offering alumni the opportunity to interact with each other around MSU-related programming, service and philanthropy. If there is not a club where you are moving, our team of engagement directors would be happy to help you connect to alumni in that area. Visit the Alumni Club page to view our club map or get contact information for your region's engagement director.

Earn Your Philanthropy Cord

Make your first monetary gift to the Senior Class Campaign and support a program that impacted your college career. For a donation of $60 or more, you will receive an honorary green and white philanthropy cord to celebrate your support. 

Travel With Fellow Classmates

As part of our Spartan Pathways Travel Program, Essential Europe, is specifically designed for MSU graduating seniors ages 21-25. Travel on this 18-day, 8-country trip that includes all of Europe’s “must-see” sites, such as Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower and Vatican City. 

Purchase Your Class Ring 

Jostens has all you need to commemorate your college achievements and memories. Explore Jostens' personalized college class rings, college jewelry, graduation products and more.

Shop for MSU Diploma Frames

Shop Church Hill Classics for your personalized MSU diploma frame. With many options to choose from, you'll find the perfect way to display your new diploma!