Commencement Scroll Art Submissions

Third-Year Student Call for Portfolio Samples

Accepting art samples until Nov. 15

We are now accepting portfolio samples from third year students who are interested in designing the class of 2025-2026 commemorative graduation print. The call is open to all students that have reached third-year status and expect to graduate in the 2025-2026 academic year. The selected artist will design the commemorative print in consultation with the MSU Alumni Office that will be distributed to all graduates.

The submission period for artwork is from Sept. 30 – Nov. 15, 2024.

All portfolio samples must be submitted via the online submission form. There is a maximum of five (5) samples per student.

Samples must be submitted as a high-quality JPEG image, scan or photo. Each entry must be labeled with:

Last Name, First Name
Title

Submit Art Samples

graduate holding a scroll

Guidelines for Sample Submissions

Given the intended use of the final piece, submitted samples must be 2-dimensional prints or photographs. All traditional and contemporary forms of media will be considered including but not limited to drawing, painting, illustration, collage, animation, and photography. Please make sure the samples submitted reflect your style, preferred medium(s), and tone.

Timeline

The submission period for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 graduating class runs from Sept. 30 - Nov. 14. Reference the timeline below for full details:

Call for Portfolio Samples: Sept. 30 – Nov. 15

Portfolio Sample Review: Nov.18 - 26

Artist Selection / Notification: Dec.2

Alumni Office / Artist 1^st Meeting*: Week of Jan. 20, 2025

_{*Regular update/status meetings will be scheduled between the time of the first meeting and the final piece is due.}

Criteria and Selection

All portfolio samples are reviewed by a committee comprised of current MSU students and faculty/staff. Student committee members are at the same academic level and are representative of the corresponding graduating class.

Samples submitted will be reviewed for the following:

Interpretation and clarity.
Quality of the artistic composition and overall design.
Color and tone. The balance of the artwork.
Overall impression. What effect does the artwork have in general on the viewer.
Is the artwork applicable and/or representative of the broader MSU community.

Notification

The artist selected will be notified no later than Dec. 2.

Employment| Compensation

The selected artist will be hired by the MSU Alumni Office with “Project Pay” status. Total compensation for the final piece of artwork is $2850.00. Compensation will be split into two (2) payments – the first midway through with the final upon satisfactory completion of the piece.

Theme

Upon selection, the artist will work collaboratively with the MSUAO and the Provost’s Office throughout the creation/completion of the commencement piece. All parties will work together to determine direction and theme. Regular update meetings will be scheduled with a representative from the MSUAO.

Use Rights

The artist grants Michigan State University permission to reproduce the final artwork created in consultation with the MSU Alumni Office and Commencement Office. The artist also attests to the originality of the design.

The artist gives permission to Michigan State University, the MSU Alumni Office, the Provost’s Office, and the Commencement Office to use the produced artwork for all promotions (present and future) associated with the designated graduating class.