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Commencement FAQ

Eligibility

  • Who is eligible to participate in commencement?

    All December and January graduates, May candidates, and other candidates who are within eight credits of completing requirements may participate in the commencement ceremony.

    Questions about credits and eligibility should be directed to the Registrar’s office at [email protected].
  • How do seniors find out about all the things they need to do in their final semester?

    Seniors receive periodic emails throughout the year. If you have questions for any office/department, please reach out to them directly via email.

    See the Graduation Checklist page for more information.
  • What could prevent a graduate from receiving their diploma?

    Students will receive information from the Student Accounts Office throughout the spring semester reminding them to clear any balance due on their account that could prevent them from receiving their diploma. Graduates who have a balance due may participate in commencement but might not receive their diploma or transcripts until the financial obligation to the college has been met.

    Email [email protected] with questions.

BEFORE THE CEREMONY

  • How do I order a cap and gown?

    Visit the Herff Jones website to rent your cap and gown by Wednesday, April 2, 2025. 

    • The $49 rental fee includes a black gown, black cap, and blue & orange tassel. The gown must be returned, but the cap and tassel are yours to keep.
    • Pay by credit card or PayPal when you place your order.
    • Your regalia will be delivered to the Highlander. Pick up dates and times will be announced closer to the event date.

    Caps and gowns are not required to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

    If the cost of renting a cap and gown is a prohibitive factor for you, please email [email protected] and the Dean of Students staff will work with you.
  • Do I need to register to participate?

    Yes, graduates must register to participate in the ceremony.

    Eligible seniors received an email on January 31 with a link to the registration and ticket request form.
  • Will my family/friends need tickets to attend the ceremony? How will they get them?

    Yes, all guests must have a ticket to attend. (Exception: Any child under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may attend without a ticket and therefore not count towards a graduate’s guest ticket limit.)

    Students will submit their ticket requests during the registration process, with a March 3 cut-off date. Their options will be:

    1. Claim up to 5 Fieldhouse tickets for guests.
    2. Request additional Fieldhouse tickets.  Any unclaimed tickets will be distributed by lottery and students will be notified of their lottery status on March 4, 2025.
    3. Claim up to 15 additional tickets for on-campus viewing of the ceremony. Although the Fieldhouse has a capacity limit, we welcome guests to participate in the celebratory events of commencement day and to view the ceremony via live stream in the Kagin Ballroom. 

    Graduates will receive their guest tickets via email a few days prior to the event, and are responsible for forwarding the ticket information to their guests.

     

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

  • Will the ceremony be live-streamed?

    Yes, we will live stream the May Commencement ceremony. The link for the live stream will be posted on our main Commencement webpage prior to the event. We will also post a link to the recording shortly after the ceremony.
  • Will photos be taken of graduates onstage at the commencement ceremony?

    Yes, a professional photo will be taken of each graduate, and students can typically expect proofs via email (to your Macalester email address) within two weeks of commencement.

    If you don’t receive an email, please use the search function at gradimages.com to find your proofs.
  • Is there assigned seating for graduates?

    No, at Macalester, we allow graduates to select their own seats for the commencement ceremony. This seat selection happens at the commencement rehearsal. More information will be shared closer to the event.
  • Is there assigned or reserved seating for guests?

    No, with the exception of reserved seats for those who have requested accessible seating in advance.
  • What about accessibility needs for myself or my guests at commencement?

    Macalester College strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully.

    We will provide accessible seating for access for individuals with disabilities with specific accommodation needs. To prioritize this seating, there is a limit of two (2) tickets for this area: one for the individual requesting seating and one for a companion to accompany that individual. These two (2) tickets/seats do count toward the graduating senior’s ticket limit.

    Sign language interpreters and Captioning will be provided during the Commencement Ceremony.

    To request a disability related accommodation or inquire about accessibility please complete this form. Once we receive your completed form, you will receive additional information about parking, your assigned seating area and other event information.

    Please submit your request by end of the day April 24, 2025.

    Questions? Email [email protected].
  • Is parking available?

    All campus parking lots will be open to guests, and designated ADA accessible parking spots will be available.

    Use 130 Macalester Street, St. Paul, Minnesota for GPS directions to available parking.

    See our Interactive Campus Map for details.
  • How are the commencement speakers selected?

    At the beginning of spring term, all seniors, as well as faculty and staff, are invited to nominate a senior to give the student address. The selection committee consists of one faculty member, three students and two staff.

    The commencement speaker selection rests with the college president. Generally, speakers are selected because their work or activities embody Macalester’s core values; they have a record of outstanding achievement; and/or they have a special connection to Macalester.
  • How long is the ceremony?

    The length of our commencement ceremony varies from year to year depending on the number of graduates, the length of speeches, and other factors. Please allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for the ceremony.

    Graduates who have rented robes will be required to return them before they leave campus, so please consider that when making travel plans or restaurant reservations.
  • What do the sashes, cords and medals represent?

    Graduates may receive honors from academic honors societies or other departments or organizations on campus. Here is a list of regalia that students may receive and be wearing at Commencement:

      • African Music Ensemble, Kente Stoles
      • Alpha Kappa Delta – Sociology Honors Society, Teal Honor Cords
      • Anthropology Major, Lilac Cords
      • Chanter Literary and Arts Magazine, Orange and Black Cords
      • Delta Phi Alpha – German Honor Society, Black, Red, and Gold Honor Cords
      • Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon – International Geography Honors Society, Gold, Dark Brown and Light Blue Honor Cords
      • Eta Sigma Phi – Classics Honor Society, Purple and Gold Honor Cords
      • Ethics Bowl/Mock Trial, Orange Cords
      • First Generation Graduates, Pale Blue Honor Cords
      • International Students, Home Country Flag Sashes
      • Iota Sigma Pi – Chemistry Honor Society, Green, White and Yellow Honor Cords
      • Lavender Graduation Participants, Rainbow Tassels
      • Lealtad-Suzuki Center for Social Justice, Stoles / Tribal Blankets
      • Macalester First Aid, Royal Blue and Silver Honor Cords
      • Macalester College Student Government, Royal and Light Blue Honor Cords
      • Mac Weekly, Plum Honor Cords
      • Nu Rho Psi – Neuroscience Honors Society, Black, Silver, and Gold Honor Cords
      • Omicron Delta Epsilon – Economics Honor Society, Yellow, Gold, and Royal Blue Honor Cords
      • Phi Alpha Theta – History Honor Society, Light Blue and Red Honor Cords
      • Phi Lambda Upsilon – Chemistry Honor Society, Light Blue, and Pink Honor Cords
      • Pi Sigma Alpha – Political Science Honors Society, Red, Black, and White Honor Cords
      • Psi Chi – Psychology Honors Society, Orange and Blue Honor Cords
      • QuestBridge, Teal, Blue and Silver Honor Cords
      • Resident Assistants, Green and Light Blue Honor Cords
      • Rites of Passage, Woven and Embroidered Stoles
      • Sigma Tau Delta – English Honor Society, Black and Red Honor Cords
      • Summa Cum Laude, Gold Honor Cords
      • Tri Beta – Biology Honors Society, Red and Green Honor Cords

OTHER EVENTS

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please contact [email protected]