2024 Graduation Checklist
Before Commencement
- The Registration and Ticket Request Form for the May 2024 Commencement ceremony has closed. Students who registered by the deadline received an email on February 27 with their ticket status. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions about your registration or ticket status.
- Now: Check list of hotels with courtesy blocks in place to reserve lodging for family and friends who will attend graduation. Our Admissions department also maintains a Places to Stay webpage which may have more options.
- Early April: You will receive an email from NameCoach. Be sure to review the information carefully and record your name by Monday, April 29, 2024. If you have any questions, email the ITS Help Desk at [email protected].
- April 14, 2024: Check your student account status on 1600grand to confirm you are eligible to receive your diploma. Contact Student Accounts with questions at [email protected].
- April 22, 2024 – May 10, 2024: If you pre-ordered your cap & gown for the May 11th Commencement ceremony, the Highlander now has them in store for pickup. Store hours are 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- if you missed the deadline and still need to get a cap & gown, the Highlander has some extras available on a first come / first served basis.
- April 26, 2024: Deadline to purchase non-personalized graduation announcements from The Highlander – The Shop at Macalester bookstore.
- April 26, 2024: Complete this FORM by today if you or a guest require accessible/disability accommodation seating and/or specific accommodations.
- Early May 2024: Check your email for a link to the annual Graduating Senior Survey, which takes 5-7 minutes to complete. The survey enables Career Exploration to better understand your immediate post-graduation plans and to know how to best support those who are still working on their plans. Please email careerexploration@​macalester.edu with any questions.
- May 1, 2024: Double-check your student account status on 1600grand for diploma holds to confirm you are eligible to receive your diploma. Contact the Student Loan Office if you have incomplete loan responsibilities. Contact Student Accounts at [email protected] with outstanding balance questions.
Senior Week
- May 6 – 10, 2024: It’s Senior Week! Visit the Senior Week website for more details about the schedule of events!
- May 9, 2024: Return all library materials or risk having a hold placed on your diploma.
- May 9, 2024: Return all keys that have been checked out from the Facilities office or run the risk of being charged $30 per key, which puts a hold on your diploma.
- May 9, 2024: Rehearsal in the Leonard Center Fieldhouse. 10:00 a.m – noon.
- May 9, 2024: Class Photo directly AFTER rehearsal in the Alumni Gym.
- May 10, 2024: Attend Academic Department receptions. Most will be held from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Commencement Day
- May 11, 2024 – 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Commencement Info Table open for information.
- May 11, 2024 – 10:30 AM: Commencement begins.
- May 11, 2024 – Return your rental gown to Scotty’s in the LC (BEFORE you leave campus):
- Return your rental gown directly after the ceremony, or you will be charged $135.
After Commencement
- May 12, 2024: Move out of residence halls by Noon.
- May 13, 2024: Update address and contact information with MacConnect to stay in touch with Macalester alumni.
- Before October 1, 2025: Review the Graduation Technology Checklist to learn more about when you’ll need to transfer any email, Google Drive documents, contacts, data, etc. before your account is closed.
- ASAP! Make a contribution to the 2024 Senior Class Gift!