Graduation Ceremony Information

December 2024 expected graduates should make arrangements to pick-up their regalia at the Phillips Bookstore in the Student Union.  See below if you are unable to pick-up your regalia (cap and gown).  

Cap and Gown Pick-up Days and Times:

Thursday, December 5, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, December 6, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Monday, December 9, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday, December 10, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, December 11, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday, December 12, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, December 13, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

REMINDER:  Cap and gown WILL NOT be available for pick-up at the ceremony.

Senior Celebration will be held in the Phillips Bookstore the week before commencement on dates December 5, 6, 7, and 9.  Participants will include, Alumni Relations, Career Development Center, Development Office/Senior Gift, Graduate Studies,  Athletics/BBA and Jostens.  

The MTSU Phillips Bookstore is located on the main floor of the Student Union, across from the Student Services and Admissions Center (SSAC).  Some metered parking spaces are available in the Student Union parking lot.  The bookstore address is 1768 MTSU Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37132.  You may reach them at 615/898-2700.  

For regalia/cap & gown questions, email Jennifer Brown, [email protected] at the Phillips Bookstore.  

There is no charge for regalia for undergraduate or graduate students.  Expected graduates receiving a Bachelor’s or Masters/Specialists degree do not need to be measured for gown size.  Phillips Bookstore pre-orders all regalia prior to cap and gown pickup week.  Those students receiving Doctoral degrees will be contacted by the bookstore to obtain their gown size.

Undergraduate expected graduates earning a bachelor’s degree will receive a cap, gown and tassel with the graduation year drop.  Bookstore staff will ask your height and weight at pickup to provide graduates with the appropriate gown size.  The cap and gown are black in color, while the tassel is blue and white. 

If an undergraduate student qualifies for Latin Honors (determined by the Inclusive GPA), the stole will also be provided at pickup; Cum Laude (white), Magna Cum Laude (silver) or Summa Cum Laude (gold).  See below in Ceremony FAQs for details regarding Latin Honors requirements.  

Masters and EDS expected graduates will receive a gown, cap, tassel with graduation year drop, and hood representing their program.  Bookstore staff will ask your height and weight at pickup to provide graduates with the appropriate gown size.  The cap and gown are black in color, while the tassel is blue and white.  Graduates are responsible for putting on hoods the day of the ceremony.  A mannequin will be available at the Bookstore during pickup displaying how to correctly drape the hood.  Ceremony staff are unable to assist with hoods.  

Doctoral graduates will be contacted by Phillips Bookstore staff several months prior to graduation for gown size.  Regalia includes gown, hood, tam and gold tassel for all doctoral expected graduates.  

If you participate in the graduation ceremony, you must wear MTSU’s provided regalia as it is intended to be worn. Graduating seniors who are in the military may wear their uniforms in lieu of the academic cap and gown.  It is recommended that you wear lighter, comfortable clothing as it can get warm in the graduation gown inside Murphy Center.  

If you are unable to pick-up your regalia on the dates listed above, we encourage you to send someone else to pick it up for you.  If someone else will be picking up your gown, you must provide your authorized person with a signed and dated statement from you, authorizing pick-up of your gown.  Your note must list the expected graduate’s full name, MTSU M#, your height & weight (used for gown size) and the name of your authorized person.  Make sure your authorized person comes prepared to present their valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or their MTSU issued ID if they are also a student.

Yes, any student on the expected graduation list may pick up regalia during the posted cap and gown pickup dates.  If you are not attending the ceremony you must submit the In Absentia form. 

Gown & Cap Sizing Guidelines

Please review the Jostens gown size chart and call 615-898-2700 or email Jennifer Brown, [email protected] at the Phillips Bookstore. 

Caps, if decorated, must be tasteful, cannot include lights, and décor can be no more than 1 inch in height.  Non-compliant caps will have décor removed prior to the commencement ceremony.  No embellishments are to be added to the graduation gown.  

An undergraduate or graduate level student completing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Specialist in Education or Doctoral degree. The student must have submitted graduation paperwork to their college advisor/graduation analyst, confirmed they are on the graduation list (can see this in DegreeWorks and PipelineMT), and will have completed all coursework required for the degree prior to or during the term in which the ceremony is held.  Students earning an undergraduate or graduate certificate only do not participate in the graduation ceremony.

Participation in the ceremony does not signify degree conferral.  Final fall grades are due midnight, Sunday, December 15, 2024.  Degrees will be awarded after final grades are processed and successful completion of all candidate requirements are verified by the appropriate graduation analyst.

Commencement is a time to celebrate your academic achievements!  It is also a day of tradition and of dignified behavior.  MTSU requests that excitement celebrating our graduates is expressed in ways that will not prevent others from hearing speakers, ceremony readers, and enjoying the ceremony.  As commencement may be the first time many guests will visit our campus, appropriate behavior by our graduates will create positive memories for all who attend.

• Students must be in their assigned auxiliary gym no later than 45 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony.
• Students must arrive dressed in their approved regalia (cap and gown) as provided by MTSU.  Students should not alter their regalia but may decorate their cap or wear university related stoles.  Cap decorations should be tasteful, no more than 1 inch tall or wider than the cap and cannot light up or make sounds.  Inappropriate regalia will be removed prior to the procession into the arena.
• Although there is no official dress code for graduation, students should wear appropriate clothing under their regalia. 
• Students and guests are expected to refrain from disruptive behavior.
• Alcohol and other illegal substances are prohibited during the graduation ceremony. 
• Air horns, noisemakers and other items that may disrupt the ceremony or other’s ability to view or hear the ceremony, are strictly prohibited, and should not be brought into Murphy Center.
• Balloons are not allowed inside Murphy Center. You will be asked to leave or take the balloons back to your car if you enter the building with them.
• Cell phones and other electronic devices should be silenced or put on silent mode during the ceremony.  Students may not make phone calls from the arena floor at any time during the ceremony.
• Students will not be allowed to carry children, pets, or personal items in the processional or across the stage.  Trained service animals that assist students with disabilities are welcome at commencement. 
• Family members and/or guests are not permitted on the arena floor at any time before, during or after the ceremony. 
• Students will process across the stage in a safe and professional manner.  Students shall refrain from stepping, stomping, or dancing onstage.  No selfies are allowed when crossing the stage.
• Students should respectfully listen to the instructions from the ceremony heralds and graduation staff, so the ceremony runs smoothly and on time. 
• Graduation ceremonies last approximately 2 ½ hours.  Plan to stay for the entire ceremony.  Leaving the ceremony early is disrespectful to other graduates and their families.
• Students should plan to meet their guests outside Murphy Center after the ceremony.
• Please remind your guests that seating in Murphy Center is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.  Given the size of the commencement audience and as a courtesy to other guests, we ask that you do not save seats.  Large groups should arrive early, gather outside or on the upper level of Murphy Center, and come in together to locate seating.  

No, there is no graduation ceremony rehearsal.  A video from the Registrar’s office will be posted to the top of this webpage with ceremony instructions for participants closer to the ceremony date (button will be titled “Ceremony Instruction Video”).  Ceremony heralds will also be available in Murphy Center the day of the ceremony to assist graduation participants. 

It is recommended that ceremony participants arrive on campus 1 hour prior to their ceremony start time to allow time for traffic, parking and walking to Murphy Center.  It is very important that expected graduates are lined up in their assigned auxiliary gym on the lower level of Murphy Center no less than 45 minutes prior to the start of their ceremony.  We will hold the traditional student procession into Murphy Center for the December 2024 graduation ceremonies.  

Line of March assignments will be posted to the top of this webpage (button will be titled “Ceremony Line of March”) by late afternoon on Thursday, December 12.  This information will list participating student names alphabetically with their assigned auxiliary gym, row and person number.  Expected graduates will receive an email from [email protected] to their MTSU email when the Ceremony Line of March has been posted to this webpage.

If you are not attending the ceremony you must submit the In Absentia form. 

The graduation ceremony will last approximately 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Participating students are required to stay for the entire ceremony.  If you are planning celebration activities, please be aware of this time commitment.  

Any participating student requesting a seat placement accommodation to participate in the ceremony should contact the Records’s Office at [email protected] or call 615-898-5170 by Friday, November 15, 2024.  

It is recommended that ceremony participants arrive on campus 1 hour prior to their ceremony start time to allow time for traffic, parking and walking to Murphy Center.  It is very important that expected graduates are lined up in their assigned auxiliary gym on the lower level of Murphy Center no less than 45 minutes prior to the start of their ceremony.  We will hold the traditional student procession into Murphy Center for the December 2024 graduation ceremonies.

If you are not sure what your college is to determine your ceremony start time, log into your PipelineMT account.  Find your college by logging into PipelineMT > Registration & Student Records (left menu) > Academic Records box > click on the Student Information link. 

Line of March assignments will be posted to the top of this webpage (button will be titled “Ceremony Line of March”) by late afternoon on Thursday, December 12  This information will list participating student names alphabetically with their assigned auxiliary gym, row and person number.  Expected graduates will receive an email to their MTSU email when the Ceremony Line of March has been posted to this webpage.

If you are not attending the ceremony you must submit the In Absentia form. 

All participants are expected to park in the parking garage on Champion Way. Turn at light on Greenland with Track & Field/Soccer Field on corner. Signs will be posted and RaiderExpress buses will transport all participants to the Murphy Center. As you are planning your day, please allow for time to park and find your assigned row and seat in Murphy Center. Parking for guests is available in the Greenland and surrounding lots.  Directions to Murphy Center are located here.

Graduation with honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude) as listed in the graduation program, stole pick-up and ceremony recognition is tentative and determined by the inclusive GPA** (MTSU and transfer college level courses/grades) at the time of submission of the program for printing (Friday, October 18, 2024). For students earning a Bachelor’s degree, official Latin honors notation on the diploma and transcript is determined by the inclusive GPA (MTSU and transfer college level courses/grades) at the end of the final semester.  The inclusive GPA is for MTSU use only and does not appear on your transcript. Latin honors explanation (PDF).

Cum Laude: 3.500 – 3.749
Magna Cum Laude: 3.750 – 3.899
Summa Cum Laude: 3.900 – 4.000

If an expected graduate qualifies for Latin Honors, the stole will be distributed to the student during cap and gown pickup dates and times.  

**Inclusive GPA refers to the combination of the student’s grade point average on all MTSU and college level transfer coursework. The inclusive GPA is for MTSU use only and does not appear on your transcript. To view your current Inclusive GPA go to PipelineMT > Registration & Student Records > Academic Records > Click on Graduation Information or GPAs.

Note: Honors grade point average calculations for students seeking a second or subsequent bachelor degree may include all undergraduate credit hours, even those taken for a previously earned degree.

Yes, MTSU has contracted with Flash Photography to take photos of graduates at the ceremonies as they cross the stage and after exiting the stage.  Candid photos are also taken throughout Murphy Center.  Ceremony participants will be emailed by the photography company when proofs are ready to view and purchase.  Flash Photography can be contacted at (888) 325-3930 or email [email protected].  

MTSU Phillips Bookstore has diploma frames in store for purchase and on their website.  Jostens is a supplier of MTSU announcements, rings, etc.  

The Phillips Bookstore collaborated with Jostens to design MTSU college stoles.  The stoles represent each MTSU college and are available for student purchase at the Phillips Bookstore.  The MTSU college stoles are NOT required for participation in the graduation ceremony.

Regalia is not available for pickup prior to posted cap and gown pickup dates and times.  If you would like to borrow regalia from the MTSU Alumni Association you can check out their Raider Regalia service for more information.  Regalia is not available for rent through Phillips Bookstore.  

If you are not participating in the graduation ceremony, please submit the In Absentia form by clicking on the link or the button at the bottom of this page.  You may also email [email protected] by Friday, December 6, 2024, if you do not plan to attend the graduation ceremony.  If you do not attend the ceremony, your name will not be read.  However, your name will be printed in the ceremony program if your graduation paperwork was submitted by the deadline.  

We understand that sometimes ceremonies will interfere with a religious holiday or observance, and we take strides to avoid that when possible. However, if you have a conflict and need to attend a different ceremony time than the one you were assigned please reach out to [email protected] for assistance. We will accommodate to the best of our ability but are unable to change the days and times of the ceremonies once they are posted.

The commencement ceremony will be available for viewing for those friends or family members who are unable to attend in person.  Click on the “Watch Ceremony Live” button at the bottom of this page to link to the MTSU News & Media webpage and access the webcast on the day of the ceremony.  Scroll down to the “Watch Live Here” section on the News & Media webpage.  

Tentative graduation ceremony dates are listed below.

• Saturday, May 10, 2025 (ceremony days/times determined by college, may hold ceremonies on Friday, May 9 if needed)
• Saturday, August 9, 2025 (ceremony days/times determined by college)
• Saturday, December 13, 2025 (ceremony days/times determined by college)
• Saturday, May 9, 2026 (ceremony days/times determined by college, may hold ceremonies on Friday, May 8 if needed)

The graduation information link is available by logging into your PipelineMT account > Registration & Student Records > Academic Records > Graduation Information Link.  Your name as it will be printed on your diploma and in the ceremony program can be seen in the box titled Graduation.  Your diploma name is your legal name on file in the MTSU student system at the time you submitted your Intent to Graduate form.  All diploma name changes must be submitted by Friday, October 18, 2024.  See the Diploma Information box on the Graduation Welcome page for more details. 

Participation in the ceremony does not signify degree conferral.  Final fall grades are due midnight, Sunday, December 15, 2024.  Degrees will be awarded after final grades are processed and successful completion of all candidate requirements are verified by the appropriate graduation analyst.

Yes, expected graduate names will be printed in the ceremony program if graduation paperwork is received by the deadlines.  

Extra graduation programs will be available a few days after the ceremony at the MT OneStop counter until supply runs out.  However, pdf versions of graduation programs are available for viewing or printing, see below.  

• Summer 2024
• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Summer 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Summer 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021
• Summer 2021
• Spring 2021
• Fall 2020
• Summer 2020
• Spring 2020
• Fall 2019
• Summer 2019
• Spring 2019
• Fall 2018
• Summer 2018
• Spring 2018
• Fall 2017
• Summer 2017
• Spring 2017

Yes, the MT OneStop has a supply of undergraduate and graduate diploma covers for those confirmed graduates that were unable to attend their graduation ceremony.  Please bring a photo ID to the MT OneStop counter. 

No, guest seating at Murphy Center is general admission and tickets are not required for guests.  Murphy Center will open one hour before the ceremony begins.   

Guest seating in Murphy Center is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. Given the size of the commencement audience and as a courtesy to other guests, we ask that you do not save seats.  Large groups should arrive early, gather outside or on the upper level of Murphy Center, and come in together to locate seating.  

No, there is no limit on the number of guests allowed per expected graduate. 

The graduation ceremony will last approximately 2 – 2 1/2 hours.  Participating students are required to stay for the entire ceremony.  If you are planning celebration activities, please be aware of this time commitment. 

Visit the Directions & Maps webpage for Murphy Center parking and directions to campus.  Questions concerning parking or other special facilities for guests should be directed to Murphy Center, (615) 898-2752, or go to Parking Services, then click on Parking Map to view a campus map showing disabled parking areas. For visitors that park in the Greenland parking lot, there is a station that will transport people with mobility issues to Murphy Center in golf carts. When pulling into the Greenland lot, ask the police officer for directions to the station. 

If you are visiting Murfreesboro for the graduation ceremony, visit the Rutherford County Convention & Visitors Bureau website for information about our city and the surrounding areas.

Murphy Center staff will be available throughout the arena to assist anyone with questions.  Questions concerning special facilities for guests should be directed to Murphy Center, (615) 898-2752.  

Commencement is a time to celebrate your graduates’ academic achievements!  It is also a day of tradition and of dignified behavior.  MTSU requests that excitement celebrating our graduates is expressed in ways that will not prevent others from hearing speakers, ceremony readers, and enjoying the ceremony.  As commencement may be the first time many guests will visit our campus, appropriate behavior will create positive memories for all who attend.

• Guests should arrive in time to be seated in the upper levels of the arena before the ceremony procession begins.  Please consider time needed to park and walk to Murphy Center. 
• Guest seating in Murphy Center is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. Given the size of the commencement audience and as a courtesy to other guests, we ask that you do not save seats.  Large groups should arrive early, gather outside or on the upper level of Murphy Center, and come in together to locate seating.  
• Students and guests are expected to refrain from disruptive behavior.
• Alcohol and other illegal substances are prohibited during the graduation ceremony. 
• Air horns, noisemakers and other items that may disrupt the ceremony or other’s ability to view or hear the ceremony, are strictly prohibited, and should not be brought into Murphy Center.
• Balloons are not allowed inside Murphy Center. You will be asked to leave or take the balloons back to your car if you enter the building with them.
• Cell phones and other electronic devices should be silenced or put on silent mode during the ceremony.  
• Students will not be allowed to carry children, pets, or personal items in the processional or across the stage.  Trained service animals that assist students with disabilities are welcome at commencement. 
• Family members and/or guests are not permitted on the arena floor at any time before, during or after the ceremony. 
• Graduation ceremonies last approximately 2 ½ hours.  Plan to stay for the entire ceremony.  Leaving the ceremony early is disrespectful to other graduates and their families.
• Students should plan to meet their guests outside Murphy Center after the ceremony.