This page has been set up to answer a few of the questions we get most often. If you don't find the answer to your question here, please contact the Student Life office at (414) 277-7225.
Jump ahead to:
Is there a Commencement fee?
Yes. Graduation fees are as follows:
- Undergraduate: $50
- Graduate: $75
These fees will appear on your student billing statement and covers the charges for your regalia unit, ceremony and reception.
For more registration information and answers to many questions about MSOE graduation requirements, please contact the Assistant Registrar at (414) 277-7265.
How soon should I send out my announcements or invitations when I get them?
When sending out your announcements keep in mind the following graduation etiquette:
- Announcements should be mailed early enough to arrive two weeks before graduation date.
- The larger envelope with the gummed flap is the outside envelope and addressed by you personally to the intended initial (a return address is optional, and may be written on the back flap).
- The smaller envelope is designed to hold your announcement and should have the name of the person to whom it was sent, i.e... relative and / or friend's name
- Your personal name card can be inserted opposite the announcement text in the slots provided.
- The announcement should be placed in the inside of the small envelope with folded edge down and front of the announcement facing the envelope flap. The flap should not be tucked inside the envelope.
- The smaller envelope should then be inserted inside the larger one with flaps facing the same way. Seal and mail first class.
- An announcement is a way of informing all your family members and friends of this important event and achievement in your life.
Are tickets required for Commencement?
Tickets will only be required for Spring Quarter commencements. Tickets may be picked up and signed for beginning Wednesday of the 7th week.
How many tickets do I get?
The size of the graduating class and the capacity of the ice hockey arena at the Kern Center will determine the number of tickets allotted per graduate. The average number is seven per graduate.
Can I get more tickets?
Yes - graduates needing more than their allotment may:
- Obtain them from other graduates
- Obtain them on a first-come, first-served basis, if available, from Student Life on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of the 9th week.
*Note: graduates who will not need or use their total allotment of tickets are kindly asked to return unneeded tickets to Student Life or give them to other graduates who need them.
My name is not listed on the seating chart list?
Graduating seniors who have signed a FERPA privacy restriction form regarding any personal information will not have their name published on the MSOE website. This includes but may not be limited to the following:
Name
Address
Telephone numbers
Email address
Program
Your name will appear in the commencement booklet and does appear in the hard copy seating chart that you will receive with your cap and gown.
I have not been contacted, am I graduating?
All correspondence is mailed to the permanent address on file at the Registrar's Office. If you have an alternate place of residence or phone number; contact the Registrar's office to update your information.
Where do I pick up my invitations and announcements? How can I get more?
Invitations, name cards and tickets can be picked up in the Office of Student Life after the Wednesday of the seventh week.
I can't attend any of the pre-graduation meetings, where can I get the information?
An outline or handout of the information discussed at the pre-graduations meeting can be downloaded on the Campus Intranet site in the Student Life section. (login may be required)
When does Commencement start?
All MSOE commencement ceremonies start promptly at 10 a.m.
When should I get there?
All commencement participants should arrive at 9 a.m. and proceed to their designated robing and staging areas.
Where is commencement held?
All MSOE commencements usually take place in the Kern Center located at 1245 N. Broadway
Is parking available?
No time-limit parking will be available in the following MSOE campus lots - (Broadway, Visitors, Milwaukee Street, Flag Center, Fluid Power and Schroeder Library). Street parking will also be available in the surrounding areas.
How long is the ceremony?
The general timeline is two hours from start to finish; Spring Commencement usually runs 20 to 30 minutes longer.
Is there handicapped seating? Where is it?
Handicapped seating will be available on the Main floor for Fall and Winter Quarter commencements. Spring Quarter handicapped seating will be available on the mezzanine level behind section C of the ice arena.
Is there a service for the hearing impaired?
When there is a special need for the hearing impaired, the Office of Student Life should be contacted to discuss your circumstances.
Where should my family sit?
Families may sit anywhere in the arenas and / or as close as possible to your assigned seat.
Is there reserved seating?
There are no reserved seats, except for the graduates and special commencement guests. Public seating is on a first come, first served basis.
What color should my tassel be?
Tassel colors are determined by the degree and program earned:
ORANGE
- Architectural Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Engineering
- Software Engineering
DRAB
- Construction Management
- Management Systems
- Management
- Business
- International Business
- Management Information Systems
- Engineering Management
CRIMSON
- Technical Communication
DRAB/FOREST GREEN
- Medical Informatics
FOREST GREEN
- Cardio Studies
KELLY GREEN / RED
- Perfusion
APRICOT
- Nursing
Double major graduates will wear two tassels.
ORANGE / DRAB
- Architectural Engineering / Construction Management
- Architectural Engineering / Structural Engineering
What do I do if I have the wrong color or have lost my tassel?
See one of the staff members of the Student Life office or graduation attendants for replacement tassel.
What color are the hoods?
The hoods are black, but the lining, like tassels, are determined by your program and degree.
What color are the cap and gown?
The cap and gown are black
What should I wear under my gown?
Casual dress is recommended for all graduates.
Where do I pick up my cap and gown?
Cap and gowns will usually be distributed at the following locations:
- Student Life Office (CC377) for Fall and Winter Quarter.
- Student Organization Conference room (CC361) Spring Quarter.
Who qualifies for honor cords?
In order to receive an honor cord you must be an undergraduate student and have a cumulative GPA of 3.2.
Master's candidates do not get honor cords, as graduate hoods denote the honor automatically.
What do I do if I lose my honor cords?
Before graduation replacement cords may be picked up at the Student Life office in room CC377 for a small fee.
How do I order my PHT award?
They are handled by a student organization and you need to contact that special group.
Where am I supposed to go when I get there?
Faculty, staff and graduates will be directed by attendants to their designated robing and staging areas upon arrival to the Kern Center.
What side of my graduation cap should my tassel be on?
Your tassel will start on the right side until the Board of Regent member turns it to your left and is pronounced graduated.
What do I do with my Master's hood at the ceremony?
On commencement day your hood is laid over and carried on your left forearm and placed around your neck by the hooder - usually a representative or department program director of the master degree earned.
Do I get to keep my cap and gown?
Yes - all your regalia items (cap, gown, tassel, and master's hood) are yours to keep after the ceremony.