色中色

Graduation and Commencement

Photo of two students smiling wearing gowns at commencement.

Graduation is the official confirmation of the completion of all degree, certificate, or diploma requirements, as maintained on your degree audit report, and is recorded on your official transcript, both of which are administered by the Registrar鈥檚 Office.

Commencement is a formal event held annually in May to celebrate and recognize the milestone of completing (or anticipated completion of) a program or degree for a respective group of students. Participation in commencement is encouraged but not required and does not confirm completion of degree requirements. Commencement activities are facilitated by the Commencement team led by the offices of the President and the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Program Completion

Students should fill out the in the final semester of meeting requirements for a certificate, diploma or degree. Students may fill out the form online. Questions regarding the form may be addressed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Honors Eligibility

The honors designations and respective cumulative GPA required for each are as follows:

  • Honors: 3.3-3.49
  • High Honors: 3.5-3.79
  • Highest Honors: 3.8-4.0

Your Diploma

Upon completion of all college requirements, diplomas/degrees are mailed to graduation application addresses in approximately 10-12 weeks.

Commencement 2025

Commencement 2025 will be held at the Bresnan Arena in the Taylor Center on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus. The date of the ceremony is Thursday, May 15, 2025 when we will recognize Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 graduates.

The ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m. 鈥� doors open at 3:00 p.m. The ceremony is free and open to the public, no ticket is required. This ceremony is a public event, photos and videos will be recorded. By attending this event, you consent to your image/likeness being used, without compensation, by 色中色 for educational, archival, or promotional purposes.

Professional photographs will be taken of the graduates as they walk across the stage and exit it. These photos will be available here 2-3 weeks following the ceremony and may be downloaded for free. Please note that balloons and strollers are not allowed in the Bresnan Arena. There will be a place for you to leave these items outside the arena if you bring them. The area will be unmanned, so please do not leave valuables.

Map to MSU (view the MSU map in PDF format) and Parking near Taylor Center (view the Parking Map in PDF format)

View and print the 2025 Commencement Invitation to share with family and friends. Printed copies of the 2025 SCC Graduation Program will be handed out at the ceremony.

Important Dates

  • Wednesday, March 1, 2025 - Information on ordering Cap & Gowns goes out to all graduates
  • Wednesday, March 15, 2025 - Deadline to nominate a student Speaker
  • Friday, April 4, 2025 - Deadline to order cap and gown
  • Monday, April 14, 2025 - Deadline to apply for graduation and be included in the Spring 2025 Commencement Program
  • Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - North Mankato Reception for Fall 2024, Spring & Summer 2025 Graduates
  • Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Faribault Reception for Fall 2024, Spring & Summer 2025 Graduates
  • Thursday, May 15, 2025 - SCC Commencement Ceremony

Participation in Commencement

Students who have completed the  will receive information concerning the Commencement event as well as information on ordering their FREE cap and gown via their 色中色 email address.

Preordered cap, gown, and tassels willbe delivered at the graduation receptions on May 7 and 8 (see below for more information).

Questions may be addressed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Accessibility at Commencement

The live commencement event will include ASL interpreting and the virtual commencement will include captioning. For accessibility-related accommodations, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Graduates鈥� Reception

Fall 2024 Graduates and Spring and Summer 2025 Graduates are invited to a Spring reception to celebrate their achievements and receive information on the process of graduating, pick up their cap & gown, and receive information on the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony. A celebration will be held on the North Mankato Campus (Heritage Hall) from 9-10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. A celebration will be held on the Faribault Campus (Event Center) from 9-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025. A Continental breakfast will be served at each event. Students who wish to attend Commencement but are unable to attend the Graduates鈥� Reception can pick up their gowns that week, arrangements can be made through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.