Commencement Checklist

1. Requirements needed before your degree check:

• A minimum of 72 earned credits is required, and you must be admitted to your major (pre-majors are not eligible to apply).
• Complete this process one year from when you plan to complete all of your coursework (i.e., if you want to graduate Fall 2026, fill out your application Fall 2025; if you're going to graduate Spring 2026, fill out your application Spring 2025) 
• Do not wait until your last semester of enrollment to complete this process. You risk not being able to graduate or participate in any Spring Commencement ceremony. 
• To participate in the ceremony, this process must be completed by March 1st, before the Spring Commencement Ceremony.

2. Fill out the Graduation Application for Undergraduate Students.

3. Review your DARS and Grad Plan with your advisor(s).

4. After the submission of your degree application and meeting with your advisor:

• You will receive an email notification that the Credential Evaluator received your degree check.
• A graduation fee of $30 will be added to your account.
• After your application is processed, you will receive an email at your SMSU email account with more degree completion and commencement information.

*Degree checks are not done during the Summer term; if you fill out an application, expect a delay in processing. Advisors who are not teaching are not obligated to complete their part of the process until they return to campus.

*If you have questions about this process and want to schedule a meeting with the Credential Evaluator, book an appointment through Bookings.

1. Complete the Graduation Application for Graduate Students a semester before you plan on being done with all of your coursework.
2. A graduation fee of $30 will be added to your account.
3. After your application is processed, you will receive an email on your SMSU email account with more degree and commencement information.
4. If you have not been sent any information concerning the Commencement ceremony, please contact the Credential Evaluator.

Purchase Regalia

All commencement regalia is available for purchase only. Rental options are not available. Due to limited inventory, we strongly encourage you to order online as soon as possible to ensure your regalia is mailed in time. Tassels, medallions, and a limited quantity of inventory will be available at the SMSU campus bookstore starting April 2, 2026.

Tassel Colors

• The tassel should be the color corresponding to the major you are pursuing. Check the above Discipline Color Sheet.
• Individual tassels cost $9.00 from the SMSU campus bookstore. All colors will be available in the campus bookstore at the beginning of April. 
• Individual tassels cannot be ordered from the Herff Jones website. They are only included in the packages that include a cap or with a separate cap purchase. 
• You will only purchase a tassel separately if you already have an appropriate gown that meets the requirements.

•  If you are eligible for an honors medallion, they are only available at the SMSU campus bookstore for $18.00.
• A weekly, updated honors list is sent to the campus bookstore. You can only purchase the level (Cum, Magna, Summa) listed on the official list at checkout. 

Master's regalia should include a discipline hood and a master's gown with extended sleeves.

If you are unable to visit the SMSU campus bookstore on or before Commencement day, you can send a check for the total amount of your item(s) plus the shipping and handling fee ($8.00). Once the store receives and processes the check, they will mail your item(s) to you. You must include your name, mailing address, tassel or major color, and/or honors medallion level information with your check. Send all checks and information to:

The SMSU Campus Bookstore
320 N O'Connell Street
Marshall, MN 56258

The SMSU campus bookstore cannot accept payments by phone, email, or text.

Class Rings
Class ring samples and order forms will be available at the Barnes & Noble Campus Store. You can also visit www.balfour.com for more information.

Diploma Frames
Diploma frames are available for sale at the SMSU Campus Bookstore. Check out your options at www.framingsuccess.com.

Graduation Announcements
Generic graduation announcements will be available for purchase at the SMSU Campus Bookstore. Personalized announcements can be ordered online at www.herffjones.com.