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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.
  • Now – March 26, 2024: The deadline to order rental regalia, announcements and other personalized keepsake items from the Herff Jones Order Site is March 26, 2024. Please note that caps and gowns are not mandatory for participation, and see the FAQ page for more details.
  • TBD (around beginning of April 2024): You will receive an email from NameCoach. Be sure to review the information carefully and record your name by the deadline.
  • 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 26, 2024: Complete this FORM by today if you or a guest require accessible/disability accommodation seating and/or specific accommodations.
  • Early May 2024: Watch for details about individual academic department receptions. Most will be held on Friday, May 10, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
  • 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.
  • May 1, 2024: Double-check your student account status on 1600grand for diploma holds to confirm you are eligible to receive your diploma. Contact John Rapos (Macalester/Henry Strong) at [email protected] or Trine Flinn (MCISL) at [email protected] if you have incomplete loan responsibilities. Contact Student Accounts at [email protected] with outstanding balance questions.
  • May 6 – 10, 2024: 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. Details, including locations, will be shared closer to the event.

Commencement Day

  • May 11, 2024 – 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Commencement Info Table open for information.
  • May 11, 2024 – 10:30 AM: Commencement begins.
  • May 11, 2024 – After Commencement – Designated return location TBD (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.