My student is planning to graduate this semester. How can I help them prepare?
Congratulations on this milestone! Please be sure that your student has applied to graduate (the steps for how to do so are on the student webpage) and that they check their MyMC emails for correspondence regarding graduation. You will also need to ensure that your student’s accounts have been cleared with the Business Office, as outstanding fees, tuition, and costs will interfere with your student’s ability to receive their final transcript or diploma.
I want my student to pick up their cap and gown early so that they can take graduation photos. Is this possible?
Unfortunately, Mississippi College does not keep graduation caps and gowns on hand, as our caps and gowns are kept by our graduates each year. We recommend that your student reach out to a previous MC graduate to inquire about borrowing their regalia.
When will my student be able to pick up their cap and gown? Can they keep it after the ceremony is over?
Regalia pick-up happens in the Moody Adams Fieldhouse on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to graduation on Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM. Students may keep all of their regalia after the ceremony is over, as the cost is covered by their graduation fee.
What ceremony will my student graduate in?
They will graduate with the School of Business if their major is Accounting, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, or Marketing.
They will graduate with the School of Mathematics and Science if their major is Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computing and Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Mathematics Education.
They will graduate with the School of Christian Studies and the Arts if their major is Art Education, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Studio Art, Christian Studies, Communication, Interpersonal and Public Communication, Journalism, Mass Media, Political Communication, Public Relations, Sports Media, Instrumental Music, Music, or Worship Leadership.
They will graduate with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences if their major is English Education, English Literature, English Writing, Administration of Justice, History, Paralegal Studies, Political Science, Foreign Language and International Trade, French, International Studies, Language Writing and Linguistics, Modern Languages, Spanish, Sociology, or Social Work.
They will graduate with the School of Education if their major is Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Sports Management, Sports Ministry, Psychology, Early Childhood Care and Development, or Elementary Education.
They will graduate with the School of Nursing if their major is Nursing.
They will graduate with the School of Science and Mathematics and the School of Nursing if their major is Interdisciplinary Studies.
Mississippi College does not distinguish between graduate and undergraduate graduation ceremonies. Both groups will graduate together.
Will I need a ticket to attend my student's degree ceremony? Is there a limit on guests that our family can invite?
Tickets are not required for graduations at Mississippi College. Please invite as many people as you would like to celebrate your student’s achievements.
What is the dress code for attendees at Friday's degree ceremonies?
There is no official dress code for graduation ceremonies; however, we do recommend that you wear business casual clothing and that when selecting your footwear, you remain mindful of the steps surrounding the bleachers in the Coliseum.
What accommodations will be available for guests with limited mobility?
There will be floor seats available for guests with limited mobility. Please make an MC staff member aware of your need for floor seating when you arrive, and someone will assist you.
How long should I expect the ceremony to last?
Mississippi College graduations typically last roughly an hour.
We are coming in from out of town to attend the commencement ceremonies. Where should we stay?
There are several hotels in Clinton, Mississippi, and many of them offer a rate to Mississippi College students and their families. The Holiday Inn Express, the Fairfield Inn and Suites, the Hilton Garden Inn, the Hampton Inn, the Comfort Inn, and the Quality Inn are all within 5 miles of campus.
Where should we eat after graduation?
Great question! We polled a few members of our campus community:
Dr. David Miller, Graduation Marshal and Professor of English: Bravo!
Tanya Bradley, Coordinator of Degree Candidacy: Amerigo in Ridgeland, Amerigo in Flowood
Megan Pritchett, Registrar: Table 100
Michael Wright, Acting Dean of Enrollment Services: Lou’s Full-Serv
Dr. Jonathan Randle, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences: Saltine, Babalu, Barrelhouse, Pig and Pint, Brent’s Drugs, and Walker’s Drive-In (While Dr. Randle’s suggestions may seem overwhelming, all of these restaurants are in the Fondren neighborhood near downtown Jackson)
Our President, Dr. Blake Thompson, insists that you can’t go wrong with barbecue, and there’s plenty to be had in the Metro area: Sonny’s, Pig and Pint, and Kenova Smokehouse.
What is the difference between the Central Graduation Event and the degree ceremonies?
Weather permitting, the Central Graduation Event will take place on Thursday, May 4th at 6 PM on the Quad. The ceremony will include live music, special awards, the alumni charge, and remarks from our commencement speaker. Students will not regalia to this event, and degrees will not be awarded at this event. Individual students will not be recognized by name unless they are the recipient of a university award. At the conclusion of this event, students are welcome to join their academic department for a reception at 7 PM.
The degree ceremonies will take place at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM on Friday, May 5th. At these ceremonies, students will be required to wear their regalia, and each participating student will be recognized by name as they cross the stage to receive their diploma cover from President Thompson.
