May 8, 2026 | 11:00 A.M.
Jack Breslin Student Events Center
534 Birch Road
East Lansing, MI
Directions & Parking »
All Commencement ceremonies are livestreamed on the MSU Commencement website homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is commencement for College of Law Students?
A: Michigan State University Breslin Student Events Center, 534 Birch Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Q: Where can we park?
A: Lot 63 and 126 (on site). Overflow parking is available in Ramp 7 (across the street). Parking is free. MSU will have staff attendants near the Breslin Center to assist with parking questions. Please see the Accountability/Staff Map on the next page.
Q: What time should we arrive?
A: Faculty members of the Platform Party should arrive at 9:15 a.m. If you are a Faculty Hooder, we will be meeting to go over everything at 10:15 a.m., on the Mezzanine Level (Meeting Rooms A, B, C, & D). Robes can be picked up inside Meeting Rooms A, B, C, & D, starting at 10:00 a.m. the day of the ceremony.
Q: Where should the Platform Party and Student Speakers enter at the Breslin Center?
A: The Dean and guest speaker should enter the Breslin Center through Gilbert Pavilion's side entrance (accountability check-in). You may take the stairs or elevator down two flights to the Arena Level. This is where the Men's Locker room is and where the Dean and guest speaker will check in and prepare for the processional. Student speakers on the platform will use this entrance and space as well.
Q: If I am a dignitary and plan to bring a guest, whom should I inform?
A: Please contact Sally Rice as soon as possible, so that we can make plans to greet them and take them to a special seating area. She can be reached at ricesa@law.msu.edu.
Q: What time does the ceremony begin?
A: 11:00 a.m. Promptly. The Faculty/Dignitary processional will begin at 10:40 a.m. The ceremony typically lasts approximately 2 hours.
Q: Is there accessible seating available?
A: Yes. In the event guests need a wheelchair or special accommodations, please go to Guest Services. As you enter the Gilbert Pavilion, turn right and walk around the corner to Guest Services at Section 117.
Q: Can I have personal belongings with me?
A: See the following Breslin Student Events Center Bag Policy.
Q: Can I have my cell phone with me?
A: Yes. Wearing an outfit underneath the gown that has a pocket for your phone would be ideal.
Q: Where do faculty/dignitaries return their gowns after the ceremony?
A: Back in the Mezzanine or Men's locker room area, where you robed prior to the ceremony. As part of the ceremony, Marshals will escort you back to this room. We will also have staff in the Meeting Rooms during the ceremony, where you can leave jackets behind, and they will be looked after.
Q: What if I have concerns about my Cap & Gown?
A: Caps and Gowns are only available online. In the event you have any concerns, please call Oak Hall at 1-800-456-9876, select Option #1 (for Customer Service)
Q: Where is commencement for College of Law Students?
A: Commencement is held at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, 524 Birth Road, East Lansing, MI 48824
Q: Where can we park?
A: Lot 63 and 126 (63W and 63E shown on the attached map). Overflow parking is available in Ramp 7 (across the street). Parking is free. MSU will have staff attendants near the Breslin Center to assist with parking questions. Please see the Accountability/Staff Map.
Q: What time should the graduates arrive? What time does the ceremony begin?
A: Graduates need to arrive by 10:00 a.m. so you can get your gown on and get in place for your processional into the arena. The processional begins promptly at 11:00 a.m., and the ceremony typically lasts approximately 2 hours.
Q: Where do we enter at the Breslin Center?
A: Graduates should enter through the Gilbert Pavilion entrance—follow signs to go downstairs (one flight), to the Mezzanine Level to check in and line up.
Q: Do we need tickets for our guests?
A: No, you are welcome to bring as many guests as you would like.
Q: Can I have personal belongings with me?
A: See the following Breslin Student Events Center Bag Policy.
Q: Can I have my cell phone with me?
A: Yes. Wearing an outfit underneath the gown that has a pocket for your phone would be ideal.
Q: Is there accessible seating available?
A: Yes. If guests need a wheelchair or special accommodations, please go to Guest Services. As you enter the Gilbert Pavilion, turn right and walk around the corner to Guest Services at Section 117.
Q: What time should I plan to make a reservation for a family lunch?
A: A 2:00 p.m. reservation should give you enough time. You may want to make a reservation ahead of time.