MSU students prepare for graduation day: what you need to know

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - On Friday, Michigan State University (MSU) will host its graduation ceremony, honoring over 10,000 students for their hard work.

It will be a busy weekend at the Breslin Center as students from 47 states and 51 countries graduate on Friday. The commencement ceremony starts at 9 a.m., with the conferral of degrees to Masters and Education Specialists. The Convocation for Undergraduates is scheduled at the Breslin Center at 1 p.m. The full graduation schedule is on MSU’s website.

MSU said there would be no charge for parking in any lot or ramp during commencement. Attendees can use MSU’s directions and parking page to prepare for their commute. Students and their families will also have to exercise patients today. Trowbridge Road, located near US-127, is undergoing a complete renovation.

Here are some directions to avoid traffic hassles:

When coming from the north (Traverse City), west (Grand Rapids) or Flint via I-69, follow directions to southbound US-127 and exit on Grand River and Saginaw, then head east to reach campus.

If you are coming from the east, specifically Detroit, you can take I-96 West. Then, head towards the Mason and Okemos exit. Once you reach there, go north to your destination.

From Kalamazoo, take I-69 toward Lansing, then onto I-96 Eastbound. You can also take the Mason and Okemos exit.

Coming from the south in Jackson, take US-127 to I-96 eastbound and exit at Mason and Okemos.

Security will also be at play for graduation. MSU posted lists of permitted and prohibited items at the Wharton and Breslin Centers.

Breslin Center Security

Fall and Spring Semesters

There are metal detectors at each entrance to the Breslin Center. Please plan accordingly.

Permitted Items

Bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and does not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
Medically needed items (must be in a clear plastic gallon bag) will be searched and tagged by an MSU Police Officer)
Binoculars (no cases)
Pagers and cell phones (no selfie-sticks)
Cameras and camcorders (no cases)
Strollers - please check it with a member of Guest Services
Childcare items (no diaper bags, must be in a clear plastic gallon bag)
Seat cushions (no pockets, pouches, zippers)
Compact umbrellas (no large umbrellas, no metal tips)

Prohibited Items

Weapons - (no pocketknives of any size)
Latex items (balloons, gloves, etc.)
Containers - any kind (including aerosol cans & spray cans)
ALL balloons - (no balloons of any kind)
Food - any kind
Large umbrellas, flags and flagpoles
Coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans and flasks
All beverages (including bottled water)
Camera tripods, cases, selfie-sticks
Laser pointers, noise makers, banners
Chair backs
Projectiles & other potentially dangerous objects
All animals (except service animals older than one year)
Use of tobacco products, campus wide

Wharton Center Security

Spring Semester Only

There are metal detectors at each entrance to the Wharton Center. Please plan accordingly.

Permitted Items

Bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and does not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″
Medically needed items (must be in a clear plastic gallon bag) will be searched and tagged by an MSU Police Officer)
Binoculars (no cases)
Pagers and cell phones (no selfie-sticks)
Cameras and camcorders (no cases)
Strollers - Please check it with a member of Guest Services
Childcare items (no diaper bags, must be in a clear plastic gallon bag)

Prohibited Items

Weapons - (no pocketknives of any size)
Latex items (Balloons, gloves, etc.)
Containers - any kind (including aerosol cans & spray cans)
ALL balloons - (no balloons of any kind)
Food - any kind
Flags and flagpoles
Coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans and flasks
All beverages (including bottled water)
Camera tripods, cases, selfie-sticks
Laser pointers, noise makers, banners
Chair backs
Projectiles & other potentially dangerous objects
All animals (except service animals older than one year)
Use of tobacco products, campus wide

Former Spartan football coach Mark Dantonio will give the commencement speech for undergraduates, and other speakers will also be present. A Michigan State student tells News 10 that seeing her hard work pay off over the weekend was rewarding.

“Thank you, MSU, for giving me the best four years of my life. I entered as a COVID 2020 high school student,” said student Rachael Macek. “Didn’t know where I was going to be. I started off pre-med in Lyman Briggs and I’m just grateful for the path that it took me and I wouldn’t have changed it and I’m so thankful.”

Rachel plans to start working as a business analyst for PennyMac, a mortgage company in Southern California, after graduation.

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