Commencement Ceremony

Congratulations on your accomplishment! Years of hard work and dedication culminate in this timeless academic tradition and celebration of student success. Mat-Su College faculty and staff extend their heart felt congratulations to all of our graduating students. This years ceremony will be held on May 9, 2025 at 7:30 pm, at the Glenn Massay Theater.

Pre-commencement Information:

  • Reserve your cap and gown

    Our caps and gowns were purchased by the Mat-Su College Student Government Council and are available for your use free of charge. Please go to the Campus Cache during their normal business hours and reserve a gown in your size. Monday - Friday 8:30 am-5 pm.  Note: If you wish to purchase a cap and gown, you can order online through the UAA bookstore or call 907-786-1194.

  • RSVP for the ceremony

    Please let us know if you will be attending the ceremony and how many will be in your party. This will help the committee plan this timeless event.

  • Honors Cords
    Graduates who are receiving honor cords will receive an email with instructions on picking up their cords before commencement in Student Services office. 
  • Military and Veteran Cords
    Military service members and veteran graduates can pick up a red, white, and blue graduation cord from Student Services. 
  • May 10 instructions

    Commencement at the Glenn Massay Theater

    • Rehearsal - 1 pm to 2 pm
    • Break - 2 pm to 6 pm
    • Commencement
      • Graduates must arrive for check-in by 6:00 p.m.
      • Group photograph, compliments of Mat-Su College, taken at 6:30 p.m. (SHARP)
      • A complimentary individual graduation photo will be provided by Student Government, and is taken before the ceremony
      • You may order additional prints through Ambience Photography at https://bit.ly/GradPhotos24 
      • Graduate processional line-up at 7:15 p.m.
      • Commencement ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m.
  •  Diplomas and Photos

    Graduates will receive a group photograph, compliments of Mat-Su College. A complimentary individual graduation photo will be provided by Student Government. You may order additional prints through Ambience Photography at https://bit.ly/GradPhotos24 

    We will contact you when your diploma and/or photos(s) are ready for pick up. This will be sometime in early summer.

 

Leadership and Recognition

 

Student Commencement Speaker

The Student Commencement Speaker offers an address during the Mat-Su College commencement ceremony and serves as the representative of this year’s graduating class. Providing the student address during this important university event is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class, reflect upon the past few years, and convey a message for the future. Along with notable members of Mat-Su College, UAA and UA community, as well as other important Alaskan representatives, the Student Commencement Speaker participates in pre-commencement activities and is seated on the main stage during the program. 

Student Speaker Application

 

Requirements to be Student Commencement Speaker

  • Must have graduated or will be graduating with an associate degree through Mat-Su College during at least one of the following semesters: Summer 2024, Fall 2024 or Spring 2025
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Must complete and submit the Application for Student Speaker by April , 2025 at 5 p.m. (TBD)
  • Submit Application and Essay to Student Services.

The Mat-Su College Commencement Speaker application requires you to write and attach a short essay to the application. In the essay, explain why you think you would make a good representative for this year’s graduating class and why you would like to be the speaker. 

 Leadership Honors

Leadership Honors are awarded to individuals upon graduation to recognize and honor their leadership contributions to the Mat-Su College  and the Mat-Su community while maintaining academic excellence. Leadership activities and involvement must promote individual and collective growth, demonstrate increased engagement with the community at Mat-Su College and beyond, thereby enhancing student life at Mat-Su College. Recipients of Mat-Su College Leadership Honors are commemorated at the Mat-Su College commencement ceremony, bestowed crimson honor cords, and receive a permanent notation on their academic transcript.

Apply for Leadership Honors

 

 

Requirements to qualify for Mat-Su College Leadership Honors

  • Must have graduated or will be graduating with an OEC, certificate, or associate degree through Mat-Su College during at least one of the following semesters: Summer 2024, Fall 2024 or Spring 2025
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Complete and submit the Mat-Su College Leadership Honors application, including 2 letters of recommendation by April , 2025 at 5 p.m. (TBD)

The Mat-Su College Leadership Honors application requires you to write and attach an essay and bullet list outlining your significant contribution to Mat-Su College such as participation in college club activities, Student Government, and other student groups. You will also need to submit 2 letters of recommendation from the Mat-Su College faculty or staff that can attest to your college leadership involvement.

To Applicant: Give the link above to any Mat-Su College faculty or staff who know you well and can speak directly and specifically about your MSC campus leadership experience, ability and potential. Please allow adequate time for the person providing a recommendation to complete this form before the application deadline of April 17, 2024.

To the Recommender:  Students may apply for Student Leadership Honors to be awarded upon graduation. If a student has asked you for a recommendation letter, please describe the student’s strengths with regard to academic achievement, campus leadership, and/or character. Support your statements with reference to your personal academic/campus experiences with the student. Please feel free to attach additional pages if necessary.

 *Printed application packets are also available in the Student Services office.

2024/2025 Mat-Su College Graduates

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Graduate                                                             Major Honors
     

Associate of Arts (AA)

Graduate                                                                  Major                                                                        Honors
     

Occupational Endorsement Certificate  (OEC)

Graduate                                                               Certificate
   

Graduate from UAA, UAS or UAF

Graduate Major           Degree Honors
       

 

 

Graduate with Honors

Standing                        GPA Requirement  
Summa Cum Laude  3.90 to 4.00                                      
Magna Cum Laude 3.75 to 3.89  
Cum Laude 3.50 to 3.74