Commencement
Congratulations on your accomplishment! Years of hard work and dedication culminate in this timeless academic tradition and celebration of student success. MSC faculty and staff extend their heart felt congratulations to all of our graduating students.
Commencement Ceremony 2023
Commencement is on May 12, 2023 and will be held in the Glenn Massay Theater (GMT).
Pre-commencement Information:
- April
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.
- May 12
Commencement at the Glenn Massay Theater
- Rehearsal - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Break - please return by 6:00 p.m.
- 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)
- An individual complimentary graduation photo will be provided by Student Government
- You may order additional prints through J.L.Chabotte Creative @ Studio jlchabotte.com
- Graduate processional line-up at 7:15 p.m.
- Commencement ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m.
- Honors CordsGraduates who are receiving honor cords will receive an email with instructions on picking up their cords before commencement in Student Services office.
- Diplomas and PhotosWe 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.
Requirements to be Student Commencement Speaker
- Must have graduated or will be graduating with an associate’s degree through Mat-Su College during at least one of the following semesters: Summer 2022, Fall 2022 or Spring 2023
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Must complete and submit the Application for Student Speaker by April 6, 2023 at 5 p.m.
- Submit Application and Essay to Student Services.
The MSC 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 UAA Mat-Su College (MSC) 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 MSC and beyond, thereby enhancing student life at MSC. Recipients of MSC Leadership Honors are commemorated at the MSC commencement ceremony, bestowed crimson honor cords, and receive a permanent notation on their academic transcript.
Requirements to qualify for MSC Leadership Honors
- Must have graduated or will be graduating with an OEC, certificate, or associate’s degree through Mat-Su College during at least one of the following semesters: Summer 2022, Fall 2022 or Spring 2023
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Complete and submit the MSC Leadership Honors application, including 2 letters of recommendation by April 6, 2023 at 5 p.m.
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 6, 2023.
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.
2022-2023 Mat-Su College Graduates
Associate of Applied Science
| Graduate | Major | Honors |
Associate of Arts
| Graduate | Major | Honors |
Occupational Endorsement Certificate
| Graduate | Major | |
Graduate from
| Graduate | Major | Degree | Honors |
Graduate with Honors
| Standing | GPA Requirement | |
| Summa Cum Laude | 4.00 | |
| Magna Cum Laude | 3.80 to 3.99 | |
| Cum Laude | 3.5 to 3.79 |