Spring 2026 Commencement Details
Choose the Best Commencement Option for You
Spring 2026 Commencement will take place at Racer Arena while the CFSB Center is closed for renovations. Due to limited seating in Racer Arena, we invite Spring and Summer 2026 graduates who would like to participate in a ceremony at CFSB Center to register for the Fall 2026 commencement in the CFSB Center. These alternatives offer a larger venue, no ticket limits, and a more comfortable experience for graduates and their guests. Graduates interested in participating in the Fall 2025 ceremony on December, 13, 2025, should contact the Office of the Registrar to discuss their options.
快活视频 the venues
Major renovations are expected to begin at the CFSB Center in mid-spring 2026. These renovations spark the first major enhancements to the CFSB Center since it opened in 1998. We are excited about the future of Murray State events hosted in the CFSB Center and look forward to revisiting Racer Arena as our commencement venue while the CFSB Center is undergoing renovations.
originally opened in 1954 and served as the primary home to Murray State Commencement Exercises until the opening of the CFSB Center in 1998.
Compare Ceremony Options
Review the comparison below to see the key differences and choose the ceremony option that best fits your needs.
| Feature | Spring 2026 | Fall 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Venue |
Racer Arena Climate controlled |
CFSB Center Larger venue, single ceremony Climate controlled, handrails in all guest seating areas, elevator access, updated restroom facilities |
| Guest tickets | Tickets required; Maximum up to 6 per graduate | No tickets required |
| Date / time | May 8鈥�9, 2026 (Ceremonies on Friday and Saturday) |
Saturday, December 12, 2026 (anticipated date) |
| Registration opens | Mid-February 2026 |
October 2026 |
| Livestream available | 鉁� | 鉁� |
| Best for... | Graduating in spring who prefer traditional timing | Graduates wanting more guests & greater flexibility |
Fall 2026 Ceremony
December 12, 2026 鈥� CFSB Center
- December 12, 2026 is the anticipated date, but is subject to change as plans are finalized.
- One ceremony**
- No tickets required 鈥� bring unlimited guests
- Registration opens: Mid-October 2026
**If this option is in high demand, a second ceremony may be added and ceremony times adjusted accordingly so guest tickets are not required.
Note: Graduates interested in participating in the Fall 2025 ceremony on December, 13, 2025, should contact the Office of the Registrar to discuss their options.
Spring 2026 Ceremony Schedule
Friday, May 8, 2026 鈥� Racer Arena
(Tickets required)
- 9:00 a.m. CST (associate and baccalaureate degree candidates)
- 1:00 p.m. CST (associate and baccalaureate degree candidates)
Saturday, May 9, 2026 鈥� Racer Arena
(Tickets required)
- 9:00 a.m. CST (associate and baccalaureate degree candidates)
- 1:00 p.m. CST (master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degree candidates)
Participating students will be required to register in mid-February for a ceremony and each graduating student will be provided with up to six guest tickets for family and friends. The registration link will be available on the website. Since Racer Arena is a smaller venue, each ceremony will have approximately 300 graduates and their ticketed guests. All ceremonies will be live streamed for guests unable to attend in person.
Additional options
Spring and Summer 2026 degree candidates are also eligible to participate in the Fall 2026 commencement ceremonies. The anticipated date for the Fall 2026 ceremony is December 12, 2026. Registration for the Fall 2026 ceremony will open in mid-October 2026. Graduates interested in participating in the Fall 2025 ceremony on December, 13, 2025, should contact the Office of the Registrar to discuss their options.
Contact us
Ceremony Registration, Graduation Eligibility and Tickets
For questions regarding ceremony registration, graduation eligibility or event ticketing, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
msu.graduation@murraystate.edu
Accessibility
Additional information regarding accessible seating, parking and shuttles will be available on the Commencement website in early February. For questions regarding accessibility, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX.