Frequently Asked Questions

What am I supposed to do?

• This site will ask if you plan to attend the in-person commencement ceremonies at Michigan State University.
• If you do, you will be asked to register, and provide pronunciation assistance for your name.
• You will also be able to request tickets for guests.
• If you have questions about the commencement activities, go to the MSU Commencement site or send an email to commencement@msu.edu

Guidelines for Providing Pronunciation Assistance:

1. Use the vowel and consonant pronunciation key unless your name includes common names such as JOHN or GEORGE, SUE or CINDY, etc. If common names such as above, no need to use the pronunciation key above or break into syllables
2. Indicate syllable breaks.
3. CAPITALIZE THE LETTERS for the accented syllable.
4. Examples:

• Beacham BEECH-uhm
• Cheyenne shy-AN
• Dandelion DAN-de-LY-en

VOWEL SOUNDS

• A                --          APPLE, BAT
• AH             --          FATHER, HOT
• AW            --          LAW, LONG
• AY             --          ACE, FATE
• E               --          BED
• EHR          --          MERRY
• EE             --          SEE, TEA
• I                 --          PIN, MIDDLE
• OH             --          GO, OVAL
• OO             --          FOOD, TWO
• OW            --          COW
• OY             --          BOY
• U               --          FOOT, PUT
• UH            --          PUFF
• UR            --          BURDEN
• EYE or Y   --          ICE, TIME

CONSONANTS

• G          --          GOT, BEG
• J           --          GEM, JOB
• K          --          CAP, KEEP
• CH       --          CHAIR
• S          --          SEE
• SH       --          SHUT
• Z          --          ZOOM
• KH       --          GUTTERAL “K”