Commencements at Michigan State University were held annually until 1950. Early in the school's history, they were held in the late fall, but by 1900 they had shifted to the spring. In 1951, there were two ceremonies (Spring and Fall) and since 1952, there have been three commencements per year (Spring, Winter, Fall).
Commencement records are an artificially created records group. This was necessary due to the high reference use of the materials, and because responsiblity for commencements has shifted from unit to unit, including the Provost's Office, University Services, and Academic Services.
From the description of Commencement Papers, 1862-1981. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122387993