
Know Before You Go
Ceremonies
Graduation consists of two complementary ceremonies: University-wide Commencement and smaller, recognition ceremony grouped academic unit. To get the full CSU graduation experience, students should plan to attend both ceremonies.
CSU’s University-wide Commencement offers a shared, traditional experience for all CSU graduates and their guests. The 90-minute ceremony will include a processional into Canvas Stadium, remarks from CSU leadership, and a prominent keynote speaker to celebrate the milestone of college graduation.
Graduates must RSVP for University-wide Commencement and recognition ceremonies. Each graduate may claim up to six (6) guest tickets for University-wide Commencement; seating is not limited for recognition ceremonies.
Recognition ceremonies will provide the traditional experience where names are read, and graduates cross the stage to receive their diploma cover and take photos with mentors and academic leadership. Ceremony times will range from one to two hours based on size.
What to Wear
Traditional regalia should be worn at Unviersity-wide Commencement and recognition ceremonies.
All participating graduates will dress in traditional regalia based on degree level, available for purchase through the Alumni Association’s Grad Packs. Order by Friday, February 28, and pick up at Grad Fest, April 16-18. Photo ID required for pick up!
Beyond regalia, graduates should wear business or business casual attire with comfortable footwear. The University-wide Commencement ceremony will take place outside, rain or shine, so attire should be weather appropriate. Ponchos will be distributed to graduates in case of rain.
Where to Go
Parking
Review parking details for each day of commencement weekend (May 15-18, 2025) on the FAQ page.
Processional
Graduates may arrive to line up for the processional as early as 2:30 p.m. (two hours prior), but no later than 3:30 p.m., for University-wide Commencement. Lineup will be directly north of the Alumni Center in lot 473; signage will be posted to reflect college-based groups.
Finding your Guests
Guests will not be permitted on the Canvas Stadium field after University-wide Commencement.
Graduating students will join a recessional out of Canvas Stadium at the conclusion of the ceremony and should arrange a meeting place with family and friends nearby. Flags identifying colleges will be located around Canvas Stadium to provide a focal gathering point for graduates and guests.
Security
Guests and graduates attending ceremonies at Canvas Stadium or Moby Arena will be required to adhere to the following security measures:
- All attendees will enter through a metal detector.
- Guests using a pacemaker, a wheelchair, or who are otherwise unable to be screened through metal detectors will be individually screened with a wand.
- Guests who refuse screening will be denied entry.
- The clear bag policy will be in place for both locations.
- Graduates will be held to the same guidelines as general admission guests.
- Graduating students will be screened upon arrival at the University-wide Commencement processional lineup location.
- Graduates should carry any personal items on their person, and should not bring large items like umbrellas, backpacks, or other items that do not fit in their pockets, as they cannot be stored during University-wide Commencement.
- No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Items that will not be permitted:
- Vapes, knives ,and firearms.
- Flags on poles, artificial noisemakers, inflatable balls, or balloons.
- Non-factory-sealed beverages or filled liquid containers.
- Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs, including medical marijuana.
- Glass or metal bottles or cans, including hard-sided water bottles and flower vases.