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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.

RSVP for Commencement

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. 

  • Attend academic unit recognition ceremony
    • Option to attend multiple recognition ceremonies for Honors, ROTC, and double-major students.
  • Attend University-wide Commencement
  • Attend academic unit recognition ceremony
    • Graduate school also facilitates recognition events in the fall.
  • Attend University-wide Commencement (spring only)
  • Attend hooding ceremony
    • Ph.D. graduates do not attend unit recognition ceremonies; the hooding ceremony serves as their smaller recognition event.
    • Hooding ceremonies take place in both the spring and fall.
  • Attend University-wide Commencement

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. 

Learn About Regalia

Where to Go 

Parking 

Review parking details for each day of commencement weekend (May 15-18, 2025) on the FAQ page.

Processional 

Processional line up for University-wide Commencement begins at 2:30 p.m. when gates open to the stadium, so you and your families can arrive on campus together. You will join your peers in lot 473, directly north of Canvas Stadium and the Alumni Center. Signage will be posted, and this image provides the layout and line-up order by college.

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.
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