
Know Before You Go
Ceremonies & Tickets
Graduates should plan to participate in two complementary ceremonies: the University-wide Commencement and a smaller recognition ceremony grouped by their academic unit. Remind your graduate to RSVP here!
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.
Your graduating student will receive up to six (6) guest tickets by RSVPing to attend University-wide Commencement, which will also be live streamed. Space is not limited at recognition ceremonies.
Recognition ceremonies are smaller events grouped by academic unit where graduates’ names are read, and they walk across the stage to receive diploma covers and take photos with mentors and academic leadership. Recognition ceremony length may vary between one and two hours.
Where to Go
Parking
Review parking details for each day of commencement weekend (May 15-18, 2025) on the FAQ page.
Seating
Seating at all ceremonies is general admission and first-come, first-served. Graduates must claim their guest tickets in advance for University-wide Commencement. Guests are not limited at recognition ceremonies.
ADA seating is available at all events. Review accessibility & accommodations.
Finding your grad
Guests will not be permitted on the Canvas Stadium field before or after University-wide Commencement.
Graduates 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.
What to Wear
Guests may wear whatever makes them comfortable. Comfortable footwear and planning for the weather is recommended.
Security
Guests attending ceremonies at Canvas Stadium or Moby Arena will be required to adhere to the following:
- 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 security screening will be denied entry.
- The CSU clear bag policy will be in place for both locations.
Permitted items:
- A clear bag that is approximately the size of a one-gallon freezer bag or a small clutch approximately the size of a hand. Bags are inspected by trained security staff.
- Flowers (no glass vases).
- Signs smaller than 8”x12”.
- Empty soft-sided water bottles to refill in the stadium.
- Baby carriers (must be soft-sided and be able to fit below a chair).
- Seat cushions without frames or metal.
- Cameras and binoculars allowed but cannot be in a bag or case.
- One-gallon freezer bag (like Ziplock).
- Accommodations are available for medically necessary items.
Items that will not be permitted:
- Signs larger than 8”x12” to not obstruct other’s views.
- 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.
- Strollers.
- Purses larger than a clutch bag including backpacks, diaper bags, luggage of any size, fanny packs, cinch bags, camera bags, computer bags and any bag larger than the listed size. Review the clear bag policy.
- Coolers.
- Seatbacks.
- Glass vases, even if they are holding flowers.