Know before you go
Ceremonies
Graduation consists of two complementary ceremonies: University-wide Commencement and smaller recognition ceremonies grouped by college and academic unit. To get the full CSU graduation experience, students and their supporters 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 includes a processional into Canvas Stadium, remarks from CSU leadership, and a keynote speaker to celebrate the milestone of college graduation.
Graduates must RSVP through RAMweb for University-wide Commencement and recognition ceremonies. The RSVP will be open Monday, Nov. 30, 2026-Tuesday, April 20, 2027.
Tickets
University-wide Commencement is not ticketed. However, recognition ceremonies require tickets for guest entry.
Graduates will receive six (6) guest tickets for their recognition ceremony, with the exception of the University Honors Program ceremony which is limited to three (3) guests per graduate.
Please note for planning purposes that all are welcome at University-wide Commencement since tickets are not required.
Accessing your tickets
Ticket distribution utilizes CSU Athletics’ platform. That means you will receive an email from [email protected] when your tickets are ready; the subject line will be “Your mobile tickets have arrived.” From there, use your mobile device to click the link and download your guest tickets to your electronic wallet as soon as possible.
You will also be able to go directly to your student ticket account to download tickets directly.
Having issues accessing your tickets? Find mobile ticket instructions here.
What to Wear
Graduates
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 (Orders open near the beginning of the Spring semester). Ordered regalia will be ready for pick up at Grad Fest, with last-minute pick-up during Senior Send-Off. 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.
Guests
Guests may wear whatever makes them comfortable. Comfortable footwear and planning for the weather is recommended.
Where to Go
Processional
Student processional line up for University-wide Commencement begins one (1) hour before the ceremony, 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.
Seating
Seating at all ceremonies is general admission and first-come, first-served. Accessible seating is available at all events. Review accessibility & accommodations.
Connecting after the ceremony
Guests will not be permitted on the Canvas Stadium field after University-wide Commencement.
Graduating students will leave 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.
Food & Concessions
Canvas Stadium concessions will be open and food will be available for purchase during University-wide Commencement – including breakfast options.
Outside food and drink is not permitted. Empty water bottles are permitted, and water fill stations are present throughout the stadium.
Lory Student Center Dining offers a variety of dining options, including two Subway locations, convenience-style markets, and coffee shops that will be open on Friday and Saturday. Other campus dining options are generally staffed by students, so operating hours will vary.
To expand access to food options, local food trucks will be on campus during commencement events, located centrally between ceremony venues just north of the Hartshorn building and east of the recreation center.
Hot drinks (16 oz.)
- Drip coffee
- Latte
- Cappuccino
- Chai
- Matcha
- Hot chocolate
- Tea
- Double espresso
- Quad espresso
Iced drinks (20 oz.)
- Latte
- Chai
- Matcha
- Brilliance
- Lemonade
- Cold brew
- Italian soda
- Sparkling lemonade
- Tea
Burgers
- Original
- Whiskey BBQ
- Jalapeno Cilantro
- Kids
Hot dogs
- Ballpark Dog
- Chicago Dog
- Cuban
- BLT Dog
- Kids Dog
Fries
- Parmesan Truffle
- Salt & Pepper
Drinks
- Fresh squeezed lemonade
- Redbull lemonade
- Sodas
- Water
Entrees
- Quesabirria tacos
- Street tracos (GF)
- Quesadillas
- Asada fries
- Nachos (GF)
Protein options
- Birria (braised beef)
- Carne asada (steak)
- Al pastor (pork)
- Tinga (chicken)
There are also dozens of dining options within 10 minutes of campus (walking), including coffee shops, casual dining, and full-service restaurants.
Moby Arena concessions will not be open during recognition ceremonies taking place at the arena.