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What You Need To Do Before The Ceremonies

Commencement Ceremony Dates

Chico State has two official undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies. Both ceremonies start at 9 a.m. and are held rain or shine.

Saturday, May 25, 2013*

  • Communication and Education (including Liberal Studies)
  • Humanities and Fine Arts
  • Natural Sciences

Sunday, May 26, 2013*

  • Agriculture
  • Behavioral & Social Sciences
  • Business
  • Engineering, Computer Science, & Construction Management

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Special Ceremonies

Information on Special Ceremonies can be found here.

Apply for Graduation

As a graduating senior you will have to apply for graduation through Academic Evaluations

Contact Information:
Records and Registration (Academic Evaluations, Graduation Fee, and Diploma Information)
Student Services Center, Room 220
Phone: 530-898-5957

Register to Participate in Commencement Ceremonies

Graduating students who intend to participate in the Spring 2013 ceremonies will have to agree to abide to the Commencement Code of Conduct when they register to participate in the ceremonies:
I agree I will:  Remain seated in my chair unless instructed otherwise; Not leave until the ceremony is completed and the platform party has departed the stadium; Not be under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance; not be disrespectful to the Commencement speakers, administration, faculty, staff, event volunteers, or fellow students; not bring alcohol, drugs, or distracting objects into the seating area.

To participate in Commencement Ceremonies, you must register to walk. (Registration to participate in Commencement Ceremonies opens March 6 - April 30, 2013) To participate in the additional special ceremonies, contact the person designated for that particular celebration. You will not be able to register online to participate in those celebrations.

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GradFest

GradFest will be held March 6th and 7th, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Wildcat Store.  Items available through the Wildcat Store or online include graduation announcements, class rings, diploma holders, and diploma frames. You will also be able to join the Alumni Association, receive information about graduation photos, and insurance (health, dental, vision, auto, home).

Cap and Gown Rental

Cap and gown rentals begin on Friday, May 17 and continue through Sunday, May 26. The Chico State Wildcat Store will be CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Please go to BMU 210 to pick up your cap and gown rental

Hours:
Friday, May 17: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sat./Sun., May 18-19: noon - 4 p.m.
Mon. - Thurs., May 20 - 23: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 24: 9 a.m - 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 25: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 26: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The cost for the Bachelor's set is $43.95 and includes cap, gown, tassel, and stole. If you had ordered a Grad Pack, there was a voucher included to pay for the rental. You will need to bring this with you to pick up your rental.

Student gown returns are at the front of the Wildcat Store in the BMU Mall. The stole, cap, and tassel are yours to keep!

For more information, click here.

Candidates must wear proper academic regalia in the Commencement Ceremonies. This includes a cap, gown, tassel, and a red stole. It is not necessary to reserve caps and gowns ahead of time.

The cap and gown are black. Tassels vary in color according to majors. The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap until the degree has been awarded. It is then changed to the left side. Proper attire for wear with the gown is slacks and sports shirts for men and skirts and blouses or dresses for women. Robe length should fall between mid-calf and upper ankle. Shoes with very high heels make walking difficult on the grassy areas at the staging area and in the stadium.

Be sure to check that everything you need–cap, gown, tassel, and stole–is included before you leave the Wildcat Store. Please do not alter your academic regalia. Students who alter their regalia or are not dressed in appropriate academic regalia risk not being able to participate in commencement.

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Honors Medallions

If you are eligible to receive an honors medallion you will be notified by the dean of your college prior to commencement. Please contact the dean's office of your college for more information.

Pre-order Your Graduation Photos

Your photograph will be taken by GradImages photography three times during the ceremony, twice before you walk on stage, and once as you shake the hand of your college dean and accept your diploma cover. You can pre-register for your photo proofs by visiting the GradImages website.


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