Master's Commencement Ceremony
Commencement for master's graduates is held once a year at the end of the spring semester. Typically held at Laxson Auditorium on Friday evening of final exam week, this formal ceremony recognizes the achievement of graduate students through a traditional hooding ceremony. In the ceremony, hoods are draped over the heads and down the backs of graduates, adding to the graduation robes and signifying the completion of an advanced degree.
Graduates from the preceding summer and fall, as well as those applicants for spring graduation that have completed all requirements including their culminating activity by the April deadline are eligible to participate. Students who qualify to participate in the once-a-year ceremony will be receiving an e-mail invitation via their university e-mail address sometime during the last two weeks of April.
Students wishing to participate in the ceremony should maintain their current e-mail address with the University to ensure that they will receive their invitation in a timely way.
Space is limited. Students and faculty must register with the Office of Graduate Studies to participate in graduate commencement.
Spring 2012 Commencement Ceremony
California State University, Chico's Seventeenth Annual Commencement for Master's Graduates will be held on Friday, May 18th, 2012 in Laxson Auditorium. Master's graduates from every college will be hooded in two special ceremonies for advanced degrees.
Graduates from summer and fall 2011, as well as candidates for spring 2012 graduation that have met all degree requirements are eligible to participate. Students who are qualified to participate will receive an invitation through their Wildcat e-mail in April 2012. You must register to participate. The e-mail invitation includes a reservation form for the graduate to reserve tickets for their guests in Laxson Auditorium. This e-mail invitation is the only manner in which tickets can be reserved.
Commencement Ceremony Date and Time
Friday, May 18, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Natural Sciences
Friday, May 18, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
- Business
- Communication and Education
- Engineering, Computer Science and Construction Management
What You Need To Do Before the Ceremonies
- Apply for Graduation
- Complete the Culminating Activity...
- Register to Participate in Commencement Ceremony and Reserve Your Tickets
- Cap and Gown Rental
Commencement Day Instructions
Information for Families & Guests
- Lodging
- Logistics: Getting to Chico, Parking and Maps
- Live Video - Extra seating in Ayres 120 will be available with no tickets required to view the event if there is higher than normal participation 2012.
- Live Webcast - Family and friends can watch you graduate LIVE, via a Webcast on the Internet.
- The Meaning of the Commencement Ceremony
- Master's Hood: Colors For Each Field of Study
Helpful Links
- GradImages: Graduation Portraits. GradImages is the official photographer for our Commencement. Proofs will be sent to your home and via email within three to five days after graduation. Pictures can be ordered online, by phone or by mail. GradImages can be contacted at 800-261-2576 or through the website.
Registering your graduate with GradImages provides them with the information they need to deliver your graduation proofs to you in a timely manner. Giving them an accurate mailing address will allow them to get your proofs to you on the first try. You may also provide them with email addresses of up to six friends and family members to allow them to celebrate in the accomplishment. - CSU, Chico Graduation Portraits
- Final Clearance for Degree and Receipt of the Diploma
- Life After Graduation
- Undergraduate Commencement
- 2012 Special Celebrations
All commencement-related information will be provided on this website and via e-mail to all students who have applied for graduation and have completed all of the requirements to graduate. The information is the best available at the time of posting but is subject to change. Please check back frequently, especially as we get closer to the date of the ceremonies.