Commencement

Commencement 2019 will be held May 16th-19th, 2019. Specific college ceremony assignments will be made over the summer. When finalized, the Office of Commencement will send an announcement to all Chico State students, faculty, and staff. This website will also be updated. 

If you are a parent, family member, or friend that would like to be sent the dates when announced please send an email to commencement@csuchico.edu. 

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration of CSU, Chico, we would like to invite you to join in the celebration of Commencement to be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 18-20, 2018.

The Commencement ceremonies are designed especially for you and your family members to join in the celebration of this momentous event in your lives. We are sure you are all proud of your accomplishments, and we at the University are proud of you as well.

Important Links:

• Complete Commencement Schedule by Day
• Commencement Schedule by Major
• Schedule of Special Celebrations
• STEPS Brochure - Information on Graduation and Commencement (PDF)
• Order Announcements
• Order Flowers & Leis

Important Dates:

MASTER'S CANDIDATES, PLEASE REFER TO THE OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

• February 9, 2018: Deadline to apply to graduate with Graduation Advising to be listed on the grad shirt and program. Contact Graduation Advising to check on the status of your application.
• March 7-8, 2018: GradFest at the BMU - Room 008, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Register for Commencement, rent your cap and gown, and learn about class rings, photographers, and more.  
• March 7 - April 30, 2018: Register for Commencement.
• March 7 - April 1, 2018: Rent your cap and gown. If you have cap and gown questions please call the bookstore - 530-898-5222
• April 4 - April 30, 2018: Request your tickets for the Commencement Ceremonies starting at 9 a.m.
  • Students walking in stadium ceremonies will automatically receive up to 7 tickets.
  • Students walking in the Agriculture ceremony in Laxson will automatically receive up to 5 tickets plus 2 simulcast tickets.
  • You can claim your tickets any time between April 4-30. They will not run out. Unclaimed tickets will be redistributed in May.
• May 1, 2018: Senior Send-Off in Trinity Commons 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Free food and prizes for graduating seniors.
  • Contact: Alumni Office for more information: 530-898-6472
• May 3, 2018: Up to two additional tickets for stadium ceremonies can be requested, while supplies last, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Additional ticket ordering begins at 9:00 a.m.
• May 7-9, 2018: Cap and gown distribution for online orders. You can pick up your gown in BMU Room 008 any time after May 7th. 
• May 10-20, 2018: Cap and gown rentals begin for those who DID NOT pre-order.

Gown Pickup Hours - BMU 008

• Monday, May 7th - Friday, May 11th: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, May 12th: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Sunday, May 13th: noon - 4 p.m.
• Monday, May 14th - Friday, May 18th: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, May 19th & Sunday, May 20th: Please see Wildcat Store for assistance

To be Eligible to Participate in Commencement You MUST HAVE:

• Filed for Graduation with Graduation Advising
  • For information on applying for graduation, you will need to follow the directions on the Graduation Advising website. Call the Office of Graduation Advising at 530-898-5957 with any questions.
• Registered for Commencement.

Graduate Then Celebrate

Respect and Protect the Graduation Ceremony

Graduation is as much about you as it is about honoring those who helped you along the way. Make this a positive, memorable experience for your friends and family.

• Be prompt and prepared
  • Arrive at the staging area at the time you are assigned.
  • Arriving well in advance of the ceremony start time, with your cap, gown, and Wildcat ID card, will ensure your admittance to the stadium and that you can sit with friends.
  • Students who are late or without the required regalia will not be allowed inside the stadium.
• Celebrate after the ceremony
  • Students under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substance will not be allowed in the stadium.
  • Alcohol, drugs, controlled substances, and tobacco are prohibited anywhere on campus, including University Stadium.
  • Students under the influence will be required to leave. Your friends and family will not get to watch you graduate.
• Honor other people’s experiences
  • For most graduates, the ceremony is the greatest achievement of their lives thus far, and the proudest moment for their friends and family. Be respectful of others and follow directions so everyone can enjoy the ceremony with dignity and honor.
  • Students unable to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner will be required to leave. Your friends and family will not get to watch you graduate.
• Stay until the end
  • Remain seated in your chair unless instructed otherwise, and stay until the ceremony has ended and the platform party has departed the stadium.