Information for Graduates

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Commencement Registration

Applying for graduation and registering to attend your commencement ceremony are two different but related activities.

Applying and paying your graduation fee ensures that your degree will be processed after coursework is complete and your degree certification is issued. Registering to walk in your ceremony ensures that your graduate's StagePass and guest tickets will be issued.

Chico State is partnering with Tassel to offer graduate registration for commencement, guest ticketing, and pre-recorded professional name readings. All graduates planning to participate in commencement at University Stadium must register on Tassel in advance.

Undergrads: Within two business days after applying to graduate and paying any applicable fees, graduates will receive an email from Tassel with instructions for registering for their commencement ceremony. The subject line will read "Add Graduate to Ceremony".

Master's Students: On February 26 at 10 am, Tassel will open for Master's Students to register for commencement.

Once registered, all graduates can log into Tassel as often as they'd like to access their account.

Your Ceremony at a Glance

Please check the schedule of commencement ceremonies for the appropriate date and time.

• Arrive at least one hour before the ceremony unless otherwise noted for your college.
• Arrive in regalia and leave all belongings (backpacks, bags, purses) in the car or with guests. The only items you will need are your Student ID and StagePass (on your fully charged phone or printed)
• Head toward the tennis courts behind the University Stadium. This is where all grads will undergo a security screening before lining up to process into the stadium.
  • Pets are not permitted. Registered service animals are permitted. For more information, please refer to the Accessibility and Accommodations section.
  • Alcohol, drugs, weapons, and glass containers are not permitted. There is a zero-tolerance policy at commencement for alcohol and drugs. Graduates who are visually intoxicated will not be permitted to cross the stage.
  • Reusable water bottles are strongly discouraged. There will be water available for graduates at several locations before entering the stadium and at each graduate's seat once inside the stadium.
• After passing the security screening, grads will be lined up to process onto the field behind the stadium (Intramural Field 6/7).
• Get your StagePass and Student ID Ready! The next step is to have your ID verified and get scanned in. This is your ticket to walk the stage. Graduates without an ID or StagePass may not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.
• Enter into the appropriate line for your college. Grads are not lined up by major. If you want to sit with your friends, line up with them before going through the security screening.
• You will receive a copy of the 2025 commemorative souvenir program as you are scanned in. Hold onto them, and don't forget them after the ceremony. There are limited quantities, and they are not available for purchase.
• All lines are color-coded. Once you get into your line, text your guests to tell them what COLOR section you will be sitting in. Seating is open (i.e., you will not be seated by major). This is how your guests will know which side of the stadium you will sit on.
• There are restrooms for graduates only located in Field 6/7 if needed.
• Approximately 10 minutes before the ceremony starts, the platform party and faculty marshals will lead graduates into the stadium. Once you are in line, stay in line. Once you arrive at your seat inside the stadium, please remain standing until you are directed to be seated on the stage.

Ceremony Overview

• The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
• The ceremony will include remarks by the Dean of each college and other speakers, including President Perez, and the presentation and conferral of degrees.
• GradImages will take your official photo THREE times (twice as you are lined up and getting ready to head toward the stage and once on stage as your Dean or Associate Dean presents your diploma cover). These photos can be purchased from GradImages after the ceremony.
• As you enter the stage, your pre-recorded name (from Tassel) will be announced and you will appear on the giant video screen adjacent to the stage. You will shake hands with your Dean or Associate Dean and President Perez, exit the stage, and return to your seat. Please do not leave the ceremony. The conferral of degrees does not happen until the very end. Out of respect for all graduates and guests, please remain through the ceremony's conclusion.
• At the end of the ceremony, please exit the stadium orderly to meet up with your guests. We suggest you establish a meeting location because guests will not be permitted to enter the field area, and the stadium will be cleared immediately following the ceremony.
• Ceremonies take place rain or shine. If the weather is uncertain, please monitor the Chico State home page and official socials for any important weather-related updates.
• Any lost and found items inside the stadium will be returned to the Commencement Office and available for pick up the week after commencement. Items of value will be taken to the University Police Department following the ceremony.

Regalia Return

If you RENTED your gown, you have several options for returning it:

• After the ceremony, you may drop it into any collection bins at the stadium exit gates. They do not need to be in any special bag, nor do they require any paperwork. The cap, tassel, and hood for Masters are yours to keep.
• If you want to hold onto your regalia for photos following the ceremony, you can return it to the Wildcat Bookstore the week following commencement. Again, the cap, tassel, and hood are yours to keep.

Regalia Guidelines for Chico State Commencement Ceremonies

Graduates participating in commencement ceremonies must wear academic regalia, a traditional gown, and a cap. Master's degree candidates will also wear a hood. Graduates arriving at their ceremony without the required regalia will not be permitted to participate.

Herff Jones is the official supplier of Chico State regalia. This consists of the black and red gown with the official Chico State wildcat logo and cap for undergraduates. For Master's candidates, this consists of a black gown, cap, and Chico State hood. Although this is the official regalia, it is not required. Graduates candidates can participate in their commencement ceremony wearing any black gown and cap.

Graduation cords and honor stoles are optional additions. Only cords and stoles representing registered student organizations, including recognized fraternities and sororities, University-recognized honor societies, military and veteran student organizations, and athletic teams, are allowed. A standard and a first-generation stole are available from the Wildcat Bookstore, but these purchases are optional.

Alcohol leis or non-university affiliated stoles are prohibited. Students wearing items deemed inappropriate will be asked to leave the item(s) at their seat before crossing the stage to receive their diploma cover. Commencement Staff and Faculty Marshals will strictly enforce regalia requirements. Stoles or any other branded Commencement regalia that includes the University name or logos must be approved by University Communications before production to ensure they follow University brand guidelines. Please submit a ticket to Creative Services or email ucomm@csuchico.edu.

Guest Tickets

Graduates claim guest tickets on Tassel when they register to walk in their ceremony. Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests. Tickets can be printed or forwarded via email and presented digitally to enter the stadium.

Graduates can receive up to 10 tickets.

All guests three years old and up must have a ticket to attend commencement. Children under the age of three do not need a ticket.

Guest tickets are free and not available for purchase. Graduates needing more than the allotted tickets are encouraged to check with their fellow graduates to see if any extra tickets are available. Please ensure these "extra" tickets are for the proper ceremony.

Gates open one hour before the ceremony. Guests may start lining up as early as 90 minutes before the ceremony.

Guests with mobility concerns can contact the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) at 530-898-5959 or arc@csuchico.edu regarding seating accommodations.

Assistance for guest tickets will be provided at Help Tents located outside gates 1,2 and 4 to address any ticketing issues or questions.

Announcements and Photography

Announcements

Graduation announcements can be ordered beginning February 26 at GradFest or online at Herff Jones or Jostens. Samples are on display in the Wildcat Bookstore. Order announcements by mid-April to ensure ample time for mailing.

Photography

Graduation portrait photographers will be available during GradFest, February 26-27, and all commencement ceremonies.

GradImages Photography will take photographs of each graduate during the commencement ceremony. 1-2 weeks after the ceremony, each graduate will be sent no-obligation proofs of the photographs. Graduates must register with GradImages to indicate how they'd like to receive their proofs. Prints will be available to order for up to two years through GradImages.

Prior to the ceremony, graduates can pre-register by visiting GradImages and using the "Pre-Event Email Registration" link. You will enter your email address and up to six (6) email addresses for others to view and order your photos.

If you have questions about your commencement ceremony photographs, please visit GradImages or call toll-free 1-800-261-2576.

Diplomas

Diplomas are not distributed at commencement. The university will issue your diploma after verifying that you have completed all degree requirements. You will receive it by mail approximately eight to 12 weeks after graduation. To check the status of your diploma, please contact Graduation Advising.

Senior Class Gift

Graduating seniors who make a gift of $20.25 or more to any campus cause earn a gold Wildcat Spirit Cord to wear at Commencement and will be invited to the Senior Gift Reception.

Giving back to support future students is a great way to show your pride, gratitude, and support for a place that’s made a difference in your life.

Make Your Senior Class Gift

Learn more about the Senior Class Gift program.

Accessibility

Graduates requiring accommodations to participate in commencement ceremonies should contact the University Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) at 530-898-5959 or arc@csuchico.edu. Most reasonable accommodation requests made a minimum of 2 weeks in advance will be accommodated.