Master’s Commencement Ceremony

What is Commencement?

Commencement takes place before you have officially graduated and is where we celebrate your accomplishments in a public ceremony held at the University Stadium. Commencement is when graduates (and candidates for graduation) are recognized by walking across the stage.

Note: there is not a separate fall Commencement Ceremony for fall graduates. All students who graduate in the fall semester have the option of participating in the spring Commencement Ceremony in May.

What is Graduation?

Graduation is the official granting of a degree after you have met all of your degree requirements. Graduation happens once you have submitted your graduation clearance form; after your thesis/project/or other culminating activity is complete; after all grades have been finalized by the Office of the Registrar; and the Office of Graduate Studies has reviewed your record and signed off on everything. 

• Step 1: Apply to Graduate and Register for Commencement
  • Instructions for those graduating in May 2025
    
    
  • Instructions for those who graduated in summer 2024 or fall 2024
    
    
  • Instructions for those who plan to graduate in summer 2025 or fall 2025
    
    
  • Register to walk at Commencement 2025 and more – Registration Not Currently Open
• Step 2: Update Your Name, if Necessary

  This step is only for students planning to participate in the spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

  The University uses each student’s preferred name listed on their Portal account for the Commencement Ceremony Program. If you want to change your preferred name, you must do so by February 17, 2025.

  Please login to your Portal to make sure your preferred name is spelled correctly and is exactly as you want it to appear in the Commencement Ceremony program and on your diploma. You can make any necessary corrections by following these steps on the Student Information Change Form (PDF).

  *Please note: The deadline to make all preferred name corrections is February 17, 2025, and, yes, this deadline is before registration opens for the May 2024 Commencement Ceremony.

• What if I Applied to Graduate in a Previous Semester?

  If you applied for graduation in a previous semester but did not graduate, you can reapply for the spring 2024 graduation.

  Use this application (PDF) to reapply by February 17, 2025. There is an $8 fee to reapply, rather than the initial fee of $68. Instructions for paying the fee online are on the form.
  
  The completed form and email receipt should be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies by the February deadline.
  
  Be sure to register for the Commencement Ceremony if you wish to participate and did not walk in a previous year.
  
  You do not need to submit another Graduation Clearance form if you have already submitted one.

Dates/Deadlines to Apply to Graduate and Register for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony

• Commencement Registration on Marching Order

  Chico State is partnering with Marching Order to provide graduate registration and pre-recorded, professional name reading.
  
  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 GradPass and guest tickets will be issued.
  
  Graduates will receive an email to their Wildcat email account (date TBA), from Marching Order with the subject "Add Graduate to Ceremony." Graduates can also register directly on Marching Order.
  
  All graduates planning to participate in Commencement 2025 at University Stadium must register on Marching Order in advance to attend.

  THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2025

• Assembly Procession

  The Master's Commencement Ceremony will be on Wednesday, May 14 | 7 p.m. | University Stadium.

  All graduates must assemble one hour before the ceremony at Fields 6/7, behind the University Stadium, and arrive one hour before the processional start time. All grads will undergo a security screening and then be lined up to prepare to enter the stadium.

• Your Ceremony at a Glance
  • Arrive at least one hour in full regalia before the ceremony starts unless otherwise noted for your college.
  • Assemble at Fields 6/7(opens in new window), the behind corner of University Stadium.
  • Each ceremony will last approximately 2 hours. Ceremonies are held rain or shine.
  • Graduates should arrive in their traditional academic regalia and not bring purses or bags.
  • Please note no pets (service animals excepted), alcohol, drugs, weapons, or glass containers are allowed in University Stadium. There is a zero-tolerance policy at commencement for alcohol and drugs. Students and guests determined to be impaired will be removed from commencement.
  • Out of respect to all candidates and their families and guests, we ask that you remain in your seats until the conclusion of the ceremony.

  Valid ID Required

  All graduates participating in commencement ceremonies must present their Wildcat ID and GradPass when they arrive to check in at the staging area.
  
  Students who do not bring their Wildcat ID or GradPass will not be allowed to participate in commencement.

  Ceremony Overview

  From Fields 6/7, the processional will be guided into the stadium from the Southend.

  After arriving at your seat, please remain standing until you are signaled to sit down.

  The ceremony will include remarks by the dean of Graduate Studies and other speakers. University leadership will also present and confer degrees during the ceremony.

  Graduate pre-recorded names will be announced and will have their names read aloud as they cross the stage. A live video of each graduate crossing the stage will appear on the jumbotron. Graduates will shake hands with the Dean of their college and President, take photos, and exit the stage.

  The commencement ceremony will last between 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the number of graduates in the college. Graduates and guests are encouraged not to exit the stadium until the entire ceremony has concluded and should then plan to meet at a pre-arranged site. Please avoid congregating in the immediate area of the University Stadium to eliminate congestion.

• Apparel and Regalia

  Herff Jones is the official supplier of Chico State regalia. Graduates in commencement ceremonies are required to wear official academic regalia, consisting of a traditional red and black gown with the Chico State logo and a mortarboard. All master’s degree candidates will wear black gowns and hoods.

  No extra robes, caps, tassels, or hoods will be available in the staging area. Only approved regalia may be worn at commencement. Apparel deemed inappropriate may be confiscated. Absolutely no alcohol leis or Riley's stoles.

• Guest Tickets

  Graduates walking in the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies can claim guest tickets beginning March 6th when they complete their registration for commencement via Marching Order. Tickets are distributed via email to the graduate when they "submit" the registration on Marching Order. From there, the student is responsible for printing or emailing the tickets to family and guests. Master's students can receive up to 10 tickets.

  Guests are advised to keep their tickets easily accessible as they approach the University Stadium for the ceremony.

  Guest tickets are not available for purchase. Graduates can check with other graduates for additional tickets, but it is essential that the tickets are for the correct ceremony. 

  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.

  Guests with mobility concerns can contact the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) at 530-898-5959 or arc@csuchico.edu regarding seating accommodations. For more information, click here.(opens in new window)

  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 purchased beginning February 26 at Gradfest or online at Herff Jones. 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 26–77, and all commencement ceremonies.

  GradImages Photography(opens in new window) will take photographs of each graduate on stage during the commencement ceremonies. After the event, each graduate will be sent no-obligation proofs of the commencement photographs via email and text. Proofs will also be sent via postal mail. You will have the opportunity to purchase prints after you have seen your proofs. 

  Prior to the ceremony, graduates can also pre-register by visiting GradImages(opens in new window) 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(opens in new window) or call toll-free 1-800-261-2576.

• Diplomas
  https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/chicostate/Diplomas will not be 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 Master's diploma, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies.
• Graduate Commencement T-Shirt and Flowers

  Grad T-shirts featuring the grad names will be available for sale at commencement. To pre-order your t-shirt for easy pickup onsite at commencement.

  Leis and bouquets can be pre-ordered at GradFest and at several locations around campus during commencement week. Students and guests are encouraged to pre-order for pick up before the ceremony so they can wear their leis on stage and in pictures.