Latinx Graduation Celebration

Frequently Asked Questions

Background

  • What is the Latinx Graduation Celebration?

    The Latinx Graduation Celebration (LGC or “Latinx Grad”) was created to honor the achievement of Chico State Latinx graduates, and the contributions their families and friends have made during their education. MEChA, a student organization, initiated this event in 1978 to encourage Latinos to pursue higher education. This diverse and intimate, English/Spanish bilingual ceremony has flourished, and now includes Latinx and non-Latinx students. 

  • Is LGC considered an official commencement?

    The Latinx Graduation Celebration (LGC) is a special celebration, but does not replace official Chico State Commencement ceremonies.  We encourage graduates to participate in both ceremonies.

  • Who coordinates LGC?

    A planning team comprised of dedicated and volunteer campus professionals and students coordinate the annual LGC celebration.

  • Why “Latinx”?

    In 2017, the LGC student committee voted to change the name of “Latino Graduation Celebration” to “Latinx Graduation Celebration” to be more inclusive.

  • Is LGC on social media?
    Follow us on Instagram @ChicoLatinxGrad. Updates typically begin in the spring semester. 

LGC Participant Criteria

  • What is the LGC eligibility criteria?

    All participants of the 2024 Latinx Graduation Celebration (LGC) must meet the following criteria at the time of their LGC application. 

    1. Undergraduate and graduate participants must have formally applied for graduation through the University and be eligible to participate in University Commencement ceremonies.
    2. Participants must be graduating, or have graduated, from the University in one of the following terms: fall 2023, spring 2024, summer 2024, or fall 2024. 
  • I participated in the 2023 LGC ceremony. Can I participate in this year’s LGC event?

    Due to space limitations, graduates may participate in LGC only once for the same degree.

About LGC 2024

  • When will the Latinx Graduation Celebration (LGC) occur?

    The 47th Annual Latinx Graduation Celebration (LGC) is currently scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Laxson Auditorium at 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm.  The Latinx Graduation Celebration will not conflict with Chico State Commencement events.

  • Is there a LGC application process?

    Interested students must complete an online LGC application form.  The LGC planning team will then verify each applicant's eligibility based on established criteria.  See more details in the "LGC 2024 Application Process" section below.

  • Is there a fee to participate in LGC?

    For LGC 2024, there will not be a fee to students to participate.

  • How many LGC 2024 events will be held?

    In the recent past, there have been two LGC ceremonies (back-to-back) to accommodate the growing number of Latinx Chico State graduates.  

    Participants will be assigned to one of the two LGC events by their respective College and major with the intent of balancing the number of participants in each LGC event. This approach is aligned with how other campus celebrations are arranged. The composition of the two cohorts will be determined after the LGC registration processes close and will be dependent on the total number of completed LGC applications received. 

  • I am graduating with a degree from more than one college. How will my LGC group be determined if there are two LGC events?

    Participants earning degrees in more than one academic college will be placed in an LGC ceremony group based on the primary major listed on their LGC application form.

  • Will I receive a special stole or sash?

    LGC participants will receive a commemorative honor cord, not a stole or sash.  The honor cord is double-stranded with brown, bright gold, and silver braided colors.

  • Can I participate in both LGC and Chico State's Commencement ceremonies?

    LGC will not conflict with Chico State Commencement exercises.   Graduates are encouraged to participate in both.

  • Are there any required meetings?

    In the spring semester, participating graduates are expected to participate in the following sessions.  Virtual options will be available for online/distance students. 

    1. LGC Informational Webinar (open to all) - Thursday, March 14, 2024; 5:30 pm
    2. LGC Mandatory Meeting (participants only) - Thursday, April 18, 2024; 5:30 pm - PAC 144  
    3. LGC Program Photo Sessions (optional; participants only) - dates and times provided via email
    4. LGC Mandatory Rehearsal (participants only) - Tuesday, May 7, 2024: 5:30 pm - PAC 144

    Times, dates and locations are communicated broadly ahead of time.  

LGC Ceremony-Related Information

  • What does the LGC ceremony entail?

    Each LGC ceremony includes:

    • Processional with University Cabinet members, faculty and staff
    • Emcee, keynote and graduate speaker, and certificate presenter (nominated by participants)
    • Presentation of LGC certificates
    • Graduates offer brief words of appreciation (optional)
    • A short reception with light refreshments and DJ music follows each ceremony for graduates and their families and guests.
  • How many guest tickets will each participant receive?

    The number of guest tickets each registered LGC 2024 participant will receive has not yet been determined, as this number is dependent on the total number of participants.  In the recent past, LGC participants have received up to 8 guest tickets.  

     Guest tickets are not to be sold by participants and guest tickets cannot be purchased. 

  • Will I be able to request more guest tickets?

    There is no guarantee that extra guest tickets will be available.   However, if there are any extra guest tickets, the LGC planning team will notify participants on how to request additional guest tickets.  Any additional guest tickets will be distributed as equitably as possible. 

     Guest tickets are not to be sold by participants and guest tickets cannot be purchased.

  • Will small children need tickets?

    Children, 2 years and older, will require their own ticket and seat in Laxson Auditorium. Children, under 2 years of age, may sit on the lap of a supervising adult. 

  • How early do LGC participants check-in for the LGC ceremony?

    LGC participants’ check-in time is 1 hour before the assigned event.  

  • What do participants wear to the ceremony?

    LGC participants wear academic regalia (cap and gown).   Master’s candidates additionally have their respective academic hoods.  Comfortable shoes and cool clothing are encouraged.

    For information about cap and gown reservation and rentals, please visit the Commencement website or contact the Wildcat Bookstore.  Deadlines may apply.

  • How long is the LGC ceremony?

    The duration of the celebration depends on the number of participants and their adherence to the allowable speaking time. In the past, the ceremony has run approximately 1.5 hours. Note that a brief reception will follow the ceremony.

  • Is a “speech” required for participants during the LGC ceremony?

    LGC allows participants the unique opportunity to express a few words of appreciation to their family and guests, but this is optional. The allowable time for each graduate to speak is very brief and will be communicated later in the semester.

  • Will the event be live-streamed or recorded?

    Typically, the LGC ceremonies are live-streamed via the campus website and recorded for future viewing.

LGC 2024 Application Process

  • Is there an LGC application process? How do I register?

    The LGC 2024 “registration” process requires an application followed by an internal eligibility verification.  

    The student completes and submits the online LGC 2024 Application Form and then WAITS to hear from the LGC planning team about their eligibility status.  The LGC planning team verifies the applicant's eligibility based on the established criteria.

    • If an applicant is deemed eligible, the student will receive an email confirming that their space in has been reserved.
    • If an applicant is deemed ineligible, and email will be provided detailing the reason for the ineligibility. A space is not   If the student takes steps to become eligible after the LGC ineligibility determination, it is the applicant’s responsibility to let the LGC team know and request a re-evaluation.

    ** Space in LGC 2024 will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis for eligible students only and until capacity is reached.  Previous LGC events have filled quickly; apply early!

  • When will the LGC application open?

    The online LGC 2024 Application form will open on Tuesday, March 26 at 10:00 PM.  The form will be accessible on the LGC website landing page until capacity is reached. 

  • Is there an LGC application deadline?

    The LGC 2024 registration process will close when event capacity is reached and not by a set deadline.

    **Space in LGC 2024 will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis for eligible students only and until capacity is reached.  Previous LGC events have filled quickly; apply early!

After You Submit an LGC Application

  • How soon after I submit an LGC Application Form will I hear about my eligibility?

    The verification process will vary with the number and flow of LGC applications.  In the past, the verification “wait time” has ranged from a few days to over a week.  However, the intent is to communicate as efficiently as possible. Students are encouraged to check their email regularly for communications from the LGC team.

  • How will I know that my spot in LGC is reserved?

    After a student has submitted an online LGC Application Form and the LGC planning team verifies their eligibility, the student will receive an email confirmation advising them that their space in Latinx Grad has been reserved. At this point, participants should continue to check their Chico State email for further information and instructions.

  • I received an email stating that I am not eligible for LGC.  What can I do?

    The most common reason students are deemed ineligible is that they have not formally applied to graduate from the University, as required.  In this case, students are encouraged to follow-up with the Graduate Advising office.

    If the student has taken steps to become eligible after LGC's ineligibility determination, it is the applicant’s responsibility to let the LGC team know and request a re-evaluation.