Commencement ceremonies
There will be three commencement ceremonies this year. Both Graduate and Undergraduate students participate in each ceremony. There will be a Hooding Ceremony during both Saturday Commencement ceremonies to celebrate our students earning Master’s degrees. All ceremonies will be held in Freeman Stadium.
Friday, May 18, 3 p.m.: College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m.: College of Business and College of Health Sciences and Human Services
Saturday, May 19, 3 p.m.: College of Education and College of Science
Parking
Each graduating student is provided two parking permits with their six admission tickets. These parking permits are the only permits valid for Commencement parking areas (see the map below). All other CSUMB parking permits are not valid for commencement parking areas on Commencement Day.
Carpooling is encouraged.
Enter the campus on General Jim Moore Blvd. at Lightfighter Dr. and follow the signed route to Commencement Parking. Staff will be on site to direct traffic to appropriate parking areas.
Alternative viewing
Alternative Viewing will be in World Theater, 5260 Sixth Avenue, tickets are not required. Doors open 1.5 hours before the ceremony begins.
Rehearsal
There is a non-mandatory rehearsal for all students on May 17 at 2 p.m. at Freeman Stadium.
Student assembly information
Graduating students should assemble on the West side of the Otter Soccer Complex at least two hours before their ceremony starts. It may seem early, but the time goes very quickly. You should plan in advance if you live off campus and allow at least an extra 45 minutes for parking due to heavy traffic.
Please arrive at the Soccer Otter Field dressed and ready to go, including cap, gown, tassel, hair, make-up and appropriate clothing complete. There will be bathrooms and mirrors available for last minute touch ups.Complimentary pastries and beverages will be provided. You will receive directions from commencement officials. Please give them your attention for instructions. The Bookstore will be on-hand for last minute purchases, BUT DO NOT WAIT to buy your gown the morning of Commencement.
After ceremony celebrations
If you are planning on making reservations or having a post-commencement celebration you should be aware that it may take some time for you to get there. For the 3 p.m. ceremonies we suggest nothing before 7 p.m. and for the 10 a.m. ceremony nothing before 2 p.m.. It takes time for students to find their guests, take pictures and get off campus with Commencement traffic.
