Preparing to Graduate

On Graduation Day

Ceremony locations:

Saturday, December 13
San Bernardino Campus Coussoulis Arena

There are no student rehearsals for the commencement exercises. Approximately 3,500 seats for guests will be available. Seating is free, however, tickets are required due to limited seating capacity. Tickets cannot be sold or duplicated.

Guests will be allowed to enter the arena one hour before each ceremony. The length of the ceremony can range from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours.

Before the Ceremony

Arrive on campus one hour before the ceremony, Pick up your name card at the registration tables inside the old Coyote Gym, located in the Physical Education building, and line up for the processional. There you will be given specific instructions regarding the procession. Ceremonies will start promptly at the scheduled time. Late students please pick up your name card, from the registration tables and proceed to the floor of the arena. There you will be directed to a seat.

Undergraduate degree candidates wear their tassel on the right side of the mortarboard until directed to move it to the left.

Master's degree candidates wear their tassel on the left side of the mortarboard, and carry the hood inside the arena on the left arm. Specific hooding instructions will be given when you line up in the old Coyote Gym.

You are requested to please turn off your cell phones before you march into the arena.

The Ceremony

Faculty marshals will lead the procession to the arena and will direct you to your seat. Once you reach your seat, please remain standing until after the singing of the National Anthem. Faculty marshals will tell you when to stand and proceed toward the ramp.

Candidates for degrees will be recognized individually on stage. Upon reaching the stage, hand your name card to the faculty reader (this is the card you receive at the registration tables). Your name will be read as you cross the stage to shake hands with President Albert K. Karnig. Proceed down the ramp where your picture will be taken and return to your seat and stay seated until the end of the ceremony as a courtesy to all your fellow graduates.

The platform party will exit first followed by faculty and graduates. Please exit through the same basement doors through which you entered the arena.