Frequently Asked Questions

Ceremonies will be 60-120 minutes.

Graduates should arrive 1 hour before their commencement ceremony.

There are no commencement practices as we are unable to organize and accommodate all our students in a practice session. However, we are confident that the graduation ceremony will be a memorable and successful event for everyone.

• Upon arrival on campus, graduates will be directed to check in near the Music Peristyle to pick up their pre-printed reader cards for when they approach the stage.
• Student Marshals (in red gowns) will gather graduates and ask them to line up. Graduates are NOT lined up in alphabetical order, so they are able to walk and sit with their friends who are participating in the same ceremony.
• The Student Marshals will give the cue for everyone to walk together to the Pioneer Amphitheatre for the processional and then be seated.
• At the appropriate time, the Student Marshals will ask specific rows to line up to walk the stage. 
• As they approach the stage, graduates will hand their reader cards to volunteers which will be scanned for their name announcement. Hooding (if applicable) will take place directly after this on stage and professional photographs are taken by GradImages.
• Graduates will then return to their seats. As a sign of respect, graduates are asked to remain seated for the entire ceremony while their colleagues' names are announced. 
• When the ceremony is over, the recessional begins; the platform party (faculty) will exit the stage first, followed by rows of graduates directed by the Student Marshals. Then graduates can join family and friends to celebrate!

• Students earning dual degrees (e.g. students earning one BA and one BS) have been invited to both ceremonies. They have the option of walking in both or to choose one when registering. Those students will be listed in the commencement program under both ceremonies regardless if they are participating or not in either/both ceremonies. They will be allocated tickets for both ceremonies, but the tickets must be used for the ceremonies given, and not combined into one block of tickets for one ceremony.
• Those students who have a second major (e.g. students earning two BA degrees or two BS degrees) are only invited to the commencement for their primary major and may walk only during that ceremony. Students with a second major will be listed in the commencement program under their primary major only and NOT for their second major. These students will be allocated tickets for their primary major only.

Yes, there are many! To highlight a few:

• Pinning of the alumni pin on the graduates gown.
• Moving of the tassel on their cap from one side to the other.
• The Processional as the students walk to their seats together and the Recessional as they leave the Pioneer Amphitheatre together at the end of the ceremony.
• Hooding on stage for Masters and Doctoral candidates.
• We suggest you watch videos from previous ceremonies on our website to understand what to expect.

There are, but not for students. Your ceremony may include an Honorary Doctorate Degree awarded, and there might be an Distinguished Alumni receiving an award.

We do not expect any keynote speakers or special guests. Your ceremony might include an Honorary Doctorate Degree or Distinguished Alumni awardee speaking. And there may be a student speaker as well.

It is not mandatory to attend your ceremony, but we ask that you please respond “no” when you receive the email invitation to register to walk for commencement. Your diploma will be mailed up to three months after May 18, 2024 their home address on file through the Office of the Registrar.

Graduates should opt for business casual attire under their gowns for a polished look. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the grass can be uneven and graduates may need to stand for periods of time.

Regalia for Bachelors: cap, gown, and tassel

Regalia for Masters: cap, gown, tassel, master’s hood

Regalia for Doctorates: gown, tam, doctoral hood

Examples and prices of Regalia can be found here.

• Attend GradFest on the Hayward Campus on either March 25, 26 or 27, 2025. More information can be found here.
• After GradFest, the campus bookstore is the best place to order for shipment or to pick up your regalia in person - while supplies last. If you have questions regarding these items, please reach out to the bookstore directly by calling 510-885-3507 or emailing csueb@bkstr.com.
• Individual custom stoles may be ordered directly from Jostens starting January 13, 2025. Department or club sash orders, please contact the bookstore directly at 510-885-3507 or c.stoopes@follett.com for bulk pricing.

Graduates are welcome to decorate their caps as part of the celebration. Please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Respectful Content: Cap designs must be appropriate for a public, family-friendly event. Avoid using offensive language, hate speech, or imagery that may be deemed inappropriate or disrespectful.
• 3D Attachments: You are welcome to use small 3D decorations, but please be mindful of size. Keep attachments low-profile (e.g., flowers, small figurines) to avoid blocking the view of other graduates.
• Secure Your Decorations: Ensure that any decorations are securely attached so they do not fall off during the ceremony.
• No Advertisements or Business Promotions: Personal messages and celebrations are welcome, but please refrain from including ads or promoting businesses on your cap.
• Stay Within the Cap Area: Limit your decorations to the top of the cap. Altering the structure of the cap (e.g., cutting, folding) is not allowed.

Each graduate will receive 6-8 tickets. Please see our Tickets Page for more information.

• Special Parking Permits WILL BE REQUIRED. Normal parking permits will not work. More answers and full details about parking during commencement can be found on our parking page.

Graduates and guests with mobility, hearing, or other disabilities that require special accommodations should submit the Commencement Accommodations for Students and Guests with Disabilities form or contact Accessibility Services at 510-885-3868, or by email at as@csueastbay.edu to make an accommodation request. Learn more.

Provide them with an invitation letter and details of the graduation to support their visa application. Additional details can be found in this invitation letter guide and sample.

No, once you and your guests park, there will be volunteers to direct graduates to the check in tent near the Music Peristyle Lawn. Guests should proceed directly to the Pioneer Amphitheatre and find a seat.

Yes, all eligible graduates will be listed in our digital program which will be available on our website the week prior to commencement and via QR codes during the ceremonies on site. All graduates will have the opportunity to order one printed copy on the Marching Order registration site and mailed in mid-June to their home address on file through the Office of the Registrar.

• No alcohol, coolers or glass bottles are allowed. 
• Limited food options are sold at the ceremonies for guests. 
• For those that have children or family members with medical issues, please bring provisions (if necessary).

Yes. Please be aware the surfaces may not be flat and there are some stairs. Also, strollers must not block the walkways or aisles.

Generally, umbrellas are not allowed as they block views during the ceremony. We suggest guests wear a sun hat and dress appropriately for the weather.

As we value the comfort and safety of our guests, we kindly request that bullhorn noisemakers and similar items, not be used on our premises.

• In order to promote a sustainable commencement celebration, we kindly request that metallic confetti and mylar streamers not be used on our premises. Instead, please opt for these biodegradable items: confetti, ecofetti and streamers.
• Confetti and streamers are NOT allowed on the stage.

The University will provide cookies and punch to enjoy after each ceremony under the tent of the Redwood Grove lawn. There will also be food and beverage concessions for sale on campus.

Graduates diplomas will be mailed up to three months after May 18, 2024 their home address on file through the Office of the Registrar. Please direct any questions to the Office of the Registrar at reg@csueastbay.edu.

Alumni information can be found here.