CSM Convocation

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the ceremony? – The College of Science and Mathematics Convocation will be held on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the Save Mart Center.  Students will need to check in at their department’s registration table between 4:00-4:30 p.m. in the loading dock area on the northeast end of the building.  We’ll start to line up around 4:30.  The ceremony will start right on time so don’t be late!

I already applied for graduation. Do I have to register for the CSM Convocation also?  – Yes, students must complete the online registration form on the College of Science and Mathematics website (www.fresnostate.edu/csm) by Friday, April 12, 2019 to participate in the CSM Convocation.

How long will the ceremony last?  - Generally it will last 90 minutes depending on the number of students participating.  We need to begin exiting the Save Mart Center at 6:30 p.m.

I’m not officially graduating until Summer 2019 or Fall 2019. Can I still participate? – YES! We invite all students planning to complete their degree in summer or fall to join the party. Once you have submitted your online registration we will ask your department to approve your participation in the convocation. As long as you only have a few classes remaining to complete your degree there should not be any problem approving your request to “walk” in our convocation.

What do I wear? –All students participating in our ceremony are required to wear the approved academic regalia sold at the Kennel Bookstore. You can decorate your cap as you see fit. Flower leis, honor stoles, honors cords and honor society regalia are permitted to wear with your gown.  We recommend that you wear business casual clothing beneath your robe. You want to look good for your big day!  We also recommend that you wear comfortable shoes since there is a lot of walking and standing around waiting to enter the arena.  There are also stairs that you have to climb to get to the stage so we recommend that everyone wear sensible shoes.

Will my name be called at the ceremony? - YES!  Every graduate will be individually recognized by name, walk across the stage, have a photo taken with the Dean and shake hands with faculty from the department. 

How will my parents know where I’m sitting on the arena floor?  - After registration is complete, we will email detailed instructions and the floor plan to students so their guests can sit on the correct side of the arena.

Is there a limit on the number of guests I can bring? -  We can seat up to 12,000 people for our ceremony, so the more the merrier!  We do not have a limit on the number of guests a graduate can bring.  No tickets are required for entry.  Please inform your guests that Save Mart Center does not allow balloons or strollers inside the venue.

When should my guests arrive to get in to the Save Mart Center? – The Save Mart Center has back-to-back ceremonies on Friday, May 17^th. They will open the doors for our guests to enter the arena around 4:45 p.m. after the Jordan College of Agriculture is cleared from the arena.  It really does not benefit anyone to get there early and wait outside in the hot sun. There will be plenty of seating.

Will there be a party for graduating students?  - This year the College of Science and Mathematics will host a reception for their graduates on the lawn behind the Conley Art building prior to our convocation.  Refreshments will be served beginning at 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Faculty will be there and you are welcome to bring your family and friends. No tickets required.

Can I sit with my friends at the ceremony?  - The graduate students who are being hooded have to be in a particular order so they cannot. The undergraduates are seated by department so as long as your friends have the same major as you the answer is yes.  Your department staff will be assisting you when lining up and we’ll do our best to let you sit with your friends.

Can we take pictures during the ceremony? – Grad Images will be taking professional photos at the ceremony. They ask that guests not interfere with their photographers by taking their own shots during the ceremony. You are welcome to take photos before and after the ceremony. No one other than the graduates and the CSM staff are allowed on the arena floor during the event.

Where do we park?  Will my guests need a parking pass?  - Parking will be relaxed on campus. You can park in any lot adjacent to the Save Mart Center.  There will be traffic attendants there directing traffic. Please make sure you allow enough time to get to campus and park.  There will be another ceremony directly before and after us so traffic will be congested. If you have elderly guests who cannot walk very far there will be a drop off location in the roundabout in front of the Student Recreation Center.  We recommend you drop them off there with another family member who can escort them to the Save Mart Center.  Parking at Campus Pointe will be monitored and they will be towing cars out of their lots.

Disabled Guest Seating – The Save Mart Center does have designated handicapped seating. There will also be a designated seating area for our Hearing Impaired and Visually Impaired guests.  Since seating is limited in these areas we can only allow one family member to be seated with the person requiring special accommodations. Save Mart Center staff will be available in the lobby to direct you to the designated areas.  No one other than the graduates, faculty and event staff are allowed on the arena floor. Guests are not allowed on the arena floor at any time.

Guests at Save Mart Center – All guests are subjected to a security check by Save Mart Center staff at entrances.  Purses bigger than 12”x6”x12” will not be allowed into the event. Back packs will not be allowed at the event.