48th CHICANO/LATINO COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION 

PRIORITY REGISTRATION DATES: February 5 - April 5, 2024 (go to "Registration Instructions" tab on the left menu)

LATE REGISTRATION ($25.00 LATE FEE): April 6 - 26, 2024 [if space permits]

In order to help us plan and conduct a successful Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration, participating graduates MUST FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW. 

Participation Eligibility: Students that meet ONE of the following criteria will  be given priority:

• Completed degree requirements in Summer or Fall 2023
• Applied to graduate Spring 2024

Your name may not appear in the CLCC Program if you register after the priority deadline. 

Please see "Important Dates " for more information. 

Students who meet the following criteria will be considered if space permits:

• Plans to complete all degree requirements in SUMMER 2024 (if this is your situation, please complete this form to be placed on the waitlist)
  Students will be notified by email if they are allowed to register for the celebration with further instructions.

General Information

1. $45.00 Application fee (non-refundable)

The graduate participation fee covers the costs associated with CLCC (use of the Save Mart Center, programs, SMC security and staff, etc.).

2. The Sash

Each student will receive ONE complimentary sash representing ONE National Heritage selected during registration. We can only guarantee a sash from a Latin American country, Hispanic Carribbean countries, Spain, and the USA. The sash will be distributed before graduation (see Important Dates). Proof of registration and photo I.D. is required to pick up the sash. You CANNOT pick up anyone else’s sash. A replacement will NOT be provided if it is lost or damaged.

3. Commencement Schedule

The Fresno State Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Save Mart Center (SMC).

Graduates are required to meet at the loading dock on the northeast corner of the Save Mart Center Building by 5:30 pm. Doors open to the public at 5:30 pm.

4. Graduation attire and Invitations/Announcements

Academic regalia is required.  Caps, gowns, and invitations/announcements will be available for purchase at the Kennel Bookstore (look for updates). Graduate Students will be hooded at the ceremony.

5. Mandatory Graduate Rehearsal Session

One practice session is scheduled for CLCC participants on Thursday, May 16th at 5:00 pm.  Graduates must attend. If there is a conflict with your final exam schedule, attempt to stop by after your exam(s). If you have friends attending, get information from them. Due to the size of the celebration, there is a particular format/logistics to the procession. If it goes well, we will have time to include your parents' first names. If the procession takes too long, we will have to eliminate this essential element. PLEASE ATTEND. 

6. Information for guests

Guest with Wheelchairs - Seating for people with disabilities is available throughout the arena and you are encouraged to seek usher assistance.  Due to limited space, only one person is permitted to accompany a person in a wheelchair.

Guest with Hearing Impairments - An ASL interpreter will be stationed at the lower section/rows of Section 111 (Shaw Avenue side).

If you have specific questions regarding access for persons with disabilities (beyond what we have on the website), please contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 559.278.2811.

Admission to the celebration is free. There will be free parking available in the parking lots north of the Save Mart Center (see also Parking information below).

7. Special Instructions for CLCC

Graduates must arrive at 5:30 pm at the loading dock on the northeast corner of the Save Mart Center Building on the day of the event. EACH graduate must check-in to verify registration. NO EXCEPTIONS.  IMPORTANT: Graduates must be prepared to form the procession lines by 6:30 pm.  CLCC volunteers will be available to assist in this process.

8. Official Video recording of the event

A video of  the event will be produced and made available via the CLCC Youtube channel (Fresno State CLCC Youtube Channel). It will include segments of the event as well as the recognition of all graduates.

Parking Information

Due to the expected high traffic volume generated by the commencement celebrations on this day, please see the SMC Parking MAP for information on alternate routes and recommended places to park. 

Since graduates are required to arrive early, we encourage them to park in Lots P5/P6 (west of the rodeo) or in the solar paneled parking area (west of the SMC) - see red stars in map below. This will help you  plan for early arrival and departure from the Save Mart Center.