Frequently Asked Questions

How long is commencement? 

  • Ceremonies will be 60-120 minutes. 

What time should I arrive at my graduation?

Will there be commencement practice?

  • 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.

What should I wear for my graduation?

  • 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.

Can I decorate my cap?

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.

How does it all work on commencement day? Do graduates line up in alphabetical order? Can I sit with my friends? 

  • 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!

What if it's raining, will the ceremony be postponed?

  • The ceremonies will proceed as planned regardless of the weather.

Are umbrellas allowed for shade or in case of rain?

  • 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.

Can we bring food or drinks? 

  • 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). 

Are strollers allowed at the ceremony? 

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

How many tickets do we receive?

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

What about a Dual Degree or Second Major?

  • 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.

How should I invite my parents for a visa application?

  • 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.

Where can I get regalia (cap, gowns, special stoles)?

  • Attend GradFest on the Hayward Campus on either March 26, 27 or 28, 2025. More information can be found here.
  • After GradFest, the campus bookstore is the best  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 c.stoopes@follett.com or 1106mgr@follett.com.

Do I need a parking permit? 

  • Special Parking Permits WILL BE REQUIRED. Normal parking permits will not work. Please check back in January 2025 regarding parking and transportation at the 2025 commencement ceremonies.
  • More questions about parking. 

Are there special accommodations? 

  • 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.

Are noisemakers allowed?

  • 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.

Are streamers and confetti allowed?

  • 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: ,  and .
  • Confetti and streamers are NOT allowed on the stage.

What am I not allowed to bring? 

  • Prohibited items include: alcohol, smoking/vaping, pets, coolers, glass bottles, BALLOONS, weapons.