FAQ's

I have received emails from different people about graduation ceremonies.  What is the difference, and which one(s) should I plan to attend?

There are two types of ceremonies associated with graduation from Fresno State.  If at all possible, you should attend them all.  They are scheduled so they do not conflict with each other.  These ceremonies are described below:

This is the large university ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2020, at which graduates are recognized as a group by college or school and your actual degree is publicly conferred.

Commencement = a ceremony in which a degree is conferred (awarded).

The commencement of the College of Arts and Humanities is the ceremony in which the College recognizes and celebrates the individual graduates within the College.  Degrees will be conferred in this ceremony.  Students are recognized by name as they walk across the stage.  The College of Arts and Humanities Commencement will be held at 12:15 pm in the Save Mart Center on Friday, May 15, 2020.  You will need to register to attend the ceremony.  Please go to the link below to register.  The registration deadline is Friday, April 24, 2020.

Department Reception = an intimate reception honoring the graduates of an individual department or program.

Not all departments in the college will have a reception for its graduates.  Please check with your department office to see if your department offers a reception for its graduates.

When is the College Commencement?

The Commencement for the College of Arts and Humanities is scheduled at 12:15 p.m. Friday, May 15 in the Save Mart Center.

How do I get information about my department’s reception?

Please contact your department office for this information.  Please note that not all departments in the college will have a reception for their graduates.

Do I need tickets for my family to attend the College Commencement?  If so, is there a limit to the number of tickets I can have?

No, tickets are not required for your family to attend the College Commencement.  They may enter the building through the Northwest Doors of the Save Mart Center.

Do I need to register to attend the College Commencement?

Yes.  If you plan on attending the Commencement, please click here to register your attendance before April 24, 2020.   

Does the college have its own stole?

Yes.  The College of Arts and Humanities has a stole available for purchase.  Purchase of this stole is optional.  The cost is $30.00 and is non-refundable.  Stoles will be available for purchase beginning March 17, at the Grad Fest event.  After that event, you can go to your department office, or the Dean’s Office, (Music 186) to obtain a payment slip.  Take the slip to the Cashier’s Office and pay for the stole, then return the payment slip to the Dean’s Office with your receipt.  Your stole will then be given to you.