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 three 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:

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

This is the large university ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at which graduates are recognized as a group by college or school and your actual degree is publicly conferred.

Convocation = a ceremonial assembly of members of a college.

The convocation of the College of Arts and Humanities is a more personal ceremony in which the College recognizes and celebrates the individual graduates within the College.  Students are recognized by name as they walk across the stage. The College of Arts and Humanities Convocation will be held at 12:15 pm in the Save Mart Center on Friday, May 17, 2019.  You will need to register to attend the ceremony. Please register before Friday, April 19, 2019.

Department Receptionwill be 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 Convocation?

The Convocation for the College of Arts and Humanities is scheduled at 12:15 p.m. Friday, May 17 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 Convocation?  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 Convocation.  They may enter the building through the Northwest Doors of the Save Mart Center.

Do I need to register to attend the College Convocation?

Yes.  If you plan on attending the Convocation, please register your attendance before April 19, 2019.