Dear graduating student:
As a candidate for a degree from the °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼, you are cordially invited to participate in the university commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 9, at Folsom Field. Please join Chancellor DiStefano and the °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼ faculty and staff as we celebrate your accomplishments, mark your passage into the company of scholars and welcome you to the Forever Buffs family.
Steve Wozniak, former °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼ student, co-founder of Apple and a technology entrepreneur, will deliver the 2024 Commencement address.
Colleges, schools, departments and programs will also hold recognition ceremonies May 9–11, so be sure to review the schedule and plan to attend.Ìý
As the university’s commencement marshaI since 2018, I have the honor of leading the Folsom Field ceremony each year. As you begin to prepare for the big day, here are some important details that will help make your experience more successful. Please continue to check out the commencement website for the most up-to-date information.
What to do before commencement
Pre-graduation checklist
Please review the pre-graduation checklist to ensure you are eligible to graduate.
Academic regalia (caps and gowns)
The university commencement ceremony is an academic ceremony; all participants must wear traditional °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼ academic regalia. Please refer to the commencement website for specific deadlines, details and exceptions for ordering and receiving your regalia.
- Undergraduates are required to buy regalia from the .Ìý
- Master’s and doctoral students are required to buy regalia online from . Orders must be received by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, March 27.Ìý
Grad Days
Look for special Grad Days celebration opportunities the week before commencement, including Grad Bash on May 2. Grad Bash is a °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼ tradition hosted by the Alumni Association to celebrate being a Forever Buff. The event includes free food, drinks, a DJ and more.
What to expect on May 9
7–8 a.m.Ìý        Refreshments on Norlin Quad Â
8 a.m. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Processional departs promptly from Norlin Quad to Folsom FieldÂ
8–8:45 a.m.    Procession, security screening and student seating
            Ceremony begins as soon as all students are seated
By 11 a.m.Ìý Â Â Â Ceremony concludes
Stay tuned
You’ll see reminders and more details in °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼ Today and other channels about preparing for and celebrating your graduation.Ìý
Congratulations on nearing the completion of your degree from the °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û2023¿ª½±¼Ç¼. I look forward to greeting you on May 9.
Sincerely,
Bud Coleman
Professor and Commencement Marshal