What time should I arrive to Commencement?
Graduates should plan to arrive 90 minutes prior to their scheduled ceremony. Check-in will begin promptly 90 minutes before each ceremony start time. Please consider travel time, traffic, and parking, and plan accordingly.
Where do I go to line up for the ceremony?
Sacramento State Commencement staff and college Commencement coordinators will direct graduates where to go once they arrive at Golden 1 Center.
The graduate entrance can be seen here.Please keep in mind that students will descend multiple flights of stairs to the arena floor level. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and save your special footwear for post-ceremony festivities. There's also an elevator for graduates who have accessibility needs.
What should I bring? What shouldn’t I bring?
Graduates should bring the following items:
- All graduates are required to bring their Sac State OneCard to check in to Commencement. If you do not have a OneCard, a valid picture ID (driver's license or passport) will suffice.
- Wear your cap and gown to the ceremony. Proper attire is required to participate. We encourage you wear comfortable shoes, as you will go down multiple flights of stairs to the arena floor level.
- For safety and security reasons, certain items are prohibited from being brought to the ceremony such as balloons, air horns, silly string and alcohol. Be aware of Golden 1 Center's prohibited items.
- Here is a list of Golden 1 Center's prohibited items.
- Please note that Golden 1 Center is now a bagless venue. Clutches and wallets smaller than 8” x 6” x 1” will be permitted and are subject to security inspection. Medical and parental bags will be allowed but must go through X-ray security screening.
- Balloons are also not allowed inside the Golden 1 Center.
- Please leave all personal belongings in your car or with family members or friends. There are no provisions for coats, large purses or bags or other valuable personal items that you do not plan to carry with you the whole time
- Cell phones are permitted, but please turn off the ringer before the ceremony begins.
Will my name be read aloud at the ceremony?
- Yes. When eligible grads check in to Golden 1 Center, you will be given a card with your name, degree info, and a pre-printed scan-code. The card will be scanned when you cross the stage, and your name will be read aloud and displayed on the jumbo screen.
- DO NOT LOSE, TEAR, OR WRITE ON THIS CARD... THIS COULD RESULT IN YOUR NAME NOT BEING ANNOUNCED OR DISPLAYED.
When do I receive my diploma?
- Diplomas are not handed out at Commencement.
- Please refer to the Graduation Advising website for information on diplomas. For questions, please contact the Registrar's office at (916) 278-3625 or registrar@csus.edu
View the Commencement Graduate FAQs Page for a complete list of FAQs and answers.