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Commencement participants

Faculty and designated participants play an important role in celebrating our graduates at Commencement. Review arrival times, regalia requirements, procession details and day-of logistics below.

Dean holding college pole
Commencement

Faculty are encouraged to attend Commencement in support of our graduates. Special seating near the stage is reserved for faculty participants.

Academic regalia is required for participation in the ceremony. The deadline to order regalia is April 3, 2026. Please contact provost@csumb.edu for ordering information.

Review the sections below for role-specific instructions and event logistics.

Participant roles and event logistics

Find detailed instructions for banner bearers, faculty participants and multilingual welcomers, as well as important transportation and parking information.

Banner bearers must check in at 8:30 a.m. in full academic regalia. After check-in, gather near your banner with students graduating in that major.

During the ceremony:

  • Move with students to the front sides of the stage as directed

  • Face the audience and remain in place through the welcome

  • After the National Anthem, post banners in the holders located at the front sides of the stage platform

  • Move to reserved seating labeled “Reserved for banner bearer”

There will be no formal announcement for banner posting. Please act in unison as rehearsed.

Faculty must be in full regalia before arriving at the venue.

Faculty will:

  • Gather with students for the processional

  • Process in after the University Marshall, banner bearers and students

  • Follow the Faculty Marshall into the stadium

  • Be seated before the Platform Marshall and Platform Party enter

Reserved seating near the stage is available for all faculty participants.

Multilingual welcomers will gather at the venue and participate in the processional alongside faculty.

After the University Marshall’s welcome:

  • Proceed directly to the microphone in front of the stage

  • Offer your welcome in your assigned language

  • Return to reserved faculty seating (first or second row) after speaking

Traffic will be heavy on Commencement day. Please plan additional travel time to the venue.

To support sustainability efforts:

  • Carpool with colleagues when possible

  • Use public transportation or ridesharing when possible.

ADA parking is available for faculty and vehicles displaying state-issued ADA placards.