Resources
Commonly Used Words
This section includes spelling, usage, punctuation and capitalization notes for specific words and phrases commonly used at California State University, Monterey Bay. An entry without an explanation is simply to indicate the correct spelling of a word or words.
Commencement
A formal ceremony in which the Provost presents the candidates for degrees and certifies they have fulfilled all requirements, followed by an announcement of the President to confer the degrees earned to the students. Faculty and administrators in attendance wear academic regalia to this event, the University Mace is laid to start the ceremony, and the president wears the Chain of Office.
College Convocation
The formal event in which the Dean of the respective college honors and recognizes the achievements of the graduates from the college. Faculty and administrators in attendance wear academic regalia to this event. It may also be phrased with the college's official name (i.e., College of Science Convocation).
Honors Convocation
A semi-formal event in which the President, Provost, and Deans bestow honors and awards to pending graduates based on academic achievement, meritorious achievement or service, or other qualifications for honors. These include honors cords, metals, and other certificates of excellent achievement. Faculty and administrators in attendance may wear academic regalia but typically wear business attire to this event.
Hooding Ceremony
The formal event in which the Dean of the respective college and the Dean of the Graduate College honor and recognize the achievements of graduate students anticipated to graduate. Faculty and administrators in attendance wear academic regalia to this event. It may also be phrased with the college's official name (i.e., College of Business Hooding Ceremony).
Stole Ceremony
A semi-formal to a casual event, based on the organizer's preference, in which stoles are given to pending graduates identifying their affiliation as a member of a specific campus group, identity, or affiliation AND is an officially sanctioned university event. Pending graduates may also receive other honors, awards, or acknowledgments of meritorious achievement or service. Affinity groups, university athletics, greek organizations, and other student organizations often hold Stole Ceremonies. It may also be phrased with the group's official name (ex., Social Work Stole Ceremony, or LatinX Stole Ceremony).
Graduate Celebration
Refers to other events that honor our pending graduates and hosted by official or non-official sub-division and are intended to acknowledge and recognize the achievement of our graduating students. This may or may not be an officially sanctioned university event. It may also be phrased with a leading adjective (i.e., Disk Golf Club Graduate Celebration).