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San
Francisco State
celebrates commencement once a year for all graduates. SF State's 107th
Commencement will be
Saturday, May 24, 2008.
This Web site will be your one source for all commencement-related information
and will be updated often,
especially in the final weeks leading up to the event. Although the focus
is on the main ceremony, limited information on the many separate department
ceremonies (and receptions) will be posted as it becomes available. Please
check with your department or program for more details.
Read President Corrigan's statement to graduates. On the day of the ceremony: * See Commencement: [There will be a link here.] *
Hear Commencement: [There will be a link here.]
Overview: The gates to Cox Stadium open at 10 a.m. The graduates line up at noon to march into the stadium at 12:15 p.m. The ceremony will begin at approximately 1 p.m. and will end at approximately 3:30 p.m. Due to the size of the event, you will not be able to get close to your graduate or family in Cox Stadium. Please make arrangements to meet somewhere on campus after the ceremony ends. Commencement Day Bay Area forecast: Check on Commencement Day Please note: Alcoholic beverages, balloons, coolers/ice chests, banners, signs, beach balls, silly string, fireworks, and umbrellas are not allowed in Cox Stadium. Because the majority of guest seating in the stadium is on bleachers with steep steps, the use of baby strollers is not recommended. Smoking is not permitted in or around Cox Stadium. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas on campus. See the Smoking Areas Map (excluding the Cox Stadium area for the day).
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| 2008 Ceremony | ||||||||||||||||
| When is Commencement 2008? | Commencement 2008 will be on Saturday, May 24, 2008, (Memorial Day weekend) in Cox Stadium on the main SF State campus. | |||||||||||||||
| What if it rains? | The ceremony will be held rain or shine. | |||||||||||||||
| Who will speak at Commencement? |
"Mayor Newsom is a visionary leader whose policies and practices embody San Francisco's unique strengths and values," SF State President Robert A. Corrigan said. "He is a strong supporter of higher education who appreciates the contribution San Francisco State makes towards economic development and the cultural life of this great city." |
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| Who will be honored at Commencement? | Typically a number of people are honored for their contributions to SF State and the wider Bay Area or world community, including: The Alumnus of the Year, honorary degree recipients, and the Presidential Medal awardees.
Honorary
degrees
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| How long is the ceremony? | Once all the graduates are in the stadium and the president's party has taken the stage, the ceremony can last from about 1 p.m. to approximately 3:30 or 3:45 p.m. | |||||||||||||||
| How early should my guests and I plan to arrive? | Students
must line up at noon for the processional (see below).
The ceremony begins promptly at 12:15 p.m. Guest seating in Cox Stadium
is on a first-come, first-served basis (entrance requires a ticket, see
below), so your guests should plan to arrive early.
The gates to Cox Stadium will open at 10 a.m. on Commencement Day. If you drive to campus, allow extra time for traffic, especially following the main ceremony. |
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| When and where are other ceremonies or receptions? | Many
colleges (or departments and programs within a college) hold receptions
or ceremonies for graduates and their guests either before or following
Commencement. Some events are by invitation only. Graduates attending receptions
held after Commencement may want to meet family members there after the
ceremony to reconnect and relax before facing traffic out of the area. Pre- and post-Commencement receptions will be listed here as they become available. They will also be listed in the Commencement Program, given to guests as they enter Cox Stadium and to graduates as they lineup or as they begin to march. Please note that they are subject to change. Check here for any up-to-Commencement-Day changes or, better yet, confirm with the department arranging the event in question. Pre-Commencement ceremonies/receptions Post-Commencement receptions |
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| What about photographs? |
The Commencement ceremony does not provide good close-up photo opportunities
for your family and guests. Guests are asked to remain in their
seats throughout the ceremony and will not be allowed on the field or near
the stage. Please be courteous of other guests and sensitive to their views.
Because of this, we have made arrangements with a professional firm, Chappell-Aardvark Studios, to record the moment you are awarded your diploma cover. You will receive a passport-sized, full-color proof from Chappell-Aardvark by mail approximately one week after Commencement. You have no obligation to purchase anything. You may place orders by: Graduates can preregister their e-mail, friends, and family (up to six) e-mail addresses and Graduation Images will contact them just as soon as their photos are available for online viewing and ordering. Got to: gradimages.com A professional photographer will also be available to take graduation photographs of you with your family and friends in the Student Center lobby before the main ceremony, from 8 a.m. - noon, and immediately following the main ceremony. Photographers for hire will also be at other locations on campus that day. |
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| What other things should I know about the ceremony? | First
aid: A medical station with a doctor, a nurse, paramedic, and an ambulance will be at Cox Stadium during the ceremony. Contact the closest usher or police officer if someone needs assistance. Baby strollers: Flowers: Please note: |
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| Where can I get copies of the Commencement video? | A DVD of the Commencement ceremony is provided to the Library's Media Access Center (MAC) so that students can make copies. Come anytime during their normal hours. It takes about 15 minutes to copy (you do it yourself on their computers) and fits on one blank DVD-R disk. If you can't make it to campus, send a blank DVD-R and a stamped, self-addressed return envelope to MAC and they will make a copy and send it to you. Call 415-338-1229 for MAC hours and information (or see the link above). |
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| When will I receive information about Commencement? | A
postcard and e-mail reminder to visit this site will be
sent to degree candidates in early April 2008. All Commencement-related
information will be provided on this site. |
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| 2008 Graduates | ||||||||||||||||
| Do you have a story to tell? | We're
looking for story ideas about SFSU's Class of 2008. Are you part of a family
affair of graduates, e.g., a mother/daughter combo or assorted siblings?
Did you create a one-of-a-kind major? Are you getting your dream job after
graduation? Perhaps you overcame difficult odds getting to college and plan
to make your life's work helping others who need a hand? E-mail us (pubcom@sfsu.edu) your story and let us know the best times and ways to reach you. We can't guarantee you 15 minutes of fame or that we'll be able to use every suggestion, but we'll do our best to follow up as many as possible. Stories may be used in SF State News, in e-News, or passed along to the news media. Many thanks. -- SF State Public Affairs & Publications |
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| Who may participate? | Students
who have earned a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from SFSU in August
2007 or January 2008, or who have applied for May 2008 graduation (must
have at least 100 units completed), and students who plan to graduate in
August 2008 may also participate in the Commencement ceremony if they apply
by the May deadline.
May and August 2008 candidates must have applied for graduation by the deadline (the third Friday in February 2008 for both undergraduates and graduates) and paid the graduation fee ($40) at the Cashier's Office. The fee is used for expenses associated with graduation, including printing and mailing diplomas, processing records, and the Commencement ceremony. You will be listed in the Commencement Program as candidates for your degree. For questions, call the Registrars Office, 415-338-2350. |
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| When is the deadline to apply for graduation? |
The deadline to register for the May graduation ceremony is usually the
third week in February;
this year it was Feb. 15, 2008. This
makes you either part of the May or August 2008 candidate class,
depending on how you answered the question asked on the form. (You are registered
for the ceremony by applying to graduate. The fee is $40, which covers some
of the costs associated with graduation, e.g. degree certificates and the
main ceremony.) If you miss the deadline you may apply for the next graduation
period or, if you believe you have a compelling reason, you can file a Petition
for Waiver of College Regulations. (If you need assistance, inquire
at the OneStop Center in the Student Services building.) If you expect to
graduate at the end of the summer (August 2008 class), apply by the second
Friday in July to be part of the August 2008 class listed in the next year's
(2009) Commencement Program. If you expect to graduate by the end of the
fall semester, apply by the last Friday in September (January class).
Undergraduates can apply online (also see additional student forms you may need on the Student Forms site). Graduate students can obtain an application at the Graduate Studies Office on the second floor of the Administration building (ADM 254). For academic requirement assessment services prior to applying for graduation, undergraduates should call GE Advising at 415-338-2101. For questions regarding your degree application after it has been submitted, call Admissions at 415-338-1634, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The evaluator who has reviewed your degree application will send you a "Preliminary Response Notice" sometime between March and May. It will include his or her name and a direct campus phone number. Graduate students should consult the University Bulletin, call the Graduate Division 415-338-2234, or visit the appropriate Web site for degree requirement information: Master's Degree page and the Graduate Deadlines page. Once you apply for graduation your name appears on a list at the Bookstore that will allow you to, when the time comes in May (see below), rent your regalia. (Each gown rental comes with five guest tickets for the main Commencement ceremony. See below for more information on renting gowns and tickets.) |
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| How do I get more information on my graduation status? | Undergraduates:
call Admissions Office, 415-338-1634. Or go to the OneStop Center in the Student Services building on campus.
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| How do I make sure my name will be in the program? | You can check your graduation status and see if your name is spelled correctly through the Registrar Office's search page. | |||||||||||||||
| When will I get my diploma? | At the Commencement ceremony, you will walk forward to the stage and receive a diploma cover only. (Because of the size of our graduation -- potentially 7,000 students but usually over 4,000 -- we do not announce the name of each graduate.) For undergraduates (bachelor's degrees), diplomas are mailed to May graduates after their records have been evaluated. August and January graduates should get their diplomas by Commencement day or will be getting them shortly afterward. For May candidates, you can expect to receive your diploma eight to 10 weeks after Commencement. The diploma will be sent to the address you listed on your graduation application. If you do not attend Commencement and you wish to have a cover, you may request one and it will be sent free of charge. Call the Registrar's Office at 415-338-2350 or visit the Registrar's window in the OneStop Center in the Student Services building. For graduates (master's degrees), diplomas are sent 12 to 15 weeks after Commencement. Diploma covers are sent on request if you didn't attend the ceremony. For all
diploma questions, call the Registrar's Office at 415-338-2350, or visit
the Registrar's window in the OneStop Center in the Student Services building. |
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| What if I missed the Graduate Fair? | Some of the vendors who participated will return to campus and be here on Commencement Day. The photographer
taking pictures during the Graduate Fair will not be back until next year's
fair and is not located in California. However, there will be photographers
roaming campus on Commencement Day, and each graduate going to the stage
during the ceremony will get a photo taken that will be available for
purchase through the Internet after they are posted (see
above). |
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| When and where do I line up for the processional? | Graduates will lineup, march into the stadium, and sit according to their college. A list of programs by college will be posted here closer to the ceremony date. Graduates are asked to form their lines at noon. Within each college you will line up single file, with master's candidates first, followed by bachelor's candidates (doctoral candidates will receive separate line-up instructions). Programs will be set aside for graduates to acquire either as you line up or as you begin to march. (Guests receive programs as they enter Cox Stadium.) Each college
will be assigned a color and will enter the stadium following colored
cues held by ushers. Faculty marshals and ushers will be on hand to assist
you. Please make an effort to stay in your line and follow it to your
seat. |
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| What is the proper decorum? |
The Commencement ceremony symbolizes the culmination of many years of hard
work. It is a time for you, your family and friends to recognize and celebrate
your success. We ask your help in making the ceremony a pleasant experience
for all by considering the rights and feelings of other participants and
guests.
The University's nonalcohol policy for Commencement will be strictly enforced. Graduates and guests will not be permitted to carry alcoholic beverages into the stadium or consume them there. Please note: Alcoholic beverages, balloons, coolers/ice chests, banners, signs, beach balls, silly string, fireworks, and umbrellas are not allowed in Cox Stadium. Smoking is not permitted in or around Cox Stadium. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas on campus. See the Smoking Areas Map (excluding the Cox Stadium area for the day). |
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| Who qualifies for the special undergraduate honors ceremony? | Approximately
the top seven percent of undergraduates in the summer and fall of 2007 or
the spring 2008 candidate class with high GPAs in each of the colleges and
special major/liberal studies will qualify to participate in the Undergraduate
Honors Convocation on Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m., in McKenna Theatre, Creative
Arts building, followed by a reception in Jack Adams Hall, Student Center.
Those graduates will get an invitation in the mail that will require
a response if planning to attend. Academic regalia (cap and gown) is required.
Honors cords can be purchased from the Bookstore when renting the regalia.
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| What do I wear to Commencement? | All
graduates must wear caps and gowns rented or purchased from the SFSU Bookstore
-- no exceptions. Visible costumes over or under Commencement regalia or
outfits other than cap and gown are not allowed. Students wearing such outfits
will be asked to remove them or leave the line of march.
Master's degree candidates wear hoods lined with the University colors,
purple and gold. The color of the velvet trim may indicate your degree's
discipline. When you pick up your cap and gown, a salesperson will help
you select the proper hood. Bachelor's degree candidates do not wear hoods.
Renting the regalia allows us to estimate how many seats will be needed
for graduates at Commencement. When you pick up your regalia, please be
sure to fill out the survey to let us know your intentions regarding the
main ceremony. Read more on the academic regalia worn at commencement. Faculty rental information: faculty_rental08.pdf |
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| When can I rent my cap and gown for the main ceremony or for my college or department ceremony? | Cap and gown rental at the Bookstore will be on the following dates: May 12
- 15, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Academic regalia will not be rented after Thursday, May 22, 6 p.m. -- no exceptions. Apparel ordered by phone prior to that deadline can be picked up a the Bookstore on Friday, May 23. Those who need to exchange gowns for another size or need other assistance will be accommodated then as well. Bachelor's
degree cap and gown rental (includes cap, gown, and tassel): $51.95 All graduates keep the cap and tassel. Gown and hoods must be returned to the Bookstore following the main ceremony on May 24 by 5 p.m. at tables set up for that purpose. A $3-a-day late fee will be added starting on May 29, 2008, until the gown and/or hood is/are returned. Main ceremony
tickets (5) will be issued at the time of rental. (See below
for ticket details.)
For more information, visit the SFSU
Bookstore Web page or call 415-338-2063.
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| What do I do with the gown after the ceremony? | Return
your gown (keep the cap and tassel) to the tables set up on the North Plaza
of the Student Center (the main entrance to the Bookstore) across from the
south side of the Gymnasium. You may keep the gown long enough to take pictures
with your family or to attend a post-ceremony reception but the Bookstore
officially closes at 5 p.m. (They may stay open until 5:30 p.m. to accommodate
latecomers.)
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| How can I stay in touch with SF State? | Subscribe
to e-News, SF State's
monthly electronic newsletter for alumni, students and friends. You'll get
the latest news about the University and your fellow Gators, about upcoming
events and more.
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| Does SFSU have an Alumni Association? | Yes,
and as a graduate the SF State Alumni Association's gift to you: a lifetime
membership for only $49 -- a savings of 45 percent. Register
on the Alumni Association's site.
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| What does the Alumni Association offer its members? |
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| How do I join the Alumni Association? | For more information on becoming a member, call 415/338-2217 or visit the Alumni Association Web site. | |||||||||||||||
| Guests | ||||||||||||||||
| How many guests may I invite to the ceremony? | When
you rent your regalia (cap and gown) at the bookstore, you will be given
five tickets. You need one ticket for every person requiring a seat (young
children on laps do not need a ticket). If you do not need all five, leave
any extras with the Bookstore. If you need extra tickets, ask to put your
name on a first-come, first-served list when you are renting your regalia.
Just before Commencement, the Bookstore may be able to hand out extra tickets
to that list, if there are any left. There is no guarantee there will be
extra tickets. You may also check the "want ad" section of the
student newspaper (sometimes individual students offer extra tickets for
sale) or online sources.
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| Where can I buy announcements? | You
may purchase standard and personalized graduation announcements to give
to your friends and relatives at the SF State Bookstore.
Please allow two and a half to three weeks for personalized announcements.
For more information, stop by the Bookstore or call the Gift Department
at 1-800-433-0296.
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| Where can my out-of-town guests stay in San Francisco? | SF
State's Conference Services can help you find a hotel, motel, or Bed and
Breakfast for your out-of-town guests during their stay in San Francisco.
For personal assistance, e-mail Jim Raney at jraney@sfsu.edu
or call 415-405-4427.
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| Are there special services for the elderly or graduates and guests with disabilities? | Commencement involves stairs and a lot of walking -- from parking areas, to stadium seating (there are no elevators into the stadium), and to college receptions. To arrange transportation for the elderly or people with disabilities to and from Cox Stadium (special parking and a shuttle to seating on the floor of the stadium), or to arrange seating near a sign language interpreter, please fill out the Disability Programs and Resource Center's access form by May 7, 2008. (Please note: The entire ceremony will be open-captioned on a jumbo screen located near the stage. Also note: if you plan to return to your car by way of the provided disability shuttle immediately after the main ceremony, please be prepared for a wait period due to the volume of people needing transport all at once.) | |||||||||||||||
| What services are available in or near the stadium during the ceremony? | There will be flower, food, and souvenier vendors set up around the stadium, as well as water stations and regular and disability temporary restrooms. There will be emergency services available behind the south side of the stage in Cox Stadium and in the Student Health Center near the stadium. View the map here. (Note: This map will be reprinted in the Commencement Program, handed out as you enter the stadium.) | |||||||||||||||
| What is the best way to get to campus? | To avoid heavy traffic, the best way to get to and from campus may be through public transit. The MUNI light rail line M and the #28 bus from the Daly City BART station both stop at 19th and Holloway avenues at the south-east corner of campus (be sure to get the free transfer inside the Daly City BART station for the roundtrip bus ride). For more information, visit SFSU's Parking and Transportation page or 511.org for help in planning your trip to campus. (Note: Transit links may be on a week-end schedule.) |
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| Where can my guests and I park? | Free parking will be available in Lot 20, the parking garage located off Lake Merced Boulevard on State Drive; Lot 25 on Winston Dr.; and Sunset Circle, on Lake Merced and Sunset, approximately 10 minutes by foot to campus. Lot 20 is closest to Cox Stadium. Street parking is also available. (See the map of campus.) |
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| Where should I meet my guests after the ceremony? | Please arrange to meet family and friends on the upper campus after the ceremony, as the movement of the crowd makes meeting within the stadium impossible. Graduates will be asked to leave the stadium by the pathway on which they entered. | |||||||||||||||
| Where can my relatives and friends see the ceremony if they aren't able to come to campus that day? | Commencement
will be broadcast live on cable TV and the Internet! In San Francisco to
watch the ceremony from home, tune in to the live broadcast on AT&T
Cable Channel 27, available to AT&T Cable subscribers in San Francisco
only. To view Commencement live on the Internet, you need Apple QuickTime Player and an Internet connection. Download the free QuickTime Player beforehand to avoid last-minute setup: Click here to go to Apple's QuickTime site. Both broadcasts will be open captioned. Return here on Commencement day morning for the links to either watch (broadband connection) or listen (modem connection) online. The link will be posted sometime in the preceding week so you can check the connection beforehand. |
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| Where can my relatives and friends see the ceremony if they aren't able to get into Cox Stadium but are on campus? | Commencement
will be broadcast live on cable TV in the Cesar Chavez Student Center and
is also available in any multi-media equipped classroom.
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| More Information | ||||||||||||||||
| Where can I get more information? | This
Web site will be updated frequently, especially as we get closer to the
day of the event. We have made every attempt to be thorough but if there
is something we have missed or you need clarification, please e-mail commence@sfsu.edu.
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