Below is information for the spring 2026 commencement ceremonies. There is no rehearsal for commencement.
It's ceremony day!
- Check-in: Check-in will open one hour prior to the ceremony start time. Graduates must be checked-in and seated 15 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. Take into account time to park, walk to the venue, check-in, and find your seat. Staff will assist you from check-in to seating.
- Check-in Location: Next to the Dignity Health Arena ticket booth.
- Parking: Street parking for free (check all street signage) or in the county parking structure for a fee.
- Name Card: Graduates need to bring their Name Card for check-in. Name Card can be printed or saved on an electronic device to be scanned at the ceremony. The Commencement Office will email graduates on how to obtain their Name Card two weeks prior to commencement.
- Attire: Graduates are required to wear a cap and gown. Graduates must have clothing underneath their gown. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Decorated Caps: Caps can be decorated as long as it is respectful.
- Stoles: Stoles may be worn that represent academic or cultural recognition.
Prohibited Items
In an effort to make commencement a pleasant experience for all guests and participants, the following items are prohibited at commencement:
- Purses, backpacks, and totes (Clear backpacks/purses are acceptable)
- Umbrellas
- Air horns
- Noise makers
- Signs
- Balloons
- Beach balls
- Outside food/drinks. Exception: Formula and/or food for infants, toddlers, and for medical needs.
- Camera tripods
- Selfie sticks
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs/narcotics
- Fireworks
- Firearms/weapons
- Smoking, vaping and other tobacco-related products. CSUB is a smoke-free campus.
Violation of these rules will result in removal from the venue.
Livestream
The livestream begins 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. To view the livestream, go to the commencement website's homepage.
Flowers and T-shirt Vendor
The Commencement Group will be set up inside and outside the venue for flower purchases, CSUB bead necklaces, and the Class of 2026 T-shirts with the graduates' names.*
*For graduates who were added after the deadline of April 20, those names won't be included on the t-shirts.