Ceremonies & Events

Chancellor Phil DiStefano addressing graduates in Folsom Field

Celebrate With Pomp & Circumstance

Commencement is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication, and now it’s time to recognize all our graduating students have accomplished. We are excited to welcome our Buff families, guests, and community as we honor our graduates’ achievements.

Our Ceremonies & Events

ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø hosts one commencement ceremony in May to celebrate the academic year’s class of graduates. Whether graduating in the fall, spring or summer semester, students are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony.

In December, many of our colleges, schools, departments and programs host recognition ceremonies to individually celebrate students graduating in the fall semester. During the spring, we host additional celebrations to complement the commencement ceremony and help graduates commemorate the occasion with different on-campus communities.

Get a Head Start

Review the pre-grad checklist, requirements and more so you can be ready for the big day!

Prepare for Graduation 

Celebrate the Occasion

Commencement Ceremony

This campuswide ceremony is the premier event and involves Buffs from all colleges and schools. ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø’s chancellor officially confers degrees upon graduating students at this ceremony.

ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø holds one commencement ceremony each year. Please save the date for our 2025 commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 8, at Folsom Field.

Recognition Ceremonies

Many colleges, schools, departments and programs hold individual recognition ceremonies. At these events, you may have your name called as you cross the stage.

Following the spring commencement ceremony, most spring recognition ceremonies take place between Thursday, May 8, 2025 and Saturday, May 10, 2025. ºÚÁÏÉçÇøÍø also hosts winter recognition ceremonies for fall graduates.

Affinity Ceremonies

The Alumni Association partners with campus groups, the Center for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC) and alumni clubs to host affinity and special-interest group ceremonies.

Please visit the Alumni Association page on Affinity Graduations for more details about individual events.