Graduate Information

Graduation, which is the awarding of a degree, should not be confused with participation in Commencement. Commencement is a ceremony that celebrates your accomplishment and completion of a degree. Participating in a ceremony does not mean you have earned your degree. Some students are still in process while others have already completed their requirements. 

To participate in a Fall or Spring Commencement ceremony, you must have applied for graduation in addition to registering for your specific commencement ceremony. 

If you have questions whether you are on track to graduate and receive your degree, please contact the Office of the Registrar at records@humboldt.edu.

If you have questions whether you have registered for Commencement, please contact the Commencement Coordinator at grad@humboldt.edu.

Graduate registration to participate in Spring 2026 Commencement is open. To take part in the ceremony, you must complete your registration by Wednesday, April 15.

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If you missed the deadline and would still like to participate, please email us at grad@humbold.edu. Graduates must be registered to participate. 

A black cap and a black gown are required to participate in a commencement ceremony. Check out the regalia page for more details. If you have any questions about regalia, please contact The Campus Store at (707) 826-3741.

Guest tickets to attend a Commencement ceremony are not required for entry. For planning purposes, you will be asked to RSVP the number of guests attending as part of the graduate registration process. Registered guest counts are considered in the planning process as capacity at the venue is limited. Accommodations for additional guests after registration closes may not be possible, so please be as accurate as you can. All seating is first come, first served.

Have guests that can’t attend in person? Each ceremony will be livestreamed, allowing families, friends, and the campus community to celebrate alongside graduates from anywhere.

Live captioning will be provided in English and Spanish on the livestream. Links will be available on the day of the event on the Commencement website and at humboldt.edu. No registration is required—just click and watch.

Recordings of each ceremony will be posted on the Commencement website in the weeks following the event.

Graduates in need of disability-related accommodations to participate in Commencement will have the opportunity to share their needs during the Commencement registration process. The Commencement Coordinator will collaborate with the Campus Disability Resource Center (CRDC) to arrange reasonable accommodations. Please note that some accommodations require several weeks to coordinate.

If you requested accommodations when registering to participate in Commencement, the Campus Disability Resource Center (CRDC) will follow up with you directly. If you would like to contact the Campus Disability Resource Center, they can be reached at (707) 826-4678 or sdrc@humboldt.edu.

If your guests require disability-related accommodations, you can include those details when registering for Commencement. Those that requested accommodations for their guests through the Commencement registration process will receive further information to share with their guests about available accommodations closer to the event. Information about available accommodations is also posted on the Guest Information page.

Please contact grad@humboldt.edu if you have general questions about accommodations.

Parking is available in all general lots on campus, but Lots G11, G12, G13, G14, and non-reserved sections of G15 are recommended. Parking permits are not required on campus on Commencement Day. 

The green lots shown on the Commencement event map (coming soon) are open to general parking. The blue lots are recommended for those needing accessibleparking or shuttle access. Please note that no general vehicle traffic, parking, or drop-offs will be allowed beyond the barricades at 17th and Union Streets or past the corner of Laurel & B Streets due to pedestrian safety. On Commencement Day, 17th Street may be restricted to a single westbound lane to accommodate shuttle service. 

Accessible parking is available in Lot FS9, located at the end of Rossow Street between Gist Hall and the Student Business Services building, and in reserved sections of Lot G15, located at the corner of 14th and Union Streets. Vehicles with valid ADA placards or license plates may also park in any available ADA-designated parking space on campus. 

Shuttles for those with mobility-related access needs will run continuously between Lot FS9 and Lot G15 to the south entrance of Redwood Bowl in between the Recreation & Wellness Center and Forbes Gym. 

Please be aware that shuttle capacity is limited and may result in wait times. We encourage early arrival for those planning to use this service. Accessible pedestrian routes are also available. Please refer to the campus Disability Access map for details.

To prioritize access for individuals with limited mobility, shuttle service will be provided only between Lot FS9, Lot G15, and the drop off point at Redwood Bowl. Shuttles will not be available to take guests off route to receptions or other campus celebrations. We kindly ask that only the individual with mobility-related needs and one accompanying guest use the shuttle service to help ensure availability for those who need it most.

To help make Commencement Day smooth and stress-free for everyone, the University is introducing new clear bag and entry guidelines to help speed up entry and keep the event safe for graduates, families, and guests. These steps are becoming standard at universities and venues across the country for larger events. Before you head to the venue, take a quick look at what you can bring—and share the details with anyone joining you for the celebration.

Graduate Entry Procedures

When you get to the lineup area (West Gym – Recreation & Wellness Center 202):

• Arrive at the lineup area at least 45 minutes before your ceremony starts so you have plenty of time to go through check-in and get settled.
• Bring your black cap and black gown with you, but don’t put your gown on yet. You’ll carry it through the entry point.
• Before you enter, you'll pick up your name card (be prepared to show your ID for verification). Keep your name card with you, you’ll hand it to the Stage Manager as you enter the stage so your name can be read aloud. Please note: Only graduates who pre-register to participate in Commencement will have a printed name card and will be permitted to enter and participate. 
• After you get your name card, staff will do a quick, no-touch visual search to make sure no prohibited or illegal items are being brought in. If you bring a bag, you will be subject to the clear bag check guidelines listed below. 
• Once you’re through screening, you will be permitted to enter the lineup area. There, you'll be able to put on your gown and assemble in the processional line by major. Mirrors will be available so you can make final adjustments before the ceremony. 
• If you leave the lineup area after being screened, you’ll need to show your ID and name card and remove your gown to go through the no-touch visual search again (and bag check) before re-entering. This helps keep the lineup area secure and running smoothly.

Clear Bag Guidelines

Bags larger than 8.5” x 6” must be completely clear (like a see-through plastic, vinyl, or PVC  bag). Prohibited oversized bags include, but are not limited to:

• Backpacks
• Tote bags
• Large purses
• Camera bags

Small opaque wallets or clutches smaller than 8.5” x 6” are permitted. Accommodations will be made for medically necessary items, diaper bags, and strollers. These items will be subject to inspection. Please note: There is no secure storage for graduate items. It is recommended not to bring a bag, if possible.

See the FAQ for more information about clear bags.

There are no rehearsals for graduates who participate in Commencement. Please read the information below carefully to know what to do before, during, and after your ceremony.

Processional

The Mace Bearer and Student Marshals will lead graduates into the Commencement venue, followed by the Faculty Marshals, the general faculty and staff, and the Platform Party. Graduates will process in from the line-up area—please remain in line with your major and follow the person directly in front of you.

For the smooth flow of the ceremony, do not stop for photos or to greet family and friends along the route. Marshals and ushers will be stationed along the processional path to guide you to your assigned seating.

During The Ceremony

• At the appropriate cue, you will be directed to exit your seat and line up near the stage, one row at a time.
• You will pause at two designated locations for posed photos before proceeding to the stage entrance.
• When it is your turn, hand your name card to the Stage Manager, and cross the stage as your name is read.
• Move to the floor marker on the stage in front of the podium to receive your diploma cover. Pause briefly to face the photographer for an official photo.
• After the photo, marshals and ushers will direct you to exit the stage and return to your seat.
• For master’s candidates participating, you’ll receive additional instructions on how to hold your hood. You will be hooded on stage prior to receiving your diploma cover. 
• Once all graduates have been recognized, degrees will be conferred. You will be prompted to move your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left—a symbolic gesture of your achievement. Please encourage your guests to stay for this celebratory moment.

Recessional

Following closing remarks, a musical cue will signal the start of the recessional. The Mace Bearer will lead the Platform Party, followed by the faculty, staff, and graduates out of the venue. Marshals and ushers will assist in guiding rows out in an orderly manner, one at a time. Once all graduates have exited, guests will be directed to exit their seats and venue.

Ceremony Etiquette

Show respect to fellow graduates, their guests, Commencement speakers, event staff, and faculty by:

• Silencing cellphones and other devices.
• If you choose to decorate your black cap and gown, decorations must be fun, safe, and tasteful. Any items deemed unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate may be confiscated.
• Remaining in line with your major to the seating area and staying in your designated seat during the ceremony.
• Not bringing anything that could cause a distraction (toys, balloons, beach balls, etc.). Items that may disrupt the ceremony or others’ ability to view or hear the ceremony are prohibited and can be confiscated.
• Once asked to line up at the stage, leaving any personal items at your seat. Only your name reader card may accompany you. After crossing the stage and receiving your diploma cover, you will return to your original seat. Service animals that are trained to assist students with disabilities are welcome on stage.
• Crossing the stage in a respectful, safe, and professional manner, refraining from large outbursts, dancing or other actions that may disrupt the ceremony.
• Staying for the entire ceremony. Ceremonies should last approximately 1.5 hour to 2 hours.

At the Commencement ceremony, you will receive a diploma cover when you cross the stage. Your official diploma will be mailed after your degree has been verified and awarded. It will be sent to the mailing address listed in your Student Center, so please ensure your information is up to date. For details on when to expect your diploma and how your name will appear on diplomas and transcripts, visit diplomas & transcripts. If you have any questions about your diploma, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 707-826-4101 or records@humboldt.edu.

• In the event of an emergency, remain calm and listen for instructions from the stage.
• Humboldt is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on university grounds.
• Only service animals are allowed inside campus buildings—pets, including dogs, are not permitted.
• No outside liquids are allowed at the venue. Water and cups will be available inside. Concessions will be sold.

GradImages photographers will be on hand to capture official graduation portraits. After each ceremony, you’ll be sent a link to preview your images. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Graduates can pre-register for commencement photos and get 20% off.

Graduates consent to having their portraits and candid photos taken by commencement photographers. Candid photos may be used in Humboldt publications, websites, and social media. If you do not want to be photographed, notify the photographer and email grad@humboldt.edu.

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