Chicano Commencement Celebration
55th Annual Chicano Commencement Celebration
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Time: 9-11am
Location: Provident Credit Union Event Center, San José State University
The Chicano Commencement Celebration is a cultural ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of SJSU students who have graduated Fall 2024 and students expected to graduate Spring, Summer and Fall 2025. This celebration is a great opportunity to acknowledge your academic achievements, honor your families, communities, and other significant people in your lives, and to celebrate the Latinx cultural influences that have contributed to your academic success.
Participation in this event is voluntary and is open to all graduating students who would like to participate, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
Degrees are not conferred during our cultural celebration nor are graduate students hooded. Degrees and hooding will only take place at your official college commencement. We encourage you to attend both the cultural celebration and your official college commencement. For information regarding the official university commencement schedule, please visit: https://www.sjsu.edu/commencement/
Please note that this ceremony could conflict with an individual students’ final exam schedule. We strongly advise that students prioritize their academic obligations.
Who is eligible to participate?
SJSU Students with a graduation application for Fall 2024, Spring/Summer/Fall 2025 on file.
Priority Registration (February 28th-March 31st)
Eligible students will receive an invitation to participate in Chicano Commencement on February 28, 2025. If you did not receive an email, you may register by clicking on the Registration Form to Participate in the Spring 2025 Chicano Commencement Ceremony. Register by the priority deadline in order to receive the following:
FREE cultural stole
Printed program with your name
We have a limited number of cultural stoles. Although we can't guarantee a stole for
every student who registers by March 31st, the sooner the form is received, the better
the chances are of receiving a stole. You will receive an automatic confirmation message
upon receipt of your registration form. Stoles will only be given to students who
participate in Chicano Commencement on May 20. If students register and do not attend
Chicano Commencement, stoles will be forfeited. Stoles will be handed out the morning
of Chicano Commencement. Registering by the priority deadline will ensure that your
name is included in the printed program.
Purchase Your Regalia
All participating graduates are required to wear the correct degree academic regalia to attend Chicano Commencement and your official College Commencement ceremonies.
Academic regalia is available to purchase a few different ways:
1. IN-PERSON (fastest & least expensive method):
Visit the SJSU Spartan Bookstore from March 25, 2025 to the day-of Commencement, May 21, 2025.
Spartan Bookstore hours can be found on their website sjsu.bncollege.com
2. ONLINE:
Visit the Herff Jones website.Orders must be submitted by April 14th, 2025 to ensure your Regalia is delivered on time.
Guest Tickets
Although guest tickets will not be required to attend, due to limited capacity, we are asking each graduate to limit the number of guests to 12 people (ages 3+). Children under the age of 3 will not be included in this guest limit.
Due to this, we encourage graduates and their guests to arrive to the venue the day of the event as early as possible (doors open at 8AM) as there is a possibility of us reaching seating capacity. Limiting guests to 12 people per graduate ensures all guests will be guaranteed admission into the venue. We appreciate your cooperation with this ask.
Event Parking
Commencement prepay virtual parking permits are $4. Day-of parking rate is $10. Spaces are limited for each parking garage.
Please note: You may only park in the garage that you select when you purchase your parking permit. Due to high traffic impact, please consider parking in the North Garage (10th & San Fernando) or the West Garage (4th & San Salvador). For accessible parking spots, we encourage you to park in the South Garage as that is the closest garage to the venue. Please give yourself enough time to find parking and to arrive early to your ceremony.
Commencement Graduate/Guest Prepay Parking Permits Can Be Purchased Here
Chicano Commencement Schedule
More information to come soon.
What NOT to bring to the Venue
Commencement is a "Clear Bag Policy" [pdf] event. [pdf] For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, the following items are not permitted
at the event center venue:
NO Professional Recording Equipment – Photo Video, or Audio (No Detachable Lenses,
Tripods, Big Zooms or Commercial Use Rigs)
NO Drones or airborne flying devices
NO Helium Balloons
NO Artificial noise-making devices, horns, air horns
NO Inflatable balls, frisbees, tortillas, etc.
NO Confetti or streamers
NO Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades
NO Signs or banners larger than 3’ x 5’ and must be foldable (if a banner is brought,
it will be inspected before being admitted. It may not be attached to any railings,
fencing, etc. Must be held only)
NO Coolers, hard sided coolers
NO Outside Food or Beverages (Including Alcohol, Fruit and Candy)
NO Illegal Substances, Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia
NO Tobacco Products or Paraphernalia
NO Markers, Pens or Spray Paint
NO Laser Pointers
NO Solid Backpacks, Purses or Bags (anything over 10" x 10") with the exception of
a diaper bag that must accompany the child that uses it, and is subject to search
(see our clear bag policy [pdf]) [pdf]
NO Weapons of Any Kind (includes Pocket Knives, Pepper Spray, Personal Protection
Devices, Fireworks, etc.)
NO Items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate by management that may disrupt other
attendees' enjoyment of the event
NO Pets are permitted at this event. ADA service animals are allowed.
Please note the following
There is no public storage for prohibited items, nor can any items be held by the
event staff.
SJSU is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
All guests will be subject to search, which may include the use of electronic devices,
pat downs and inspections of bags.
Guests are discouraged from bringing unnecessary items to the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the last day to register for Chicano Commencement?
- Friday, May 16, 2025
Q. I do not identify as Chicano/Latino can I still participate in Chicano Commencement?
- Yes, Chicano Commencement is open to all SJSU students who graduated Fall 2024 and expected to graduate in Spring, Summer and Fall of 2025 and who have a graduation application on file.
Q. Do I have to pay for the culture stole? When can I pick up my cultural stole?
- No you do not have to pay for the cultural stole, all SJSU students who registered by the registration deadline can pick up their stole the day of Chicano Commencement at check-in. Although we can't guarantee a stole for every student who registers by March 31st, the sooner the form is received, the better the chances are of receiving a stole.
Q. Do I need to purchase guest tickets?
- No, guest tickets will not be required to attend, due to limited capacity, we are asking each graduate to limit the number of guests to 12 people (ages 3+). Children under the age of 3 will not be included in this guest limit.
