Graduate Information

SAVE THE DATE: In person and Virtual SJSU Black Grad Celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm PST at the Event Center on the campus of San Jose State University.

You are cordially invited to participate in the 42nd Annual Black Grad Celebration. This will be an opportunity to celebrate your academic achievements thus far in front of your family, friends, faculty, and fellow graduates. Not only is this an event to mark the completion of your journey at San Jose State University, it is an opportunity to celebrate the scholastic endeavors of all the Black/African Diaspora community of Spartans. You are a part of the generation that is bridging the gap between those who have come before us, and those who will follow.

This event is open to any graduating student regardless of race, color or national origin.

To participate in the 2024 ceremony, ALL Graduates MUST pay a $20 refundable "Personal Investment Fee", as a part of completing their registration to participate.

After registering through this google form below, please come to the BLOC (Sudent Union room 1360) and give payment to Professional Staff to confirm your spot!

*Please Note: payments are refundable to you, and will be given back to ALL participants at Check in on the day of the event.

2024 Black Graduation Participation Package:
- Spot confirmation for 42nd Annual Event on 5/21/2024 (Check SJSU Email)
- Participant photoshoot (Individual headshot/group photo)
- 1 Event Program Booklet
- Black Graduate Swag (Includes Kente Stole)
- Access to post event reception

Registration

Deadline to Register: May 3, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Eligible students receive a registration email to their "SJSU Email Address" on file with the University with pertinent event details and reminders.

*Please note: registering AFTER May 3rd will result in your individual photo NOT being included in the program booklet.

Link to REGISTER

Purchase Your Regalia

All participating graduates are required to wear the correct degree academic regalia to attend Black Graduation 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, 2024 to the day-of Commencement, May 24, 2024.

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 15th, 2024 to ensure your Regalia is delivered on time.

Guest Tickets - TBA

Each registered student will receive unlimited guest tickets at NO cost. Guest tickets can be claimed through Eventbrite.

* Guest tickets are not required for participating graduates. Guest tickets are required for all guests age three and up.

Photography

As a part of your participation in the 42nd Annual Black Graduation Celebration, we are extending and opportunity for you to take part in a free graduate individual headshot and group photo on Sunday, April 14th, 2024 between 9am - 1pm PST.

**Participation in the photoshoot is FREE to you, upon successful completion of the registration form linked above.

Each student participating in the photoshoot will recieve the following:
- One individual photo (cap and gown provided; if MA or Doctorate, please provide additional regalia)
- One group photo

**Photos will be edited and emailed to each student following the commencement ceremonies.

Post photoshoot, you will receive the following:
- Physical Copy of Program Booklet (Provided Day of Event)

Post event, you will receive the following:

- Digital access to your individual headshot
- Digital access to graduation send off video
- Digital access to reception photos
- Digital access to Black Grad group photo

Event Parking - TBA

Each registered student will receive an email with instructions for claiming their complimentary parking permit after the registration deadline has passed.

Graduate Parking Information:

Event Venue

The Provident Credit Union Event Center is an accessible building on campus. Students and guests with ADA accessibility needs will enter through the designated entrance on the ground floor of the venue. ADA accessible seating will be available inside of the venue. Should you have any direct questions, please feel free to reach out to The BLOC Program Director, Emerald Green - emerald.green@sjsu.edu

Event Prohibited Items:

Commencement is a "Clear Bag Policy" [pdf] [pdf] event. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, the following items are not permitted at the event:

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 (see our clear bag policy [pdf])
NO Weapons of Any Kind (Includes Pocket Knives, Pepper Spray, Fireworks, etc.)
NO Professional Recording Equipment – Photo Video, or Audio (No Detachable Lenses, Tripods, Big Zooms or Commercial Use Rigs)
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.

Note:

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.