The commencement ceremony is a fitting conclusion to a successful academic career, recognizing the completion of a course of study and the conferral of the appropriate degree. 

Begun in the Middle Ages, the ceremony involves many venerable traditions, including special clothing called "academic regalia."  The colorful robes, hoods, capes and tassels, and the distinctive caps and mortarboards evolved from attire worn when commencement was a religious ceremony associated with ordination. As educational institutions became more secular, this special clothing took on new significance. Today, the colors and designs of academic regalia symbolize degrees, fields of study and, frequently, the institutions themselves. 

By tradition, the commencement ceremony may include a processional, introductions, awards, a speaker and a recessional. It is colorful and festive but dignified. Music for the processional and recessional will signal the beginning and end of the ceremony.

The processional, led by the grand marshal carrying the college banner, and directed by faculty marshals, will enter the commencement site from two directions, providing a colorful view of candidates and faculty in their full academic regalia. After arriving at your seat, please remain standing until the grand marshal signals you to sit down. 

The ceremony typically will continue with a welcome and perhaps instructions from the dean of the college, followed by the recognition of outstanding candidates.

SDSU President Stephen L. Weber will confer the degrees. Following closing remarks by the dean, the grand marshal will lead the recessional of graduates and dignitaries from the commencement site back to the assembly area. The commencement ceremony will last about two hours.

Audience members should remain seated until the recessional ends and then meet their graduates at their reception and recognition ceremonies or at other pre-arranged sites.