Day at a Glance

Graduate Arrival

Please check the schedule of commencement ceremonies for the appropriate date and time.

• Arrive at least 45 minutes before the processional start time, unless otherwise noted for your college. See Ceremonies by College for the processional start time.
• Assemble in Lot 13, across from Parking Structure 12, north of the arena.
• Once you have entered Lot 13, you will be directed to tables organized alphabetically by last name where you will pick up your graduate card. This is the card you will present to the SDSU representative who will scan the card prior to you crossing the stage.
• College representatives will help to organize you in the correct processional line according to your major.

Graduates should arrive in their traditional, full academic regalia and should not bring purses or bags into Viejas Arena.

Valid ID Required

Due to stringent security measures, all students participating in commencement are required to present their SDSU RedID card (preferred) or a valid, government-issued picture ID in order to be admitted to Viejas Arena.

Students who do not bring valid ID to Viejas Arena will not be allowed to participate in commencement.

Ceremony Overview

From Lot 13, the processional will enter Viejas Arena from one of two directions, providing a colorful view of candidates and faculty in their full academic regalia.

After arriving at your seat, please remain standing until you are signaled to sit down.

The ceremony will include remarks by the dean of each college and other speakers. University leadership will also present and confer degrees during the ceremony.

Graduates will have their name read aloud as they cross the stage. A live video of each graduate crossing the stage will appear on the jumbotron. Graduates will receive a diploma cover after crossing the stage and a professional photo will be taken by GradImages Photography.

The commencement ceremony will last between 90 minutes to two hours depending on the number of graduates in the college. Graduates and guests are encouraged not to exit the arena until the entire ceremony has concluded and should then plan to meet at a pre-arranged site. Please avoid congregating in the immediate area of Viejas Arena to eliminate congestion as guests arrive and depart from other commencement ceremonies.

Find out more about the assembly and processional.

Commencement Reunion Spaces

For quick and safe gatherings at the conclusion of the commencement ceremony, we suggest guests reunite with their graduates at the following reunion spaces: 

AREA 1: Main Gate Promenade

Exit Gate 2 (the Main Entrance) west of Viejas Arena across from Parking Structure 7.

AREA 2: Performance Arts District 

Exit the Viejas Arena concourse and head east toward Gates 4 and 5. Near Parking Structure 12. 

AREA 3: Aztec Walk 

Exit Gate 3, south of Viejas Arena.