March 18, 2009

The 98th Commencement at California State University, Fresno will begin at 9:30 a.m. May 23 at the Save Mart Center on campus, highlighting a busy week of activities for baccalaureate candidates and those receiving advanced degrees.

Activities begin May 22 with 17 college and school convocations and department and program celebrations throughout the day. The finale at 7:30 p.m. is the Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony, which includes awarding of doctoral degrees in educational leadership earned in a joint program with the University of California.

Eight events are scheduled May 23, beginning with Commencement and ending at 6 p.m. with the Latino Commencement Celebration at the Save Mart Center. The final event is the Air Force ROTC pinning ceremony on June 6.

The lead up to Commencement includes Grad Fair, scheduled 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the Kennel Bookstore on campus. Students can order commencement regalia and graduation announcements.

Senior portrait photo sessions will be held 8 a.m.-8 p.m. May 20 and 22 at the Smittcamp Alumni House.

Events are organized by the University Commencement Planning Committee, coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs.

Last year, 1,300 graduates participated and about 9,000 guests attended Commencement, said Gary Nelson, Commencement coordinator in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development.

The schedule of Commencement Week’s 27 events is available at www.csufresno.edu/commencement.

For more information, call 559.278.2741 or see updates at the following Web sites:

• Schedule and general instructions for grads

• A Guide for Seniors Handbook

• Graduation attire and merchandise

• Senior portrait appointments or call 278.2586

• 2009 Grad Fair