As the leading producer of bachelor’s degrees annually in the Central Valley of California, Fresno State will host a lineup of annual festivities to recognize thousands of graduates and create a lively atmosphere across the campus and throughout the community as their families and friends join them to celebrate. Commencement ceremonies for Fresno State’s eight colleges and schools, along with several affinity celebrations, will take place May 17 through 19.

College and school ceremonies will take place at the Save Mart Center:

The college and school ceremonies will be livestreamed on the Fresno State commencement webpage.

“Commencement transcends mere ceremony; it symbolizes the pinnacle of academic accomplishment and pays homage to the unwavering determination and perseverance of our graduates,” said Dr. Kent Willis, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State. “It signifies the culmination of years devoted to scholarly pursuit and represents a monumental milestone for our students, their families and our vibrant Fresno State community.“ 

Two celebrations will take place prior to the May 17 and 18 dates:

Commencement weekend also includes the largest affinity celebration — the Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration — from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on May 18 at the Save Mart Center. As one of the nation’s largest Chicano/Latino celebrations, the Hispanic Serving Institution designation is emblematic of the rich culture and diversity that makes the Fresno State campus one of the most vibrant in the 23-campus California State University system. Given the expected high demand to participate in this ceremony, graduates who completed their degrees in summer/fall 2023 or will satisfy their degree requirements in spring 2024 will be prioritized. 

Fresno State proudly hosts several other affinity celebrations as part of the commencement activities. Here is the schedule for the other affinity celebrations:

  • International Convocation, 1 to 2:30 p.m. May 18, Satellite Student Union.
  • African American Student Recognition Ceremony, 5 to 6 p.m. May 18, Student Recreation Center.
  • Rainbow Graduation Celebration, 11 to noon May 19, Satellite Student Union.
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Graduation Celebration, 12:30 to 2 p.m. May 19, Student Recreation Center.
  • American Indian Graduation Honoring and Celebration, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 19, The Ruiz Ballroom (Resnick Student Union, First Floor).

Additional details and updates when they become available can be found on the Fresno State commencement webpage.