Faculty

Faculty play a meaningful role in celebrating our graduates and upholding the tradition of Commencement at CSUSM. Your presence and participation help create a memorable and impactful experience for students and their guests as they reach this important milestone.

Faculty Sign Up Form

We invite faculty to sign up to participate in the May 2026 Commencement ceremonies. A variety of roles are available, including serving as a Faculty Marshal, participating in the processional, and celebrating graduates during the recessional. 

Faculty Sign up Form

Roles and Responsibilities

Faculty participants are essential in guiding graduates, maintaining ceremony flow, and celebrating student achievement throughout the event. Opportunities and assignments will vary by ceremony, and additional details will be shared following sign-up.

Faculty Marshals

Faculty Marshals serve as ceremony leaders, helping guide graduates and support the overall flow of Commencement.

• Lead and guide graduates during the processional and recessional
• Direct and lead students to the stage and back to their designated seats
• Celebrate and engage with graduates throughout the event

Faculty Marshal training will be led by Dr. David Barsky during the following dates and times in University Commons 201, Conference Room (same office as the Alumni Association). Faculty Marshals will also be notified of training via email.

Ceremonial Faculty

Ceremonial Faculty participate in the academic procession and represent their college during the ceremony.

• Participate in the processional and recessional. You are seated in the front row of the graduate seating area
• Stand and greet graduates as they return to their seats after crossing the stage
• Help create a celebratory and supportive atmosphere for graduates
• During the recessional, you will be asked to create the "Faculty Honor Guard" and offer congratulations through gestures such as handshakes, smiles, or applause as graduates walk by during the recessional.

Hooding Faculty

Faculty participating in hooding students during Commencement are coordinated directly by their department or program. Faculty selected for hooding will be contacted with specific instructions and details regarding the hooding process in advance of the ceremony.

Attire

Parking

Faculty, Commencement Ambassadors, and High School volunteers, are to park in Parking Structure 1.  Please allow extra time for traffic, walking to the Clarke Field House, and and check-in.

Additional Information

• Time Commitment: Shifts may vary depending on role and ceremony assignment. 
• Meals/Refreshments: Light refreshments and meals may be provided depending on shift length and assignment.
• Communication: All important updates will be sent via email, please check regularly leading up to commencement.
• Commencement Faculty and Staff Photo: An announcement will be made during commencement directing Ambassadors to meet at the stage following the first ceremony for a group photo.

Important Notices

Commencement is voluntary and open to all eligible graduating students who wish to participate, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

Individuals with disabilities who are participating in commencement are encouraged to contact commencement@csusm.edu regarding any accommodation needs. It is requested that individuals requiring auxiliary aids, such as sign language interpreters or alternative format materials, email at least seven working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide accommodations in an effective and timely manner.