myCSUSM
Mangrum Track and Field
Commencement is a time for celebration and recognition of your academic success. The conferring of an academic degree is a tradition that dates back to the 12th century and is regarded as an important rite of passage for students and their families. We ask that you respect this long tradition and approach the ceremony with the proper decorum.
For those unable to make it physically to the ceremony, you may livestream on the CSUSM website or through the CSUSM Mobile App.
We have categorized the Commencement information into different categories so that you can easily navigate to the information you need. If you have additional questions, please email the CSUSM Commencement Office.
Graduate Information
- Graduate Registration
All eligible graduates who wish to participate in Commencement must pre-register via their Marching Order link (sent in April) by April 21st, 11:59pm.
When you register for Commencement, you will "RSVP" to attend as well as claim your guest tickets for your commencement ceremony.
- Parking
There is no charge for parking and no permits are required to park during commencement weekend. Once you enter campus, a parking attendant will direct you to a parking lot.
General parking - Lots C, E, and F or Lots X and Y
ADA parking - Lot B (If you have a placcard, please have this visible when entering campus).
Ride share drop off - Lot Z
Alternate Viewing Area drop off: Campus Way Circle (no pedestrian access to Mangrum Track and Field).
Alternate Viewing Area Parking: Parking Structure 1 (no pedestrian access to Mangrum Track and Field).
Traffic Control will direct cars where to park. All graduates and guests will be subject to a security and bag check prior to entering the venue. We strongly recommend that you only bring what you need for the length of the ceremony. All bags are subject to search which may result in delays entering the venue. Gifts will be unwrapped to be checked during security search. Please only take only the essentials with you and leave your valuables in your car.
- Graduate Check-in Location and Time
Graduates should arrive with regalia on, no later than one (1) hour prior to their ceremony time.
Registered graduates will check-in with their GradPasses main entrance. Your GradPass will note your assigned ceremony and will have a unique code/number. Graduates will attend the ceremony that is assigned to them, and GradPasses will only be valid for the ceremony in which the graduate is assigned to.
In-and-out privileges will not be permitted. Each GradPass and Guest Ticket will have a unique code/number that can only be scanned one time. GradPass and Guest Tickets are non-transferable and holds no monetary value. Graduates may not sell their unused guest tickets and will be responsible for sending their guests their tickets. No additional guest registration will be provided. There will be a stand-by line (first-come, first-served,) and waiting in the stand-by line does not guarantee admission into the venue and will be dependent on the capacity of the venue at the start of the ceremony.
Graduates will receive an updated GradPass at graduate check-in. It is recommended that guests print their guest tickets, reception at the track may not be reliable.
Please note that the ceremonies will start on time (rain or shine). If you are running late, please find a Commencement Staff member ( blue polo) to assist you to the graduate seating area.
There is no storage or lockers for graduates to hold their personal belongings. Please bring only what you need for the length of the ceremony.
- Regalia
Required Regalia: All ceremony participants are required to wear full academic regalia consisting of a traditional black gown, mortarboard (cap) with tassel, and medallion (hood for graduate degrees). Additional items including sashes, cords, or leis are optional.
Cap and Regalia Decor: We kindly ask that personal modifications to the mortarboards (caps) be limited to those expressing well-wishing and gratitude or affiliation with sanctioned organizations. Unacceptable decorations, offensive language or inappropriate images on the mortarboards will not be allowed into the venue. Decorations must also remain flat and cannot obstruct the view of the person sitting behind you, and must not contain any derogatory remarks or profanity. In order to preserve the dignity and importance of Commencement, gowns are to remain formal with no emmbellishments and decoration. Students not following these guidelines may be pulled from the graduation line up.
What to Wear Under Your Gown: The ceremony will be outdoors with exposure to the sun and wind (and possibly rain). Please wear appropriate clothing under your gown. The ceremony stage is high and graduates will access it via open steps. Please exercise caution when selecting footwear - high heels are not recommended due to the grassy area that the graduate seating is in.
Stoles noting majors or campus organizations are not cordinated through the commencement office. Please check the stoles page on the Commencement Website.
Where to Purchase your Regalia: In-person at the University Bookstore or the University Store Website for more information. For the most up-to-date University Bookstore hours, please visit the University Bookstore Website.
- Seating
Graduates will be seated with other graduates in their major. There is no assigned seating and graduates may sit with their fellow graduates in their major.
We ask that you are courteous to your classmates and stay for the duration of the ceremony. There will be livestream cameras in the graduate seating area.
If a registered graduate is running late, please see a Commencement Staff Member in a blue polo so that they may guide you to your seating area as soon as possible.
Mangrum Track and Field Map at Commencement. Please also visit: CSUSM Interactive Map
- Having Your Name Announced
Names are pre-recorded and graduates will have a chance to be able to record how their names should be recorded when they register for commencement via Marching Order.
As the graduate approaches the stage, the printed GradPass that is distributed at Graduate Check-In will be scanned. The graduate's name will be announced and the graduate's name and major will appear on the screen. There will be obvious markers on the stage where the graduate will stand so that they appear on the screen and where they will shake hands with the President.
When you register by the April 21st due date, graduates will have the opportunity to record their name as it should be read when walking across the stage. When registering for Commencement, please double check that the name you want listed is noted correctly on the registration form and that your degree(s) and major(s) is noted correctly as well. You will have until April 21st to make any revisions.
Livestream and video posted on the website will NOT be edited for corrections.
Please follow directions provided by the Commencement Stage Staff so your image will line up with your name appearing on the screen.
- Livestream, Photos, Social Media, and Video
Livestream: Livestream will be available on the day of your ceremony. A link will be accessible via the CSUSM Home page of the CSUSM App. No edits to the livestream video will be made. Each registered graduate will receive an email the week of commencement with their Commencement Live page link. The Commencement Live link will be personalized with the registered graduate's name and major along with the livestream link to their assigned ceremony.
Photos and Video: This is a big day and we know you want to remember it! Every year our partner, diFranco Photography, captures that special moment at commencement. diFranco Photograph will take a picture of each graduate holding their diploma cover, off stage. Graduates will be emailed their proof(s) taken by diFranco Photography in about 24-36 hours after commencement. The email will note information on how to purchase your Commencement pictures.
Photo, Video, Social Media Disclaimer: CSUSM reserves the right to use any photograph/video/audio taken at Commencement without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video/audio clip. Photographs/videos/audio clips may be used (but not limited to) in publications, brochures, postcards, posters, newspapers, social media, television, websites, etc., for the purposes of event promotion and/or portraying CSUSM as the University of choice.
To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.
A person attending/participating in/working Commencement who does not wish to have their image captured for distribution should make their wishes known to the CSUSM Commencement Office in writing of their intentions and include a photograph of oneself to reference to: commencement@csusm.edu. The Commencement Office will use the photo for identification purposes and will hold it in confidence.
By attending/participating in/working Commencement at Cal State San Marcos, or by failing to notify the Commencement Office (commencement@csusm.edu) in writing, your desire to not have your photograph used, you are agreeing to release, defend, hold harmless and indemnify CSUSM from any and all claims involving the use of your picture or likeness.
General Information
- Registration
All eligible graduates who wish to participate in Commencement must pre-register via their Marching Order link (sent in April) by April 21st, 11:59pm.
When you register for Commencement, you will "RSVP" to attend as well as claim your guest tickets for your commencement ceremony.
- Commencement Schedule
The 2024 May Commencement Ceremony Dates and Times can be found on the May Ceremony Schedule Webpage.
Dates and times are subject to change due to weather and other safety issues. Registered graduates will be notified via email and ChatBot. Graduates will be responsible for informing their guests of any changes in ceremony dates and times.
Please continue to monitor this website for the most current details, protocols and safety measures regarding May Commencement 2024. We will update the site regularly as the Commencement Office receives updated information.
- Ceremony Length
Ceremony times are expected to run approximately 2-2.5 hours for CHABSS ceremonies and 1 hour for all other ceremonies (estimate only, based on previous years' ceremonies). If you have lunch or dinner reservations, allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours after each ceremony to give yourself time to meet your graduate, take photos, get back to your vehicles and exit from the parking lot in traffic.
It is recommended that graduates and guests have a pre-determined location to meet after the ceremony. Reception on the Mangrum Track and Field is not reliable. Graduates and guests can utilize the Campus Map for reference.
- Ceremony Program
The order of the ceremony will be as follows:
- Processional
- America the Beautiful
- Welcome and Introductions
- University Awards
- Special Remarks
- Conferring of Degrees
- Graduates Walking Across Stage
- Closing Remarks
- Recessional
There is no printed program. Each registered graduate will receive an email the week of commencement with their Commencement Live page link. The Commencement Live link will be personalized with the registered graduate's name and major along with the livestream link to their assigned ceremony.
- Security and Bag Check (Clear Bag Policy)
Guests: please only take what is required for the ceremony: approximately 2-2.5 hours for CHABSS ceremonies and 1 hour for all other ceremonies (estimate only, based on previous years' ceremonies). To ensure everyone's safety, every bag is subject to be searched. We advise that any gifts for the graduates be given at your car or at another location. Wrapped packages will be opened by security. All bags are subject to search which may result in delays entering the venue.
Clear Bag Policy: Mangrum Track and Field will enforce a clear bag policy for Commencement weekend. Guests are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring with them to the Mangrum Track & Field. Only (1) one of the following style and size bag, package, or container per person:
- Bags that are clear plastic or clear vinyl and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag.
- Purses, bags, or clutches no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.
Prohibited bags include but are not limited to large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, luggage of any kind, computer bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Lockers are NOT available and guests with prohibited items will have the option to return their prohibited item(s) back to their vehicle or to dispose of prohibited item(s) in the waste receptacle.
This policy is not intended to interfere with guests attending with specific medical needs or guests caring for young children.
- Seating
Tickets are required for guests over the age of 7 years old. All guest seating is first come first served, no seat saving. Graduates can claim their guest tickets via Marching Order when they register for commencement. Gates will open (1) hour prior to the start of each ceremony.
For the safety of our graduates, faculty, staff, and all guests, graduate only areas are only for CSUSM graduates and any authorized personnel. NO guests are allowed in the graduate only areas. This includes children of guests and/or graduates. Guests in the graduate-only areas will be escorted out by a Commencement Staff, Elite Security, and/or Univeristy Police (UPD). We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
There will be a special seating area for individuals with mobility impairments. Space is provided on a first come, first served basis. Only one companion seat per mobility-impaired guest will be permitted in this area. Please keep in mind that wheelchair accessible seating is available near gate 4 and directly behind the graduate seating area (noted in blue in the map below) THERE IS NO SHADE IN THIS SEATING SECTION.
Mangrum Track and Field Map at Commencement. Please also visit: CSUSM Interactive Map
- Etiquette, Security, Lost and Found, Safety
Lost and Found will be located on Mangrum Track and Field at the police tent, near the first aid tent. If you or your graduate lose any items at the event, send an email to CSUSM Commencement Office and we will contact you the week following the ceremony. Also, if you are missing your party, please go to the police tent to have an announcement made over the PA system and for assistance.
If any issues may arise, please contact a Commencement Staff Member in a blue polo or visit the University Police Department (UPD) tent (East side of track).
Bag Search: We strongly recommend that you only bring what you need for the length of the ceremony. All bags are subject to search which may result in delays entering the venue. Gifts will be unwrapped to be checked during security search. Please only take only the essentials with you and leave your valuables in your car.Also, please see the "What Not to Bring" section below.
Etiquette: Please refrain from using cell phones during the ceremony (please silence them). stop cheering- to hear grad names called
Safety: The University wil be practicing and enforcing health orders put in place by local government and the CDC. Please see Safety Protocol section below.
Guests and children are not permitted in the graduate seating area or on stage.
Please be aware of your surroundings and stay on designated walking/seating areas ONLY. The hills have loose gravel making it easy for one to lose their balance, slip, trip, and fall. Also, there have been snake sightings in the dirt areas.
Please follow all directions of the Elite Security, San Diego Police Department, University Staff, including UPD (University Police Department), Parking and Commuter Services, Traffic Control, and Commencement Ambassadors.
- Meeting up with your Graduate
Establish a meeting place for after the ceremony. You may review the CSUSM Interactive map or see the map below to decide the best location to meet after the recessional.
Mangrum Track and Field Map at Commencement. Please also visit: CSUSM Interactive Map
For meal reservations, give yourself approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (this is an estimate based on previous years' ceremonies)after the ceremony to meet your guests, take photos, get back to your vehicles, and exit campus in traffic.
- Smoking, Drug and Alcohol Policy
This is a smoking, drug, and alcohol free event. Tobacco products, including electronic (e-cigs), recreational drugs, and alcohol are not allowed at commencement nor on campus. The University observes a strict no alcohol, no drugs, and smoke free policy - commencement graduates and guests are prohibited from bringing these items onto the premises and may be confiscated.
- What NOT to bring
Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking – They are prohibited on University property at all times. This includes vaping.
Pets – For the safety of your pet, pets are not allowed in or around the commencement venue. Those with a service animal may be required to answer a few questions.
Bags or Backpacks –We strongly recommend that you only bring what you need for the length of the ceremony. All bags are subject to search which may result in delays entering the venue. Gifts will be unwrapped to be checked during security search. Please only take only the essentials with you and leave your valuables in your car. Also, please see the "What Not to Bring" section below. There is no storage at the Softball Field to hold items for graduates.
Guests: please only take what is required for the ceremony: approximately 2-2.5 hours for CHABSS ceremonies and 1 hour for all other ceremonies (estimate only, based on previous years' ceremonies). To ensure everyone's safety, every bag is subject to be searched. We advise that any gifts for the graduates be given at your car or at another location. Wrapped packages will be opened by security.
All bags are subject to be searched by event staff and/or security prior to entering the Mangrum Track & Field, which may result in a delay in entering the venue.
Other Prohibited Items: balloons, beach chairs, bottles, beach balls, confetti and confetti cannons, noise makers, glass, fireworks, confetti, rolling coolers, wrapped gifts, drones, inappropriate/large poster signage, and items that may obstruct one's view or items that can be a distraction to the ceremony.
Security/Commencement Staff/UPD/and other authorized personnel may confiscate/prohibit items that they deem dangerous, distracting or obstructive to other guests and/or the ceremony; this will be at their discretion, including items not specifically noted here. When in doubt, please contact the Commencement Office prior to the event. Graduates and or guests will be asked to return prohibited item(s) back to their vehicles. If the graduate and or guest chooses to leave prohibited item(s) at security check, prohibited item(s) will not be returned to the graduate or guest and will not be reimbursed.
Please arrive early and be patient as we work to ensure a safe environment.
- Directions/Map/Parking
Traffic: Main access to the campus is from State Highway 78 at Twin Oaks Valley Road. Take Twin Oaks Valley Road south for approximately a half-mile and you will be at campus. Follow road-signage and traffic officers to the nearest available parking. Traffic will be heavy, so please allow adequate time for travel and parking!
Alternate Routes to Campus: Driving WESTBOUND on Highway 78 from Interstate 15, Take exit 14, Woodland Parkway/Barham Dr. and stay to the right. Take the next RIGHT (South) onto Woodland Parkway Turn RIGHT (West) onto Barham Dr. The campus is 1 mile down on the left.
Driving EASTBOUND on Highway 78 from Interstate 5, Take exit 12 for San Marcos Blvd. Turn right onto San Marcos Blvd. Make a left onto Bent Ave. Bent Ave turns into Craven Road. Follow Craven Road 1.3 miles to the campus.
Directions to CSUSM Mangrum Track and Field via Google Maps.
Graduate and Gust Parking: There is no charge for parking and no permits are required to park during commencement weekend. Once you enter campus, a parking attendant will direct you to a parking lot.
General parking - Lots C, E, and F or Lots X and Y
ADA parking - Lot B (If you have a placcard, please have this visible when entering campus).
Ride share drop off - Lot Z
Alternate Viewing Area drop off: Campus Way Circle (no pedestrian access to Mangrum Track and Field).
Alternate Viewing Area Parking: Parking Structure 1 (no pedestrian access to Mangrum Track and Field).
Traffic Control will direct cars where to park. Please only take only the essentials with you and leave your valuables in your car.
ADA Accessible Parking: ADA parking is available for guests with disabled placards and plates in Lot B . ADA parking will open one (1) hour prior to the start of each ceremony and parking is complimentary (parking is on a first come, first serve basis). Event signage will direct guests to the Event Site (Mangrum Track and Field), which is directly across the street from Lots B and C.
Commencement Ceremony Parking. Please also visit: CSUSM Interactive MapTaking Uber or Lyft? Designated Drop-Off and Pick-up location will be at Lot Z ONLY. From Twin Oaks Valley Road, enter Lots XYZ at Campus Marketplace, turn LEFT at Lot Z when directed by traffic officer to do so.
Commencement Ceremony Parking. Please also visit: CSUSM Interactive MapAvoid traffic and Take the Sprinter! It is about a 15-minute walk from the Sprinter station to the ceremony site (shuttle transportation is not available). Visit the NCTD Sprinter page for schedule information.
CSUSM Sprinter Stop to Mangrum Track and Field. Please also visit: CSUSM Interactive Map
- How do you walk over to the Commencement Venue from the parking lots?
Below we have a Pedestrian Map and routes to the Mangrum Track and Field (Commencement Venue) from each of the parking lots. Please note that there are no direct pedestrian pathways from Parking Structure 1 and the Alternate Viewing Area to the Mangrum Track and Field. The Mangrum Track and Field will be accessible by walking through the main campus towards the Administrative Building and crossing on Craven road from Parking Structure 1 and the Alternate Viewing Area.
Pedestrian Routes. Please also visit: CSUSM Interactive Map
- Illness
If graduates or their guests are feeling ill, or have potentially been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, they are asked to not attend the in-person commencement ceremonies in the interest of the individual and community health.
- Weather and Site Information
Commencement is an outdoor event. All guest seating will be in direct sunlight with no shade available, however, the weather in May is unpredictable. Please check the weather for Commencement weekend and dress appropriately. In the event of rain, guests and graduates are welcomed to bring their own rain gear.
Rain or shine, all umbrellas must be lowered prior to the start of the ceremony.
Remember to bring sunscreen; there is limited shade on the Mangrum Track and Field and wear appropriate shoes for walking on grass, dirt pathways, and/or uneven surfaces.
The venue entrance at the Mangrum Track & Field is a downhill ADA compliant ramp. Some guests may require assistance exiting the field.
If you are unable to attend, or have concerns about the weather, we will be live streaming the event on the CSUSM website.
- Special Accommodations
ADA parking is available for guests with disabled parking placards and plates,. Those attending the commencement ceremony on the Mangrum Track, and have special accommodations, will park in Lot B. Please make sure that your parking placard or Special Accommodations permit is clearly visable when driving onto campus.
Commencement Ceremony Parking. Please also visit: CSUSM Interactive MapMobility Impaired - There will be a special seating area for individuals with mobility impairments. Space is provided on a first come, first served basis. Due to seating limitations, only one companion seat per mobility-impaired guest will be permitted in this area. Please keep in mind that seating is available in the grass section as well and the surface should be firm enough to allow for wheelchair access. THERE IS NO SHADE IN THIS SEATING SECTION.
Mangrum Track and Field Map at Commencement. Please also visit: CSUSM Interactive Map
Wheelchairs or motorized scooters are NOT available at CSUSM for individual use.
The ADA parking lot is directly across the street from the Mangrum Track and Field. Please plan accordingly.
Ramps/Inclines/Unstable Ground: The venue entrance at the Mangrum Track & Field is a downhill ADA compliant ramp. Some guests may require assistance exiting the field. Also, some of the event parking is on loose gravel and some guests may require assistance.
Sign language interpreters will be present on stage at all ceremonies.
Individuals with disabilities, who would like to attend should contact Disability Support Services (DSS) by sending DSS an email regarding any special accommodation needs. It is requested that individuals requiring auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify Disability Support Services at least seven working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
- Vendor Information
CSUSM Commencement Vendor information can be found on the Commencement Contact Page.
- Livestream, Pictures, Social Media, Videos
Livestream: Livestream will be available on the day of your ceremony. A link will be accessible via the CSUSM Home page of the CSUSM App. No edits to the livestream video will be made. Each registered graduate will receive an email the week of commencement with their Commencement Live page link. The Commencement Live link will be personalized with the registered graduate's name and major along with the livestream link to their assigned ceremony.
Photos and Video: This is a big day and we know you want to remember it! Every year our partner, diFranco Photography, captures that special moment at commencement. diFranco Photograph will take a picture of each graduate holding their diploma cover, off stage. Graduates will be emailed their proof(s) taken by diFranco Photography in about 24-36 hours after commencement. The email will note information on how to purchase your Commencement pictures.
Photo, Video, Social Media Disclaimer: CSUSM reserves the right to use any photograph/video/audio taken at Commencement without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video/audio clip. Photographs/videos/audio clips may be used (but not limited to) in publications, brochures, postcards, posters, newspapers, social media, television, websites, etc., for the purposes of event promotion and/or portraying CSUSM as the University of choice.
To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.
A person attending/participating in/working Commencement who does not wish to have their image captured for distribution should make their wishes known to the CSUSM Commencement Office in writing of their intentions and include a photograph of oneself to reference to: commencement@csusm.edu. The Commencement Office will use the photo for identification purposes and will hold it in confidence.
By attending/participating in/working Commencement at Cal State San Marcos, or by failing to notify the Commencement Office (commencement@csusm.edu) in writing, your desire to not have your photograph used, you are agreeing to release, defend, hold harmless and indemnify CSUSM from any and all claims involving the use of your picture or likeness.
- CSUSM Emergency and Evacuation Procedures
The safety of our graduates, guests, faculty, staff, and students are of our hightest concern. Any issues should be taken to Commencemetnt Ambassadors (blue polo), Elite Security, University Police (uniformed), or to the UPD/Security tent on the East side of the track.
In the event of an emergency or evacuation, please follow all instructions that will be announced over the PA system and those given by Commencement Staff. Emergencies will also be communicated via the CSUSM App (if notifications are turned on).
If any member of the campus community or visitor becomes aware of an emergency situation during the Commencement ceremony, they are encouraged to contact any commencement staff wearing a blue polo or visit the University Police Tent on the east side of the track by the First Aid Tent (marked with red flags). You will be asked to provide as much detailed information as possible so that the proper measures can take place.
Evacuation of part or all of the Mangrum Track and Field will be announced by University Police and undertaken as circumstances dictate. Please follow any directions/announcements given at that time.
Visitors are encouraged to make themselves aware of the physical facilities, exits, and posted evacuation plans prior to the ceremony.
Disclaimers
Ceremony dates and times are subject to change due to weather, venue limitations,
graduate participation, etc.
The University will continue to monitor county and state regulations. CSUSM plans
to host in-person ceremonies, rain or shine, on the Mangrum Track to celebrate the
current graduating class. Attendance and participation will require advance registration
and attendance will be limited. A livestream of the ceremonies will be made available on the CSUSM website and the
CSUSM app.
Please continue to monitor this website for the most current details, protocols and safety measures regarding Commencement 2024. We will update the site regularly as state and local regulations continue to evolve.