Guest Seating & Etiquette
Tickets are not required for Commencement. Guest seating at the ceremony is on a first come, first served basis. There is no reserved general seating, and guests are respectfully requested not to save seats for others. The Amphitheatre is an outdoor lawn-covered venue and can accommodate seating for an estimated 6,300 guests.
Special seating will be provided for disabled individuals. However, due to limited space, disabled guests may be accompanied by only one non-disabled person in the disabled seating area. Stanislaus State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its program and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please call 209-667-3598 in advance of your participation or visit.
The ceremony will also be broadcast live inside of Flora and Bernell Snider Recital Hall and in Demergasso-Bava Hall, rooms 166 & 167 (see map building #6a and #21), for those guests who wish to avoid the sun and heat. The recital hall is adjacent to the west entrance of the Amphitheatre and the Demergasso-Bava Hall is north of the Amphitheatre.Closed captioning will be provided in the indoor seating areas. Guests may photograph graduates before and after the ceremony, and from their seats during the ceremony.
Complimentary parking will be available on campus during Commencement.
Photographs
GradImages® was the official photographer for Commencement. Your proofs will be available after the ceremony. To view your proofs online, please visit www.gradimages.com. Pictures may be ordered online, by phone, or by mail. If you have any questions please contact Customer Service at 800-261-2576 or via email at giservice@gradimages.net.
Pre-register with GradImages by visiting www.gradimages.com, and clicking on the Pre-Event Registration at the bottom of the page. This provides them with the most correct and up-to-date contact information and ensures the delivery of your graduation proofs in a timely manner. You may register your email and up to 6 emails of loved ones who would like to share in your accomplishment by viewing and ordering photos.
Food, Drink & Souvenirs
Multiple concession stands will be located near the entrance and in the quad area to purchase breakfast items, coffee, water, flowers and souvenirs.
Flowers
It is permissible for students to wear flowers with academic regalia. We will have booths, north of the Amphitheatre, selling bouquets and leis for your graduate.
Lodging in Turlock
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
(209) 668-3800
3301 Countryside Dr.
Reservations
Holiday Inn Express
(209) 664-9999
3001 Hotel Drive
Reservations
Local Weather
The Commencement ceremony is held outdoors. The weather is normally sunny and very warm. Dress in cool, comfortable clothing, bring hats and water. Umbrellas are not permitted as they obstruct the view of the ceremony. Inclement weather is possible, so please prepare accordingly and remain flexible if a delay or postponement is necessary.
