Everything You Need to Know About SDSU Commencement 2022

  This week, more than 11,200 San Diego State University degree candidates, including SDSU Imperial Valley and Global Campus students,  have the opportunity to graduate from student to proud SDSU alumni as part of the Class of 2022.   RELATED: Top 10 Degrees Among 2022 SDSU Graduates    In San Diego, the commencement ceremony returns to Viejas Arena for the first time since 2019.
 Here’s everything you need to know about attending the 2022 Commencement ceremonies. For more information, visit SDSU's commencement information page:

Ceremonies by college

SDSU Imperial Valley 

Location: Rollie Carillo Quad  
Thursday, May 12, 2022
7 p.m. Imperial Valley

SDSU Main Campus
Location: Viejas Arena
Friday, May 13, 2022
9:30 a.m. College of Sciences
3 p.m. College of Arts and Letters

Saturday, May 14, 2022
8 a.m. Fowler College of Business
1 p.m. College of Health and Human Services
5:30 p.m. College of Engineering

Sunday, May 15, 2022
9 a.m. College of Education and Faculty Advancement and Student Success (IS3D) 
2 p.m. College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts   

View ceremony broadcast / online
All ceremonies will be broadcast online on the SDSU and commencement sites. All ceremonies will also stream on Facebook live through the San Diego State University Facebook page.       

For graduates

Find everything you need to know for commencement, including the day at a glance, how to get tickets and where to buy commencement apparel. 

Valid ID Required
Due to stringent security measures, all students participating in commencement are required to present their SDSU RedID card (preferred) or a valid, government-issued picture ID in order to be admitted to Viejas Arena.

Students who do not bring valid ID to Viejas Arena will not be allowed to participate in commencement.

Viejas Arena Assembly 
Please check the schedule of commencement ceremonies for the appropriate date and time. 

Assemble in Lot 13, across from Parking Structure 12, north of the arena.   

Arrive at least 45 minutes before the processional start time, unless otherwise noted for your college. See Ceremonies by College.  

College representatives will help to organize you in the correct processional line according to your major.  

Commencement Tradition
By tradition, the commencement ceremony may include a processional, introductions, awards, a speaker and a recessional. Music for the processional and recessional will signal the beginning and end of the ceremony.

The processional, led by the grand marshal carrying the college banner, and directed by faculty marshals, will enter the commencement site from one or two directions, providing a colorful view of candidates and faculty in their full academic regalia. After arriving at your seat, please remain standing until the grand marshal signals you to sit.

The ceremony typically will continue with a welcome and instructions from the dean of the college, followed by the recognition of outstanding candidates. SDSU President Adela de la Torre will confer the degrees. Following closing remarks by the dean, the grand marshal will lead the recessional of graduates and dignitaries from the commencement site back to the assembly area. The commencement ceremony will last about two hours.    

Family and Guests

Find helpful information for families and guests, such as where to stay and special travel discounts.   

Guests should allow plenty of time to park and find their seats. You may want to arrive to campus early and walk the campus grounds and take photos of your graduate at their favorite campus landmarks. 

Ceremony
Audience members should remain seated until the recessional ends and then meet their graduates at a pre-arranged site. Students and guests are encouraged not to exit the arena until the entire ceremony has concluded. Please avoid congregating in the immediate area of Viejas Arena to eliminate congestion as guests arrive and depart from other commencement ceremonies.      

COVID-19 information

Health Verification
Aligned with California and San Diego County guidelines, effective April 1, separate vaccination and testing checks are no longer required at the door of SDSU-affiliated events, including Commencement 2022 at Viejas Arena. All attendees are encouraged to be fully vaccinated or to take and receive a recent negative COVID-19 test to attend the ceremony, but there is no separate verification or approval process that attendees need to complete prior to attendance.

Facial Coverings
Facial coverings are required for individuals who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and are recommended for those who are fully vaccinated.

This information is subject to change based on new and evolving COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations.

Bag Policy & Prohibited Items 
To expedite your entry into Viejas Arena it is recommended that you do not bring a bag. If you must bring a bag, we highly suggest a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bag. This is to reduce staff contact with guests' belongings. Bags can be no larger than 16"x 8" x 16". No backpacks are allowed.

Please arrive early and be patient as we work to ensure a safe environment. All bags are subject to search prior to entrance and inside the facility.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: large bags/backpacks, strollers, umbrellas, banners and signs larger than 20”x20”, balloons, weapons, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, noisemakers of any kind, non-service animals, skateboards and roller shoes. Visit the Viejas Arena A-Z Guide for more information.

Parking and Transportation

Directions   
To Viejas Arena: Because some ceremonies may fill the arena to its capacity of 12,000 people, we suggest several alternate approaches and making use of a range of parking locations.

Please allow at least 20 minutes to reach the arena from any parking area east of College Avenue.

From east of College Avenue: Take I-8 west to College Avenue, then proceed south on College Avenue. At the first intersection of College/Alvarado Road, turn right onto Canyon Crest Drive, then west to Parking Structure 12. 

From south of Montezuma Road: Take Route 94 or another east/west route to College Avenue north, then left on Montezuma Road, then right on 55th Street to Parking Structure 7.

From west of College Avenue: Take I-8 to College Avenue south, then right on Canyon Crest Drive to Parking Structure 12.

Alternate Route: Take I-8 to Fairmount Avenue, east on Montezuma Road to 55th Street, then left on 55th Street to Parking Structure 7.

Parking
Campus parking is free at all parking lots and structures. Parking attendants and police officers will be stationed around campus to help direct traffic. Visit Transportation for directions, shuttle information and a campus map.  

Please do not park in residential neighborhoods. We suggest carpooling with family members and arriving early that you arrive early (remember to note which lot you are in before leaving your car).   

Accessibility
Candidates or guests with SDSU or disabled parking permits may park in any legal stall on campus. There will also be a limited number of wheelchairs available for guests to use at no charge at the beginning of each commencement ceremony. Visit Disability Access for more information on disabled parking/shuttles, wheelchairs and other accommodations.