2024 Winter Commencement FAQs
I have a question about my degree requirements, who should I contact?
Please review the Graduation Process here or email degreeprogress@boisestate.edu.
Do graduates have to RSVP for commencement?
Yes! To ensure that you have a seat at commencement, you will need to RSVP.
After applying for graduation all eligible graduates will receive an email to RSVP to participate in the commencement ceremonies. You will not be registered to participate in the ceremonies automatically.
If you plan to participate, be sure to RSVP by the deadline: Friday, November 29, 2024.
Are tickets required or guest seating assigned?
No, guest seating for the ceremonies will be general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance ticket reservations will be required. If you have a split group they can enter from different entrances and sit wherever they like.
In an effort for all graduates to bring guests, we kindly ask graduates to limit their guests to 10 or fewer.
Is there a rehearsal or practice before the ceremony?
Undergraduate and Graduate students:
No, students are asked to check-in at the Bronco Gym on December 14 at their corresponding college ceremony time.
- Morning ceremony check-in: between 8-9 a.m.
- Afternoon ceremony check-in: between 1-2 p.m.
After checking in at the Bronco Gym, all graduates will pre-stage in the Auxilary Gym and wait for further processional instructions.
Doctoral Students:
There will be a mandatory rehearsal to attend for doctoral students and faculty hooders. Please refer to your email from the Graduate College for additional details.
Can I bring a bag into the arena?
For graduates, bags of any kind are not permitted in the arena. Walk-through magnetometers will be used to screen all students entering the stadium. Phones, wallets, keys, etc. must be on you at all times during the ceremony. There will not be a secure location for any bags or items to be held during the ceremony.
Bags and/or purses bigger than 11″ x 17″ are not permitted. Backpacks, regardless of size, are not allowed. Exceptions may be made (but are not guaranteed) for bags necessary for medical or children’s needs.
Is student seating assigned?
No, students can sit wherever they want within their college or school’s designated area.
Where do graduates and guests park?
Student drop off: Bronco Lane accessed through University Dr. will be open for student drop off prior to the ceremony.
Parking is free all day Saturday, December 14. This includes all general and reserved parking lots, pay lots, and parking garages on campus.
For full guest parking, please visit the Guest Information page.
How long is the ceremony?
Each ceremony will last 1.5-2 hours.
Graduates will need to remain seated for the entire duration of the ceremony.
Will the ceremony be live streamed?
Yes, both ceremonies will stream live on the commencement main page for off-campus guests who cannot be in attendance.
Who should I contact about guest special accommodations?
Seating for guests with accessible needs and guests in wheelchairs is available on all levels of the arena. Accessible seating information is available at the ExtraMile Arena Box Office, by calling 208-426-1766, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Elevators are located in the lobby of entrances 1 or 2 of the ExtraMile Arena. Guests who are unable to walk a long distance may be dropped off in front of the Arena.
For accommodation details please visit the Special Accommodations page.
Do I need my Boise State student ID card to get into the ceremony?
No, students are asked to check-in at the Bronco Gym on December 14 at their corresponding college ceremony time.
- Morning ceremony check-in between 8-9 a.m.
- Afternoon ceremony check-in between 1-2 p.m.
After checking in at the Bronco Gym, all graduates will pre-stage in the Auxilary Gym and wait for further processional instructions.
Is regalia required?
Yes, all students need to wear a cap and gown. Regalia can be purchased at any time from the Bronco Shop.
Graduates are invited and encouraged to attend the Grad Fair on Oct. 29 and 30 at the Bronco Shop in the Student Union Building to get all their regalia needs.
Can I decorate my cap?
Yes!
How do I get my honor cord and how do I know if I qualified for one?
Honor cords and dated or non-dated celebration stoles are available for purchase at the Bronco Shop
Bronco Shop will verify your honors status upon purchasing.
Is there more than one ceremony this Winter?
Yes, due to a record number of graduates, we will be doing two ceremonies this year.
10 a.m. ceremony for graduates from the following colleges:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Innovation and Design
- School of Public Service
3 p.m. ceremony for graduates from the following colleges:
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Education
- College of Health Sciences
Do the ceremonies include masters and PhD students?
Yes, all graduating students are invited to participate in the ceremony with their college. For example, if you are receiving a Master’s of Education or Doctorate of Education you will participate in the ceremony with the College of Education.
Will I receive a diploma cover during the ceremony?
Yes, diploma covers will be distributed to all attending graduates during the ceremony.
When and how will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed approximately six weeks after graduation to the mailing address listed on your myBoiseState account. More information about diplomas.
Can I still attend if I registered for a ceremony and now I have a class that I will not complete?
Your RSVP to attend any ceremony will not be removed once your registration is submitted.
What if I don’t want to participate in any of the ceremonies? Do I need to apply to graduate?
Yes, students must apply to graduate regardless of participation in any of the ceremonies. Information on applying to graduate can be found on the Graduation Process webpage.
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
- Graduation: the process of being awarded a degree after completion of credit hours and other degree requirements.
- Commencement: the congratulatory ceremony in which students are publicly and formally recognized.
What side do I wear my tassel on?
- Undergraduate students: Wear your tassel on the right side as you arrive. You will move your tassel to the left at the end of the ceremony.
- Graduate students: wear your tassel on the left side from the beginning.
How do I appeal to participate early in the Winter 2024 commencement?
Students who meet the following requirements are eligible for an appeal to participate early in winter 2024:
- Students who have no more than 6 credits or 2 classes to complete in the spring and are currently enrolled for Spring.
- Students who have applied and paid for spring graduation.
- Students who have an extenuating circumstance that will prevent their participation in the winter 2024 commencement ceremony. (Ex: international students who have to leave the country before the winter ceremony)
I am graduating in Winter 2024, can I walk in Spring 2025?
Students who are graduating in Winter 2024 but would like to postpone participating until the Spring 2025 commencement are eligible for an appeal if they meet all of the following requirements:
- Students who are within (1) one semester of graduating.
- Students who have an extenuating circumstance that will prevent their participation in the winter commencement ceremony. (Ex: graduates currently studying abroad)
Complete the form by Thursday, November 29, 2024
Spring 2025 Commencement will be held at ExtraMile Arena on Saturday, May 10, 2025 with colleges divided into three ceremonies at 9 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.Â
I have Spring 2025 Commencement Questions!
Spring 2025 Commencement will be held at ExtraMile Arena on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with colleges divided into three ceremonies at 9 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. All additional information regarding which college will be at which time, guest information, and appeal to participate early will be determined in early spring 2025.