University Policy 4130
Download a Printable Version of Policy 4130
Effective Date
July 1978
Last Revision Date
January 05, 2024
Responsible Party
Office of the President, (208) 426-1491
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, (208) 426-1202
Scope and Audience
This policy applies to all commencement ceremonies.
1. Policy Purpose
To provide an annual procedure for officially conferring degrees and awarding certificates.
2. Policy Statement
Boise State University conducts commencement ceremonies each year at the end of the spring and fall semesters. Students who have completed all requirements for graduation since the previous ceremony will be invited to participate in the next scheduled ceremony, and their names will be acknowledged on the Commencement website.
3. Ceremony
The general arrangements for the ceremony include the following:
3.1 Administrative Participation
The University President will act as master of ceremonies, confer all degrees, make appropriate awards, and choose those administrators and visiting dignitaries deemed appropriate to join the stage party and participate in the ceremony.
3.2 Faculty Participation
While all faculty are encouraged to attend, for appropriate representation of the faculty, a minimum of 33% of each department should be present at each graduation ceremony. The Faculty Senate President, or designee, will act as the faculty marshal to lead the procession and carry the mace.
3.3 Student Participation
a. University Special Events will provide information and directions to the graduates relating to robes, announcements, and assembly.
b. Students may not participate in a commencement ceremony prior to completing all graduation and degree requirements.
4. Planning Responsibilities
The Commencement Committee is responsible for the planning and coordination of all commencement activities and is composed of the following:
- The Director and Manager of University Special Events and Protocol
- Representatives from each academic college
- All other areas with some responsibility for commencement
5. Additional Information
Revision History
July 1, 1995; April 2001; September 2013; January 05, 2024