Protocols for Commencement Day

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Wolstein Center

To ensure a safe event for graduates, guests and faculty/staff, we must all adhere to the policies set forth by the Wolstein Center. You and your guests must follow the required Commencement protocols listed below. 

Students: download our

Commencement Quick Guide

here! You can also pick up a printed copy at the Student Center (SC) information desk or at Campus 411/All-in-1 at Berkman Hall (BH) 116 while copies last!

Please read carefully:

BAG POLICY

The Wolstein Center enforces a strict bag policy for all events – including Commencement. The following bags are permitted:

• Clear tote bags made of vinyl, plastic or PVC
  • Does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• Plastic storage bag
  • Clear, one (1) gallon resealable
• Small clutch purse
  • Must fit in the hand, with or without handle or strap
  • No larger than 4.5" x 6.5" with or without handle or strap
  • Can be carried separately or in an approved plastic bag
• Manufactured diaper bags and medical device bags

CAMERAS
Guests may bring cameras with them. However, camera equipment that includes tripods, selfie sticks, monopods, lenses larger than 100mm and camera bags are not permitted.


CHECK-IN
Students: arrive early to give yourself ample time to check in at your designated college registration table to pick up your name card and other materials for the ceremony. Ushers and signage will direct you to your check-in table in the sub-concourse level of the Wolstein Center.

Guests are not required to check-in but are encouraged to arrive early as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for the ceremony. You and your guests are encouraged to arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. Processional starts promptly at 1 p.m.

You must arrive at Wolstein Center already dressed in your commencement regalia. Do not bring personal belongings (e.g., purses, coats) to the staging location, as they are not secured. Please leave them with a guest or secured in your car. 

COAT CHECK
Coat check will be available by Gate D. 

DECORATING YOUR GRAD CAP
Elements must NOT: obscure the view of those around you, light up, depict vulgarity, swear words, drugs or alcohol.

DIPLOMAS
You will receive your diploma folder at the ceremony. Following a final audit of your academic record and degree requirements, your diploma will be mailed to the address on file with the University (approximately five weeks after Commencement). Your diploma and official transcript will bear your legal name as it is recorded in the University's database. We strongly encourage you to verify the accuracy of your legal name and current mailing address through CampusNet ASAP. For more information visit csuohio.edu/registrar/graduation-information.

ELEVATOR
The elevator is located across from section 113, near the gym annex entrance. Please be considerate and allow access first to those who cannot use the stairs.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the event of an emergency which causes a delay of the ceremony or an evacuation of the arena, please listen for announcements on the PA system. Staff and security will also provide direction.


ENTRANCE/EGRESS
You and your guests will be entering through different gates at the Wolstein Center. 

• All graduates must enter through Gate C and will proceed downstairs to the lower level. Stairs are steep, so please consider appropriate footwear for the ceremony.
  • Accommodations: those who will need the elevator to get to the lower level should enter through Gate A. The elevator is located to left of the Gate A entrance across from section 113.
• Guests may enter through Gates A, B or D.

Commencement is a non-ticketed event but security will be checking bags at the gates to ensure event safety and that venue policies and protocols are followed. Please arrive early and be prepared having followed all guidelines to ensure an efficient entrance into the arena.

There is absolutely no congregating permitted in the arena concourse or staging area. Commencement ceremonies will adhere to very strict timelines. You and your guests should immediately exit the arena after the ceremony and gather with your party outside of the gates for photos and celebration. 


FOOD AND BEVERAGE
No outside food and/or beverage may be brought into the Wolstein Center. Limited concessions will be available.
Students: water coolers will be available in the subconcourse check-in areas for your convenience.

GRAD IMAGES (PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY)
Grad images will be on location during commencement. Photos taken by Grad Images will be available after the ceremony at gradimages.com/clevelandstateuniversity. Additionally, Grad Images will reach out to graduates directly with proofs of photos and details on how to place an order via your CSU email address. If you don’t receive an email in the weeks following commencement, please contact Grad Images Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at gradimages.com or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.

GRADUATE NAME CARDS (PRONUNCIATION CARDS)
We have included the pronunciation cards for your name as part of the student RSVP for the Commencement ceremony. It’s very important you fill out this card to ensure correct pronunciation when your name is read aloud as you cross the stage. If you did not RSVP, there will be blank cards available for your to fill out when you check in at the ceremony. Please use English alphabet/characters only.

GRADUATION TICKETS
Commencement is a non-ticketed event. However, all attendees are required to adhere to bag policy and other protocols set forth by the Wolstein Center. Doors open at 11 a.m. and guests may enter through gates A, B or D. Guest seating is first-come, first-served.

PARKING
Free commencement parking will be available to all students and guests at the below campus garages. No parking vouchers are necessary. There is also ample public parking in paid lots near the Wolstein Center.

• Central Garage (CG) - 1900 E. 21^st St., Cleveland, OH
• West Garage (WG) – 1830 E. 17^th St., Cleveland, OH
  • Note: If there is a Playhouse Square event that day, let the attendant know you are there for Commencement in order to receive free parking
• East Garage (EG) – 2506 Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH

ADA parking is available in South Garage (SG) at 2101 E. 21^st St. with a valid placard.

Staff and faculty volunteers, platform party members and guest speakers will receive parking vouchers to access the South Garage across from Wolstein Center.

REGALIA (CAP AND GOWN)
Students should arrive fully dressed in their commencement day regalia, which includes:

• Cap (aka mortar board) with tassel
  • Undergraduates: tassels should be worn on the right side of the mortar board until directed to switch them to the left during the ceremony.
  • Master’s students: tassels should be worn on the left side of the mortar board.
• Gown
• Hood – master’s/doctoral students only
• Honors medallions – undergraduates only. Students will be notified via email at least two weeks prior to the ceremony with directions on how to obtain their medallion.
  • Eligible students have earned at least 30 credit hours at Cleveland State University with a cumulative grade point average between 3.30 and 4.00 (calculated to two decimal places unrounded) prior to the graduating semester.
    • 3.30-3.59 Cum Laude
    • 3.60-3.79 Magna Cum Laude
    • 3.80-4.00 Summa Cum Laude
• Stoles (decorative sashes) and cords – select items are available for purchase through Viking Outfitters and from individual groups. Contact your affinity group (i.e. TRiO, student athletes, Phi Theta Kappa, etc. ) for purchase info.

Regalia is worn in order of gown, stoles/cords, medallion, hood on top. 

Regalia can be purchased at Viking Outfitters beginning Monday, Nov. 4. You can purchase regalia in-person or online here.

Please note:
If ordering regalia online for delivery, orders must be placed by Thurs, Dec. 5 to guarantee on-time arrival via standard shipping. The deadline for expedited 2-day delivery orders would need to be placed by Monday, Dec. 9. The deadline to purchase regalia in store is Friday, Dec. 13 during business hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) Contact Viking Outfitters at vikingoutfitters@csuohio.edu or visit the store inside the Student Center with any questions.

SEATING
Staff and signage will direct graduates and guests to the appropriate seating areas. Guest seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis and all graduates will be assigned seating sections based on college.

• ADA accessible seating is available. Wheelchair spaces are available in the evenly numbered sections (every other section). These spaces have a combination of companion seating adjacent to the wheelchair space. The top row of the Wolstein Center is also reserved for those guests with mobility impairments. Wheelchairs are available to check out at First Aid located by section 115. These ADA accommodations are offered first-come, first-served. 

UMBRELLAS
Umbrellas are prohibited inside the Wolstein Center.

 

NEED HELP?

For questions about cap and gown orders, please email Viking Outfitters at vikingoutfitters@csuohio.edu.

For questions about the online RSVP form, please email Marketing at h.schlosser85@csuohio.edu

To request special accommodations for the ceremony, please email Stephen Meadows at s.meadows40@csuohio.edu.

For any other questions, please contact your college representative: 

• College of Graduate Studies - Veronica Hill
• College of Arts and Sciences - artsandsciences@csuohio.edu
• Monte Ahuja College of Business - Mindy Arnold and Maggie Brandt
• Washkewicz College of Engineering - Joanne Hundt and Susan Carver
• College of Health - Bess Antol
• Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Honors College - Rachel Carnell 
• Levin College of Education and Public Affairs - Erica Miller Arpajian