As the number of graduates continues to rise, California State University, Bakersfield will hold its first Fall Commencement in a decade on Dec. 11 at Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center.
“We are so proud of our students at this golden moment in their lives,” said CSUB President, Dr. Lynnette Zelezny. “Our graduates are eager to move forward with what they’ve learned here at CSUB to contribute to the workforce or take the next step in their education. But before they begin building careers of distinction and pushing our region to new heights, the Fall Commencement will allow us all to stop and savor their success.”
Some 500 undergraduate students have registered to participate in the ceremony, as well as 53 master’s candidates.
The university made the decision to add a fall graduation ceremony following the 2019 Spring Commencement Ceremony, which honored a record number of CSUB graduates. A total of 2,312 bachelor’s degrees were awarded for the 2018-19 academic year, a 28 percent increase over the year before. In addition, 462 graduate degrees were awarded, including – for the first time – 12 doctoral degrees in educational leadership.
“We’re fortunate that more and more students are graduating from CSUB and taking their talents and energy out into the local workforce,” Dr. Zelezny said. “However, with more graduates, the ceremonies have become longer, which isn’t fair to the students or their families. We also have heard in recent years from students who earn their degrees in the fall that it is difficult to return months after leaving school to participate in Spring commencement, especially if they have new careers.”
The graduation is a ticketed event; graduates will receive 12 complimentary tickets.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Saving seats will not be permitted. Guests will be screened by metal detectors, and only transparent bags are allowed in the venue.
Parking at the arena, theater and convention center is available for a fee in city parking lots near the venue.
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