More than 3,000 Roadrunners earn degrees during 2021-22 academic year

CSUB to celebrate graduates at three spring commencement ceremonies; 1,639 students to walk the stage this month

By California State University, Bakersfield

May 3^rd, 2022

Some 1,639 students, their families, and the Roadrunner community will celebrate the triumph of hard work, fortitude and excellence this month at three commencement ceremonies over two days at California State University, Bakersfield.

Over 2,000 students will earn their degrees this semester, adding to the fall 2021 graduating class, which brings the total number of degree-earners to more than 3,000 this academic year.

“Our graduates are the pride of the region,” CSUB President Dr. Lynnette Zelezny said. “These brilliant Roadrunners will walk across the stage and out into the workforce or continue their university education because their families, professors and the wider community stood behind them, supporting and encouraging them. And even more important, our students believed in themselves, keeping their eyes on the finish line and finding the will to rise. May their light and resilience be an inspiration to us all.”

The three ceremonies will take place on May 20 and 21 on the Main Soccer Field at CSUB. Each undergraduate will receive up to 10 guest tickets, and graduate students will receive up to 20 tickets.

“We have a triumphant celebration planned for our graduates, and they certainly deserve it,” said CSUB Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Vernon Harper. “Commencement is the culmination of years of study, work and sacrifice. But on that special day, there is nothing but pure joy on the faces of our graduates and their families. As university professors and leaders, that is what we live to see.”

CSUB is working with local public health officials — as well as the California State University system and federal and state health authorities — to prioritize the health and safety of graduates, guests and the CSUB community. Masks are not mandatory but highly recommended. Vaccination and COVID testing are not a requirement of attendance.

All ceremonies will be available via livestream for those who are unable to attend in person as well as the wider community. The livestream link is available on the CSUB commencement webpage.

2022 Spring Commencement Ceremonies

6 p.m. Friday, May 20: Graduate ceremony for all four academic schools

8 a.m. Saturday, May 21: Undergraduate ceremony for the School of Social Sciences and Education

6 p.m. Saturday, May 21: Undergraduate ceremony for the Schools of Business and Public Administration, Arts and Humanities, and Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering

2021-2022 Roadrunner milestones

2,686: Undergraduate degrees (for the entire 2021-22 academic year)

398: Master’s degrees (for the entire 2021-22 academic year)

9: Doctoral degrees in Education Leadership (for the entire 2021-22 academic year)

60,250: CSUB alumni

37,300: Alumni with undergraduate degrees

4,300: Alumni with graduate degrees

15,800: Alumni with more than one CSUB degree

60%-plus: CSUB graduates who remain in the region

64%: CSUB students who are the first in their families to pursue a bachelor’s degree

39: Undergraduate degree programs

17: Master’s degree programs

1: Doctoral program in Educational Leadership

4: Schools (Arts and Humanities, Business and Public Administration, Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering, Social Sciences and Education)

16: Athletic teams competing in NCAA Division I

2022 Spring Commencement Ceremonies

When: May 20 and 21

Where: Main Soccer Field at CSUB

Admission: By ticket only

Check-in: Guest entrance will open 1.5 hours prior to ceremony start time in the practice softball field. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to navigate the check-in process.