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College of Health and Human Services

Fresno State Graduates

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check back here, as our FAQs will be continuously updated. Please note: this information is for CHHS graduates only. 

CHHS Commencement Details 

Our ceremony will be on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 10:15 - 11:45 a.m. at the Save Mart Center.

All of our bachelor's, master's and doctoral candidates, from each of our seven academic departments, will be recognized.

  • Undergraduate Degree filing deadline is February 16, 2022. Learn more
  • Graduate Degree filing deadline is February 3, 2022. Learn more

To register for the CHHS Commencement Ceremony, see next question.

In addition to meeting the graduation requirements (per the Office of the Registrar), students must complete the CHHS Commencement registration form, by Friday, April 22, 2022. 

All students who have graduated in summer or fall 2021, have applied to graduate in spring 2022 or will be applying to graduate in the summer or fall of 2022 are eligible to participate in the CHHS Commencement. For additional requirements, see below:

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

To be eligible, undergraduate students must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be registered as a matriculated, undergraduate student in the College of Health and Human Services at Fresno State for the current Spring 2022 semester or have already graduated during Summer or Fall 2021. Students registered only through Open University or Extended Education do not qualify
  • Student must have a declared major in the College of Health and Human Services. Any "pre" majors do not qualify (e.g. pre-nursing). Student must currently have a minimum of 100 units earned. In-progress units do not count towards this 100-unit requirement. 
  • Student must currently have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better
  • For exceptions, seek consultation with department chair

 GRADUATE STUDENTS

To be eligible, graduate students must meet the following requirements, as described on the Division of Research and Graduate Studies website:

  • Have an approved "Petition of Advancement to Candidacy" on file in the Division of Graduate Studies office.
  • Attain a minimum 3.0 GPA in the program
  • Receive approval from their graduate program coordinator prior to completing the online application. 
 

Yes! All participating graduates will be individually recognized and have their name read.  

Graduates will be hooded by graduate faculty within their respective departments.  

Yes, it will livestreamed on Fresno State's official commencement website. 

Please continue checking this FAQ page for the latest information or contact the CHHS Dean's Office at 559.278.4004. You may also leave a comment on our contact form. 

Graduate Information

The College of Health and Human Services does not have stoles for purchase.  

Please contact your department office and/or student club regarding the possibility of stoles within your department, major and/or club.

Students who have earned honor cords will be contacted by a representative of the CHHS Dean's Office via email.

All students participating in the College of Health and Human Services Commencement are required to wear the University-approved academic regalia (cap and gown), which must be purchased/rented in advance of the ceremony from the Kennel Bookstore. 

For other grad gear, please visit: https://commencement.fresnostate.edu/grad-swag.html

See seating chart in 'Day of Commencement Information' below

Guest Information

No tickets are required for entry and there is no limit to the amount of guests per graduate. Please note: seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis and saving large quantities of seats is not permitted. Guests are to arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start time of the ceremony to provide ample time to get through the security checkpoints at the entrances.

Yes

Parking around the Save Mart Center during University Commencement is free. Adjacent parking lots are located directly to the north of the event arena between Chestnut and Woodrow Avenues.

See seating chart in 'Day of Commencement' information below

Day of Commencement Information

Timeline
Time Details  Instructions 
9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Graduate arrival and lineup 
  • Assemble on the loading dock at the northeast end of the Save Mart Center (closest to Chestnut Ave.)
  • Check in at the table with your designated department. Please hold on to your photo/name card with you at all times, until you've crossed the stage. 
  • After checking in, line up behind the sign designating your department. Department staff will be on hand to guide you. 
  • Do not wear your regalia or cap. After passing the security checkpoint, graduates can then put on regalia and cap, which MUST be worn throughout the event. 
  • Graduate students - hold onto your hood until it is time to be hooded. 
9:50 a.m.  Processional begins 
  • When signaled, graduates will follow their department lead into the Save Mart Center
  • Order of procession: Faculty, Doctoral candidates, Master's candidates, Bachelor's candidates
  • Please remain standing until Dean Seabert  gives the signal to be seated
10:15 a.m.  Ceremony begins 
  • The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. 
  • Graduates and guests are to be remain seated at all times
  • Graduates will be seated by department, with doctoral candidates seated separately
  • College staff will signal when it's time for your department to line up and come to the stage to be recognized
  • Each graduate will have their name called and process across the stage
  • Doctoral and Master's degree candidates will be hooded by the respective graduate coordinators within their department.
11:45 a.m. Recessional 
  • Please remain standing for the recessional, unless you are physically unable to
  • Faculty will exit first toward the stage
  • All other graduates will exit toward the South End of the Save Mart Center (closes to Shaw St.) along section 103. 
  • Please have a designated spot to meet your party outside the Save Mart Center 

Commencement Map

Professional photographers from Flash Images will be take photos of each graduate as they cross the stage and then again after they exit the stage. Flash Images will use the email address that you provide on your name card to send you complimentary proofs.  

Share your grad experience with us on social media. Tag us at @FresnoStateCHHS or #FresnoStateCHHS or Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or tag Fresno State at #FresnoStateGrad

All ceremonies held in the Save Mart Center will follow the guidelines and restrictions listed on the Save Mart Center Visitor Information webpage; all attendees are encouraged to read this information before visiting the event arena. Essentially, guests are not to bring alcoholic beverages, weapons or other items that would disrupt the sanctity and safety of the ceremony experience for themselves and others. 

NOTE: Only clear bags will be allowed inside the Save Mart Center. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and must not exceeed 12" x 6" x 12". Exceptions will be made for necessary medical items, which are subject to inspection prior to entry into the Save Mart Center. Learn more. 

Commencement and graduation ceremonies at Fresno State symbolize the culmination of many years of hard work. It is a time for you, your family and friends to recognize and celebrate your success!

We ask for your help in making these ceremonies a positive experience for everyone.  Misconduct by even a few would be disturbing to the graduates, faculty, and guests who expect and deserve a safe, orderly, and dignified ceremony.

 All Fresno State Commencement and graduation ceremonies are alcohol, drug, smoke, vapor and tobacco-free events and a zero-tolerance for disorderly behavior will be strictly enforced.  Graduates and guests will not be permitted to carry alcoholic beverages into ceremony sites or consume them there.

 Graduates and guests who are intoxicated or disruptive will not be allowed in the ceremony venue or will be escorted from the ceremony. 

Effective April 1, 2022, the California Department of Public Health strongly recommends that all persons, regardless of vaccination status, continue to mask while in indoor public settings and businesses. The Save Mart Center will no longer be requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID test upon entry to the arena beginning on April 1, 2022.

Additional details about entry to the Save Mart Center can be found at the Entry Requirements webpage.