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College of Health and Human Services

Photo of Fresno State Graduates

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check back here, as our FAQs will be continuously updated. Click on each section to learn more about each. Please note: this information is for CHHS graduates only. 

CHHS Commencement Details 

The official CHHS Commencement is happening at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Save Mart Center at Fresno State.

  • In addition to meeting the graduation requirements (per the Office of the Registrar), students must complete the CHHS commencement registration form by Friday, April 10, 2026. Note: Students who register after this date will not have their names included in the digital program book. 
  • All of our bachelor's, master's and doctoral candidates, from each of our seven academic departments, will be individidually recognized and have their name read. 
  • Master's and doctoral graduates will be hooded by a graduate faculty within their respective departments.
  • The ceremony will be livestreamed on Fresno State's official commencement website.

For questions, contact the CHHS Dean's Office at 559.278.4004. For additional information, see below.

Graduate Information

CHHS stoles can be purchased HERE. Quantites are limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Pick Up Information:

From February 23 to May 6, stoles will only be available for pick-up in the CHHS Dean’s Office (McLane Hall 178) at the following days and times: 

Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Note: Students may NOT send someone else to pick up their stole from the dean’s office. When you arrive, please make sure to have your confirmation receipt. For questions or concerns in regards to stoles, please contact the dean’s office at 559.278.4004.

Students who have earned honor cords may contact their department regarding honor cord pick-up:

  • Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies: Professional Human Services 252
  • Kinesiology: South Gym 112
  • Nursing: McLane Hall 194
  • Physical Therapy: PTIA 122
  • Public Health: McLane Hall 184
  • Recreation Administration: Professional Human Services 121
  • Social Work: Professional Human Services 128

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

For step-by-step instructions on how to wear your master's or doctoral regalia, please refer to the youtube links below:

All students who have graduated in summer or fall 2025, have applied to graduate in spring 2026 or will be applying to graduate in the summer or fall of 206 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 2026 semester or have already graduated during Summer or Fall 2025. 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). It is recommended that students have completed at least 100 units before participating in the commencement ceremony. In-progress units do not count towards this 100-unit recommendation.
  • Student must currently have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better
  • For exceptions, seek consultation with department chair
  • Undergraduate Degree filing deadline is February 28, 2026. Learn more 

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. 
  • Graduate Degree filing deadline is January 30, 2026. Learn more

Guest Information

  • The ceremony is free to atttend. Tickets are not required for entry and there is no limit to the amount of guests per graduate.

  • Guests are encouraged 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.

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.

Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis and saving large quantities of seats is not permitted. 

Please contact the Save Mart Center for all accessibility requests.

Day of Commencement Information (For Graduates)

Timeline
Time Details  Instructions 
11 - 11:15 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 tables inside the dock area. Keep your name card with you at all times, as you will hand it to the reader on stage. This will also be the name card given to Flash images for your portraits.
  • 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. 
12 p.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 Zografos gives the signal to be seated
12:30 p.m.  Ceremony begins 
  • The ceremony will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. 
  • Graduates and guests are to remain seated at all times
  • Graduates will be seated by department
  • 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.
2:00 p.m. Recessional 
  • Please remain standing for the recessional, unless you are physically unable to do so
  • Faculty and platform party will exit first down middle aisle
  • After faculty have recessed, graduates will exit down the middle aisle and up the stairs near section 102, 103 and 104.
  • Please have a designated spot to meet your party on the arena level or outside the Save Mart Center 

 

Aerial Map of Save Mart Center

Commencement Seating 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 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. 

BAG POLICY: Only clear bags will be allowed inside the Save Mart Center. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and must not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". If the bag is non-clear, it must not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" x 2". Exceptions will be made for necessary medical items, which are subject to inspection prior to entry into the Save Mart Center. 

BANNERS/SIGNS: Signs or banners cannot be larger than 2' x 3' feet. No rude or explicit content or wording permitted. Signs must not be made of wood, metal or similar types of materials. Banners and signs may not be affixed anywhere in facility or obstruct guests' views of the event. 

Learn more about Save Mart Center policies. 

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. 

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