We look forward to seeing you at Sacramento State's 2024 Commencement ceremonies, taking place May 17-19 at Golden 1 Center! Here are some key points you should know before your big day:
Guest Tickets
Possession of a ticket does not guarantee admittance. The ticket must have a valid barcode to gain entry.
Each ceremony has its own specific ticket. Guests cannot use a ticket for one academic college's ceremony to enter a different college's ceremony.
Golden 1 now accepts digital or paper tickets, but paper tickets are highly recommended for expedited entry into the venue.
If your guests choose to bring their ticket on a mobile device, below are some tips:
Turn the brightness on the device's screen all the way up.
If the device's screen is cracked or dirty, please send the tickets with readable QR Codes to another member of the guest party to scan instead.
Zoom into the QR Code on the ticket, so that it takes up the majority of your screen.
Additional tickets will not be distributed at Golden 1 Center.
Eligible graduates can access their guest tickets until the conclusion of the ceremony. Follow the How to RSVP and Claim Guest Tickets step-by-step for details.
Student Code of Conduct
Students participating in Commencement must comply with the Student Conduct Code.
In addition, Commencement is an alcohol-free event. For the safety of everyone participating in Commencement, staff may deny entry to any student who appears intoxicated.
Students removed for intoxication or possession of alcohol will also be referred to Student Affairs.
Graduate Check-In
Graduates are required to check in prior to entering Golden 1 Center.
Graduates will need their OneCard or a valid picture ID when they check in, and will be given a Grad Card that they must keep on them until they cross the stage.
From the check-in area, graduates will be escorted through security, into the Jerry Reynolds Media Entrance, down three flights of stairs (elevators available for those with accessibility needs) and to the arena floor.
Golden 1 Center Policies
For safety and security reasons, please inform your guests of Golden 1 Center's list of prohibited items. Please note balloons are not permitted inside Golden 1 Center!
Flowers and leis can be purchased through private vendors inside and around Golden 1 Center.
All guests attending the ceremonies will be wanded by security in addition to bag checks. In the event of rain, graduates and guests are allowed to bring umbrellas into the arena.
Please note that Golden 1 Center is now a bagless venue. Clutches and wallets smaller than 8" x 6" x 1" will be permitted and are subject to security inspection. Medical and parental bags will be allowed, but must go through X-ray security screening.
Directions and Parking
Please visit Golden 1 Center's directions and parking webpage for more information. Graduates and guests can also book and pre-pay for parking spots near Golden 1 Center through the SacPark website.
We are happy to see students taking pictures on campus and along the river to commemorate graduation, but we ask that you do not use any glitter, paper, or plastic confetti during the photos. Confetti and glitter that are left behind become trash in the river and are damaging to the wildlife that ingests them. As stewards and neighbors of the American River, we ask that you please be thoughtful of our environment as you take photos.
Check out the recommended grad photo locations on campus and selfie stations located at Guy West Bridge Plaza and Lassen/Kadema Walkway.
Lastly, we encourage you to use #SacStateGrad and #MadeAtSacState throughout your ceremony to be featured on our live social media feed on the Golden 1 Center JumboTron.
