¡Felicidades Class of 2024!
The Association of Latino Faculty, Staff and Students (ALFSS) invites Palm Desert Campus Spring 2024 graduates to participate in the Annual Spring Latinx Graduate Recognition Ceremony taking place at the Palm Desert Campus.
In-Person Ceremony:
Friday, May 10th at 6:00 PM
Indian Wells Theatre
Palm Desert Campus
*Non-refundable
Please review the ceremony FAQs below for details.
If you still have questions, please email Latinograd@csusb.edu
PDC Ceremony Co-Chairs: Sasha Baltazar, Debanhi Escobar & Navneet Signh
Interested in being the Student Keynote Speaker?
The Association of Latino Faculty, Staff and Students (ALFSS) is looking for a spring semester PDC graduating student to give the Keynote address to their peers for the Spring Latinx Graduate Recognition Ceremony on Friday, May 10 at the Palm Desert Campus.
We are seeking:
- A student comfortable with public speaking
- Has good academic standing with the University
- Willing to share their compelling story to inspire fellow graduates
- Commit to 3 rehearsal dates
Please submit a video of your 3 – 5 minute speech to Latinograd@csusb.edu. Speech may be in English or bilingual.
Deadline to submit audition video is Tuesday, April 30 at 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Friday, May 10, 2024
5:00 PM Graduate Check-in, Doors Open & Cultural Entertainment Begins
6:00 PM Ceremony
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| What is Latinx Grad? | The Latinx Graduate Recognition Ceremony is a cultural celebration that recognizes ALL graduating students. The event is hosted by the Association of Latino Faculty, Staff & Students (ALFSS). This ceremony is separate from the official commencement ceremony. There is cultural entertainment, and certain parts of the ceremony are bilingual. Also, all graduates are given an opportunity to give a “8 second shout-out” to thank their loved ones during the ceremony. |
| Do I need to be an ALFFS member to participate? | No, it’s not required. If you are interested, more information about membership can be found at: https://www.csusb.edu/alfss/association-latino-faculty-staff-and-students-membership-form |
| What is the cost to participate in Latinx Grad? | The cost is a $35 registration fee that includes a cultural sash, participation in the ceremony, and 6 guest tickets. Students unable to attend may purchase the sash only for $30. Payments must be made online through the following link: Transact | LatinX Grad (cashnet.com) THERE ARE NO REFUNDS |
| How many guest tickets are included in the $35 registration fee? |
The fee that includes a cultural sash, participation in the ceremony, and 6 guest tickets. No additional guests tickets are available for purchase at the Palm Desert Campus ceremony. Graduates do NOT need a ticket. |
| Where do I sign-up? | Link will become available when registration opens on Thursday, April 4 at 1:00 PM. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS. |
| When does registration open? | Thursday, April 4 at 1:00 PM |
| When is the deadline? | Registration deadline by Friday, April 19, 2023 at 5:00pm or UNTIL SOLD OUT, whichever comes first. |
| Is there a limit of students that can participate? | Yes, there is a maximum capacity of 50 graduates at the PDC ceremony. |
| QUESTIONS | ANSWERS |
|---|---|
| Where do I pick up my guest tickets? | Palm Desert Campus: students may pick-up tickets in the Rancho Mirage Student Center (RMSC), RG-111 starting Monday, May 6 – Friday, May 10, 2024: through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Fridays from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM. |
| What if I am unable to pick up my guest tickets? | Any unclaimed tickets will be forfeited and unable to use during the ceremony. |
| How do I get my cultural sash for the Sash Only Option? | Palm Desert Campus: students may pick-up the SASH ONLY in the Rancho Mirage Student Center (RMSC), RG-111 starting Monday, May 13 – Friday, May 17, 2024: Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Fridays from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM. |
| What is the age limit for guest tickets? | All guests regardless of age will need to have a ticket upon entry to the ceremony. |
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| How do I audition to be a keynote speaker? | If you are interested in auditioning as student keynote speaker, please email a 3-5 minute audition to latinograd@csusb.edu by April 19, 2024. |
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| What time should I be there? | Graduates check-in time is 5:00 PM, the ceremony begins at 6:00 PM. Make sure to be on time! |
| What happens if I check-in late? | The graduates that check-in late will be called after those that check-in on time. Late arrivals will be unable to sit with friends. |
| Should I wear my cap and gown? | Cap and gown are optional but highly recommended. |
| What if I can't attend the ceremony? |
There is a sash only option for $30 – sash must be picked up by Friday, May 17 Palm Desert Campus: students may pick-up the SASH ONLY in the Rancho Mirage Student Center (RMSC), RG-111 starting Monday, May 13 – Friday, May 17, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Fridays from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM. |
| How will seating be arranged? | Guest seating will be a first-come, first-served basis with doors opening at 5:00 PM. If your guests come early, they may be asked to wait outside until the theatre is ready. Graduates will sit together at the front of the theatre and will walk in together no matter the college or major. Typically, Graduate Students then Undergraduates. Students are encouraged to sit with their friends. |
| What time should I tell my guests to arrive? |
Doors open at 5:00 PM Please advise your guests to allocate time for the various security checks before entering the theatre such as Bag Check and Ticket Check. |
| What do I have to say when my name is called? Do I have to speak? | Speaking or giving your “shout-out” is optional. You will have 8 seconds to say your shout out - thanks to those who supported you along the way in any language you chose! |
| Is the ceremony in English or Spanish? | The majority of the celebration will be in English with certain parts of the ceremony in Spanish or Bilingual. |
| Can I only participate in one graduation ceremony (e.g., university commencement or Latinx Grad)? | Students are welcome to participate in both the official commencement ceremony as well as Latinx Grad. Please be aware that each ceremony has its own fees and timelines. |
| Who else will be at Latinx Grad? Any guest speakers? Will my professors be there? | The ceremony will include cultural entertainment, faculty and staff from CSUSB. We invite you to ask your professors to be a part of the ceremony. Please have them contact us at Latinograd@csusb.edu for more information. There will be a student keynote speaker from your graduating class. |
| What if I need accommodations? | Requests for disability accommodations must be made to Services to Students with Disabilities (SSD) by calling 909-537-5238 (Voice), 909-537-7230 (TTY) or emailing ssd@csusb.edu. Requests must be made 72 hours in advance. |
| What if I need mobility accommodations? | Limited golf-carts will be providing mobility services to and from the parking lot to the theatre. Please alert on-site golf cart attendants should you require this service the day of the ceremony. |
| Will the ceremony be recorded? | Yes. The recording will be available via the ALFSS YouTube account. |
| How can we help spread the word? | Tell all your friends about it and share on your social media. Follow ALFSS on social media: Instagram: @alfsscsusb Twitter: @alfsscsusb Facebook: @ALFSScsusb |
| What items are prohibited in the theatre? |
For the safety of all guests, the following items will NOT be allowed into the Theater: Balloons, backpacks, bags, purses, stroller, wrapped gifts, outside food or drinks, silly string, selfie sticks, lasers, chains, fireworks, lighters, matches, weapons, or anything that may cause concern. Searches will be conducted at the doors. |
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| Will there be a reception dinner? |
No, there will not be a dinner service after the ceremony. |