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Spring Latinx Grad

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¡Felicidades Class of 2023!

The Association of Latino Faculty, Staff and Students (ALFSS) invites Spring 2023 graduates to participate in the Spring Latinx Graduate Recognition Ceremony. 

Event Details:

In-Person Ceremonies:

San Bernardino:

Saturday, May 13 at 10:00 AM
Coussoulis Arena
California State University, San Bernardino

REGISTER HERE- SB

Palm Desert:

Wednesday, May 17th at 5:30 PM 
Indian Wells Theatre
Palm Desert Campus

Learn more about the PDC ceremony.

*Non-refundable

Questions? View the FAQ below or Email Latinograd@csusb.edu

Ceremony Co-Chairs: Primavera Reza-Nakonechny, Aurora Vilchis & Monica Baeza

PDC Ceremony Co-Chairs: Aurora Vilchis, Avi Rodriguez & Jesse Felix

Interested in volunteering for the Ceremony?

Sign up by Monday, May 8, 2023

Volunteer Sign-Up

Sash only 2023

Cultural Sash Only 

If you are unable to attend the ceremony, graduates have the option to still purchase the cultural sash which can be worn to the official commencement ceremony. 

Cultural sash only - $30 (no ceremony participation)

Registration opens Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 9:00AM 

Signup Instructions

REGISTER HERE

Interested in being the Student Keynote Speaker?

The Association of Latino Faculty, Staff and Students (ALFSS) is looking for a spring semester graduating student to give the Keynote address to their peers for the Spring Latinx Graduate Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 13. 

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 Friday, April 7 at 5:00 PM

Student speaking

Frequently Asked Questions

Saturday, May 13, 2023
8:00 - 9:00 AM - Graduate Check-In
9:00 AM - Doors Open
10:00 - 12:00 PM - Ceremony

Download the FAQ Spanish Version

General Question FAQs- San Bernardino 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. $10 per additional guest ticket. For the sash only and to NOT participate in the live ceremony, the cost is $30. Payments must be made online through the following link:  REGISTRATION CLOSED. 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. $10 per additional guest ticket.
Where do I sign-up? Link will become available when registration opens on Tuesday, March 15 at 9:00AM. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS. 
When does registration open? Grad Days, Tuesday, March 15, 2023 at 9:00AM
When is the deadline? Registration deadline by Friday, April 15, 2023 at 5:00pm or UNTIL SOLD OUT.
Is there a limit of students that can participate? Yes, there is space for 400 graduates. 
TICKET/SASH QUESTIONS
Questions Answers
Where do I pick up my guest tickets?

Tickets will be picked up in the Latinx Center in SMSU North 3308 starting Monday, May 9 – Friday, May 13. Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Palm Desert Campus: students may stop to pick-up tickets in the Administrative Office, Mary Stuart Rogers Gateway Building (RG), RG-203 starting May 9 – Friday, May 13: Monday/Wednesday from 2:30pm-5pm, Tuesday/Thursday from 11:00am-5:00pm or Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm.

What if I am unable to pick up my guest tickets? Any unclaimed tickets will be forfeited and unable to use during the ceremony on Saturday, May 14. 
How do I get my cultural sash for the Sash Only Option?

All sash only option must be picked up from Latinx Center in SMSU North 3308 starting Monday, May 16 – Friday, May 20, 2022.  Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Palm Desert Campus: students may stop to pick-up tickets in the Administrative Office, Mary Stuart Rogers Gateway Building (RG), RG-203 starting Monday, May 16 – Friday, May 20, 2022: Monday/Wednesday from 2:30pm-5pm, Tuesday/Thursday from 11:00am-5:00pm or Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm.

What is the age limit for guest tickets?   All guests regardless of age will need to have a ticket upon entry to the ceremony. 
STUDENT KEYNOTE QUESTIONS
Questions Answers
How do I signup 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 7, 2023
CEREMONY QUESTIONS
Questions Answers
What time should I be there? Graduates check-in time is 8:00 am – 9:00 am, the ceremony begins at 10:00 am. 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. 
Will my photo be taken? Yes, Grad Images will be photographing each student and photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. Each student will be emailed complimentary proofs of their photos and can purchase online at https://www.gradimages.com/.
What if I can't attend the ceremony?

There is a sash only option for $30 – sash must be picked up by Friday, May 19

All sash only option must be picked up from Latinx Center in SMSU North 3308 starting Monday, May 15 – Friday, May 19, 2023.  Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Palm Desert Campus: students may stop to pick-up tickets in the Administrative Office, Mary Stuart Rogers Gateway Building (RG), RG-203 starting Monday, May 15 – Friday, May 29, 2023: Monday/Wednesday from 2:30pm-5pm, Tuesday/Thursday from 11:00am-5:00pm or Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm.

How will seating be arranged? Guest seating will be a first-come, first-served basis with doors opening at 9:00 am. If your guests come early, they may be asked to wait until the Coussoulis Arena is ready. Graduates will sit together at the front of the Coussoulis Arena 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 9:00am

Please advise your guests to allocate time for the various security checks before entering the Arena - Bag Check, 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! 
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 Arena. 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 Arena?

For the safety of all guests, the following items will NOT be allowed into the Arena:  

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. 

For more questions contact us at Latinograd@csusb.edu.