Commencement FAQs

Please email degreeprogress@boisestate.edu.

Commencement will continue rain or shine. Umbrellas are not allowed inside the stadium. Free ponchos will be on-hand for all graduates to wear during the ceremony. For guests, ponchos will be available for purchase in the Bronco Shop.

In the case of a thunderstorm, the ceremony will be delayed approximately 30 minutes until no lightning is within at least eight miles of Albertsons Stadium. Students must immediately go back to Caven-Williams Sports Complex where they checked in prior to the ceremony or to their vehicles. Guests can use the stadium concourse, ExtraMile Arena or the Student Union Building. In the case of weather delays updates will be provided on Boise State’s social media accounts or the commencement main page.

Yes! To ensure that you have a seat at commencement, you will need to RSVP.

After applying for graduation all eligible graduates will receive an email to RSVP to participate in the commencement ceremony. You will not be registered to participate in the ceremony automatically.

If you plan to participate, be sure to RSVP by the deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023.

No, guest seating for the ceremony will be general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance ticket reservations will be required. If you have a split group they can enter from different entrances and sit wherever they like.

In an effort for all graduates to bring guests, we kindly ask graduates to limit their guests to 10 or fewer.

We are no longer accepting appeals to walk early in the spring 2023 commencement ceremony. Please stay tuned for information and instructions to apply to walk in the winter 2023 ceremony.

For graduates, bags of any kind are not permitted on the field. Walk-through magnetometers will be used to screen all students entering the stadium. Phones, wallets, and keys, etc. must be on you at all times during the ceremony. There will not be a secure location for any bags or items to be held during the ceremony.

For guests, a purse, small bag, or clutch no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches will be permitted. All large bags and backpacks will not be permitted, exceptions may be made (but are not guaranteed) for bags necessary for medical or children’s needs. All bags are subject to security inspection and search.

For the full list of permitted/prohibited items click here.

High heels with a width smaller than 2 inches by 2 inches will not be allowed. The field in Albertsons Stadium has been covered with temporary flooring to preserve our iconic turf from the wear and tear of heavy usage. Stiletto heels are unstable on this surface, which could lead to injury, and also can damage the turf in Caven Williams. Wedge sandals are acceptable. If students arrive wearing heels smaller than 2 inches by 2 inches in width, they will be given flip-flops to wear.

No, students can sit wherever they want within their college or school’s designated area.

Student drop off: Bronco Lane accessed through University Dr. will be open for student drop off prior to the ceremony.

Parking is free all day Saturday, May 6. This includes all general and reserved parking lots, pay lots, and parking garages on campus.

For full guest parking, please visit the Guest Information page.

The ceremony will include all colleges and will last 2.5-3 hours.

Graduates will need to remain seated for the entire duration of the ceremony.

Yes, the ceremony will stream live on the commencement main page and Boise State’s YouTube for off-campus guests who cannot be in attendance.

Special accommodations for guests or participants, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including but not limited to wheelchair seating and hearing/sight impairment, are available and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

For accommodation details please visit the Special Accommodations page.

Undergraduate and Graduate students:

No, students are asked to check in at Caven-Williams Sports Complex between 8-9 a.m. on May 6.

After checking in at Caven-Williams Sports Complex, they must enter Albertsons Stadium through the North End Zone. Graduates must check in and be seated no later than 9:30 a.m.

Doctoral Students:

There will be a mandatory rehearsal to attend for doctoral students and their faculty hooders. Please refer to your email from the Graduate College for additional details.

No, students are just asked to check-in at Caven-Williams Sports Complex between 8-9 a.m. on May 6.

Yes, all students need to wear a cap and gown. Regalia can be purchased any time from the Bronco Shop.

Graduates are invited and encouraged to attend the Grad Fair on March 7 and 8 at the Bronco Shop in the Student Union Building to get all their regalia needs.

Yes!

The Bronco Shop can provide qualifying graduates with their honor cords. They will verify your honors status upon ordering.

No, all graduates from all colleges will participate in one ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 6.

Yes, all graduating students are invited to participate in the ceremony with their college. For example, if you are receiving a Master’s of Education or Doctorate of Education you will participate in the ceremony with the College of Education.

Yes, diploma covers will be distributed to all attending graduates during the ceremony.

Diplomas are mailed approximately six weeks after graduation to the mailing address listed on your myBoiseState account. More information about diplomas.

Your RSVP to attend any ceremony will not be removed once your registration is submitted.

Yes, students must apply to graduate regardless of participation in the ceremony. Information on applying to graduate can be found on the Graduation Process webpage.

Graduation: the process of being awarded a degree after completion of credit hours and other degree requirements.

Commencement: the congratulatory ceremony in which students are publicly and formally recognized.

Undergraduate students: Wear your tassel on the right side as you arrive. You will move your tassel to the left at the end of the ceremony.

Graduate students: wear your tassel on the left side from the beginning.