Commencement FAQs

Please email degreeprogress@boisestate.edu.

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 19, 2024.

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.

Undergraduate and Graduate students:

No, students are asked to check in at Bronco Gym on May 4 at their corresponding college ceremony time.

• Morning ceremony check-in: between 7-8 a.m. 
• Afternoon ceremony check-in: between 12-1 p.m.
• Evening ceremony check-in: between 5-6 p.m.

After checking in at the Bronco Gym, all graduates will pre-stage in the Auxilary Gym and wait for further processional instructions.

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.

For graduates, bags of any kind are not permitted in the arena. Walk-through magnetometers will be used to screen all students entering the stadium. Phones, wallets, 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.

Bags and/or purses bigger than 11″ x 17″ are not permitted. Backpacks, regardless of size, are not allowed. Exceptions may be made (but are not guaranteed) for bags necessary for medical or children’s needs.

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

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

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

Parking is free all day Saturday, May 4. 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.

Each ceremony will last 1.5-2 hours.

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

Yes, all ceremonies will stream live on the commencement main page for off-campus guests who cannot be in attendance.

Seating for guests with accessible needs and guests in wheelchairs is available on all levels of the arena. Accessible seating information is available at the ExtraMile Arena Box Office, by calling 208-426-1766, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Elevators are located in the lobby of entrances 1 or 2 of the ExtraMile Arena. Guests who are unable to walk a long distance may be dropped off in front of the Arena.

For accommodation details please visit the Special Accommodations page.

No, students are asked to check-in at the Bronco Gym on May 4 at their corresponding college ceremony time.

• Morning ceremony check-in between 7-8 a.m. 
• Afternoon ceremony check-in between 12-1 p.m.
• Evening ceremony check-in between 5-6 p.m.

After checking in at the Bronco Gym, all graduates will pre-stage in the Auxilary Gym and wait for further processional instructions.

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 5 and 6 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.

Yes, due to a record number of graduates, we will be doing three ceremonies this year.

9 am Ceremony

9 a.m. ceremony for graduates from the following colleges:

• College of Education
• College of Health Sciences
• School of Public Service

2 pm Ceremony

2 p.m. ceremony for graduates from the following colleges:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Innovation and Design

7 pm Ceremony

7 p.m. ceremony for graduates from the following colleges:

• College of Business and Economics
• College of Engineering

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.

If you wish to appeal to participation early in Spring 2024 commencement you will need to complete an appeal form. Exceptions are limited and made on a case-by-case basis.

Students who meet the following requirements are eligible to appeal:

• Students who have no more than 6 credits or 2 classes to complete in the summer and are currently enrolled in all remaining classes.
• Students who have applied and paid for summer graduation.
• Students who have an extenuating circumstance that will prevent their participation in the winter commencement ceremony. (Ex: international students who have to leave the country before the fall ceremony)

Complete the appeal form to participate early here by April 19, 2024.

If you wish to appeal to postpone your participation until Winter 2024 commencement you will need to complete an appeal form. Exceptions are limited and made on a case-by-case basis.

Complete the appeal form to postpone until Fall here by April 19, 2024.