Frequently Asked Questions    

1. Who coordinates the Chicano Latino Commencement Celebration (CLCC)?

The Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration is under the Division of Academic Affairs. Dr. Victor Torres, Professor in Chicano & Latin American Studies, is the Coordinator. In the spirit of collaboration and inclusiveness, Dr. Torres works with volunteer staff and faculty representing different segments of the campus.  The CLCC also partners with the Latino/a Faculty and Staff Association to organize this memorable event.

2. Is this event a function of the Chicano & Latin American Studies Department (CLAS) and do I have to be a “CLAS major” to participate?

CLCC is NOT linked to the CLAS department. It is a program under the Division of Academic Affairs.  It is open to ALL graduating Fresno State students of all majors.

3. Can non-Latinos participate?

Yes, any student graduating in th eligible terms may register and participate in CLCC.

4. Who is eligible to participate in CLCC? 

Due to high demand for participation in this graduation celebration, the following students will have priority if they register during the priority registration dates.

1.  Students who completed their degree (or officially applied for graduation) during the following semesters will be able to automatically register via their student portal (see Registration Instructions tab): Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024. 
2. Students completing their degree in Summer 2024 can request to be added to a waitlist in order to be considered should there be space. 
3. All other students will only be considered if there is room after we have accommodated the students above. 

For more information, please contact the Student Registration Coordinators: clcc@mail.fresnostate.edu 

 Note: Your name is not guaranteed to be included in the commemorative program if you register after April 5, 2024

5. I already submitted a university application to graduate. Does the university degree application include participation in the CLCC?

No, you need to register separately to participate in the CLCC. 

6. How will my name be read during the program? 

Your name will be read exactly as you entered it when you registered via your student portal and it will be limited to your first and last name (as indicated in your university records). In addition, only the first names of your parents will be read. If you rather acknowledge a spouse/partner, grandparents, etc., please include their first names instead.

7. How will my name appear in the CLCC program?

Your name will appear exactly as you it appears in your my.fresnostate.edu. If you have more than one last name, the database will automatically drop the second last name. Names will be listed by college.

All postbaccalaureate graduate students will be listed under "Division of Graduate Studies."

8. What is my participation fee used for?

The participation fee is used to cover costs associated with the ceremony, e.g., rental of the Save Mart Center. See Graduate Instructions #1.

9. How many guests can I invite and is there a fee?

Admission to the celebration is free and graduates may invite as many guests as they wish. Parking around the Save Mart Center is free. To guarantee that your family shares this special moment, it is important that they show up early (at 5:30 pm). Last year, we reached capacity and people were not allowed entrance.

10. What is a sash?

Since 1976, each participating student receives the official CLCC graduation sash, which represents the student's bi- or multi-culturality (as Chican/x or Latinx) and pays tribute to their or their parents' cultural origins.

Students will be able to pick up the sash BEFORE graduation and will be notified by email with further details/instructions.

11. What if my heritage is not listed as an sash option?

Students are able to choose the heritage of their choice from the 25 heritages offered in the registration. 

12. Can I wear my honor cords at the CLCC?

Yes, you can wear any sash, cord, and medal. 

13. What if I miss the priority registration deadline?

You may be able to register after the priority deadline if capacity has not been reached. However, there will be a late fee of $25.00. Since you are registering after the deadline, your name may not appear in the CLCC program.

Note: All students who paid the fee, regardless of the time they registered, will have their name read at the ceremony. 

14. Do I have to attend the one mandatory rehearsal at Save Mart Center? 

We expect participants to attend the crucial practice session. Rehearsal date and and time for the CLCC celebration is May 16th, 2024 at 5:00 pm Please review important dates for more detailed information. An email will be sent to all students who completed a CLCC registration and are confirmed to participate. If you will not be able to attend due to a final exam, it is your responsibility to contact someone who is attending the rehearsal to get an update or you can stop by after your final.  

15.  If I am a dual major, which major should I list?

You will be listed under your primary major. Your name will only appear in the CLCC program if you apply before the application deadline.

16. Will I receive official 'approval' to participate in the commencement?

Yes, an email will be sent to all students. Students must register and submit payment before they receive this email confirmation. Further details about the ceremony will provided later in the semester. 

If you have registered and paid and have not received confirmation of payment, please email clcc@mail.fresnostate.edu to confirm we received your payment.

17. Can I get a refun if I am no longer able to attend CLCC?

No, the $45 registration fee is non-refundable. All additional items purchased are also non-refundable.

18. Am I allowed to bring banners, signs, etc?

NO. Students, staff, faculty are not allowed to bring banners, signs, balloons, etc. onto the Save Mart Center floor as those items may be distracting to fellow participants. As participants in the Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration, you agree to comply with these expectations. Your guests in the stands are able to bring signs to show their support for your accomplishments. 

19. Who do I contact if I have questions?

Questions can be directed to our Student Participation Coordinators: clcc@mail.fresnostate.edu

Be sure to include your name, Student ID number, and questions/concerns in the message in order to best assist you.