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Staff and Students

collage of staff assisting graduates

Campus Partners and Students

Thank you for your interest in supporting Commencement at California State University San Marcos. Our ceremonies would not be possible without the dedication and energy of our staff and student volunteers. Your support helps create a smooth, welcoming, and memorable experience for our graduates and their guests.

If you have any questions, please contact the Commencement Office at commencement@csusm.edu.

We appreciate your support in celebrating the achievements of our graduates and helping make commencement a special experience for all.

Join us as a Commencement Ambassador

All staff and high school volunteers must register in advance:

  • General Staff & High School Volunteer Sign-Up:
  • Specific Department Sign-ups (Commencement Leads, University Communications, IITS, Health and Safety, Institutional Planning & Analysis):

Submitting the sign-up form ensures you receive important event communications, day-of instructions, and allows us to accurately plan for meals, snacks, and polo shirt distribution.

HR Statement and Minors

Staff employees who are not regularly scheduled to work during their commencement shift may either flex their work schedule or accrue paid time off for the hours worked. Staff employees will need to speak with and make arrangements with their direct supervisors prior to signing up for commencement.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must complete a Parental Consent Form and attach it to the Commencement Ambassador sign-up form, or email it directly to the Commencement Office at commencement@csusm.edu.

If you require a signature or a community service verification letter, please notify the Commencement Office in advance. Requested letters documenting community service hours will be processed and distributed approximately 2 weeks after commencement.

Commencement Ambassador Roles & Area Leads

Commencement Ambassadors play a vital role in the success of commencement. Assignments may include:

Leads by Area
Area and Role Area Lead

Alternate Viewing Area

USU Student Leads

Baseball Field

  • Graduate Check-in
  • Graduate Line-up

Devon Bakewell - Graduate Check-in

Joshua Foronda - Graduate Line-up

Jay Franklin - Graduate Line-up

Jennie Ruiz - Graduate Line-up

Commencement Stage

  • Stage Hands and directing graduates
  • Tassel/Stage Pass scanning and graduate flow

Lisa Dickinson -Commencement Stage

Lisa Medina - Tassel/StagePass

Hospitality

Pia Bombardier

Mangrum Track

  • Guest Greeting and Seating Assistance
  • Directional Assistance
Sara Quinn

Security Screening and Guest Entrance

Scott Gross - Gate 6

Gail Cole-Avent - Gate 4

Setup and Teardown Commencement Office
Standby Line TBD
Ticket Scanning Joel Agg

Virtual Information Session

We encourage all commencement ambassadors to attend a virtual information session to review expectations and duties, ask questions, and meet with your lead - virtually.

Virtual Info Session (Microsoft Teams)
April 30
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

A Teams link will be shared with registered commencement ambassadors as the date approaches.

Attire

Commencement Ambassadors are expected to present a professional and comfortable appearance appropriate for commencement.

  • Blue Commencement polo (unless serving as a lead, representing IITS or University Communications)
  • Comfortable shoes are strongly encouraged, as extended standing and walking are required
  • Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions
  • Refillable water bottle encouraged to stay hydrated throughout the day

Parking

Commencement Ambassadors, High School volunteers, and Faculty are to park in Parking Structure 1.  Please allow extra time for traffic, walking to the Clarke Field House, and and check-in.

Additional Information

  • Time Commitment: Shifts may vary depending on role and ceremony assignment. 
  • Meals/Refreshments: Light refreshments and meals may be provided depending on shift length and assignment.
  • Communication: All important updates will be sent via email, please check regularly leading up to commencement.
  • Commencement Staff Photo: An announcement will be made during commencement directing Ambassadors to meet at the stage following the first ceremony for a group photo.

Important Notices

Commencement is voluntary and open to all eligible graduating students who wish to participate, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

Individuals with disabilities who are participating in commencement are encouraged to contact commencement@csusm.edu regarding any accommodation needs. It is requested that individuals requiring auxiliary aids, such as sign language interpreters or alternative format materials, email at least seven working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide accommodations in an effective and timely manner.