TO: All Employees
FR: Mario A. Perez, Ed.D., Vice President for University Advancement, Co-Chair, Commencement Logistics Committee; Caroline Neyman, Senior Director of Operations, Green Music Center, Co-Chair, Commencement Logistics Committee
Plans for Commencement 2023, which will take place May 20 and May 21, are well underway, and as many of you know, graduation is an “all hands on deck” community celebration at Sonoma State University! We look forward to working with everyone once again to ensure our students have a very special day! Below are the expectations for MPP and staff participation, along with information about signing up for Commencement shifts.
Management (MPP) Employees
MPPs from all divisions (Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, Green Music Center, and Advancement) are expected to work during Commencement. Those MPPs who cannot participate must request an exception from their respective vice president. MPPs are expected to work a minimum of 8 hours. Please sign up with this MPP Commencement shift link. As a reminder, the deadline for MPPs to sign up for a Commencement shift is this Friday, April 21, 2023.
Staff Employees
Some essential staff employees, such as those regularly assigned to work large events (including all Facilities and Housekeeping staff), will be assigned to work during Commencement weekend unless directed otherwise. These staff members are considered an essential part of the key functions for Commencement and may be granted overtime in the form of CTO by prior arrangement. If you are unsure, please check with your appropriate administrator to determine if you have been assigned to work Commencement weekend. For all other staff, there is no requirement to work at Commencement. Your participation is completely voluntary and extremely appreciated! Please note that the hours worked by extra support staff for Commencement are considered voluntary and as such will not be included in hours worked for the calculation of overtime or CTO. Staff may sign up using this Staff Commencement shift link.
Faculty Employees
Faculty will be part of the platform party on stage. Regalia will be available again this year. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours for the ceremony as your assigned workday. The students love to see their faculty as they cross the stage and meet with faculty afterward to introduce family and friends. Platform party information can be found on the Commencement website.
If you are having trouble viewing the Commencement sign-up list or need assistance signing up for a shift(s), please contact Kendall Newman at newmank@sonoma.edu or 707-664-2470.
The Commencement 2023 Logistics Committee thanks you in advance for helping us make 2023 the best Commencement ever!