TO: All Employees
FR: Mario A. Perez, Ed.D., Vice President for University Advancement, Co-Chair of Commencement Logistics Committee; Caroline Neyman, Senior Director of Operations, Green Music Center, Co-Chair of 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. That custom continues this year, and we look forward to working together as a team to ensure our students have a very special day. Below is an overview of the 2023 Commencement weekend schedule, and the expectations for MPP, Staff, and Faculty participation:
Commencement Schedule
Saturday, May 20, 2023
9 a.m. – School of Business and Economics
1 p.m. – School of Science and Technology
5 p.m. – School of Arts and Humanities
Sunday, May 21, 2023
9 a.m. – School of Education
1 p.m. – School of Social Sciences A
5 p.m. – School of Social Sciences B
Management (MPP) Employees
MPPs from all divisions (Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, Green Music Center and University Advancement) are expected to work during Commencement. MPPs are expected to work a minimum of eight (8) hours. Those MPPs who cannot participate must request an exception from their respective vice president.
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 will 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.
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 work day. The students love to see their faculty as they cross the stage and meet with faculty afterward to introduce family and friends. Information about the platform party has been posted on the Commencement website.
More information on how to sign up to work during Commencement Weekend will be sent out in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions regarding Commencement, please don’t hesitate to contact the Advancement Office at commencement@sonoma.edu or visit the Commencement website. Thank you again for helping make 2023 the best Commencement ever!