A year after the necessary postponement of commencement ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, California State University, Bakersfield is celebrating the triumph of the university’s graduates with a series of six commencement ceremonies, starting at 8 a.m. Friday at the ’Runners main soccer field.
Nearly 2,800 graduates will be present for the in-person ceremonies, which will observe strict safety protocols, including limitations on crowd size, masking requirements, social distancing, and no physical contact. More graduates are expected to tune in to the festivities from home by accessing the livestream events at csub.edu/commencement/
“I am so inspired by our graduates and their commitment to excellence and service beyond self,” said CSUB President, Dr. Lynnette Zelezny. “Commencement is a celebration of hard work and symbolizes a new beginning. For our graduates, many of whom are the first in their family to graduate from university, this is a milestone moment that will change the trajectory of families for generations. Our triumphant graduates are our pride, joy and hope.”
The ceremonies are not open to the public. A limited number of tickets were awarded to each graduate, which they have distributed to their guests.
Attendees will be escorted to their seats and excused by section at the conclusion of the ceremonies to maintain social distancing.
The schedule of ceremonies:
8 a.m. Friday, May 21
The School of Social Sciences and Education: Anthropology; Child, Adolescent and Family Studies; Liberal Studies; Psychology. Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2021
6 p.m. Friday, May 21
The School of Social Sciences and Education: Criminal Justice; Kinesiology/Physical Education; Political Science; Sociology. Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2021
The School of Arts and Humanities: Art; Communications; English; History; Interdisciplinary Studies; Music; Philosophy; Religious Studies, Spanish; Theatre. Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2021
8 a.m. Saturday, May 22
The School of Business and Public Administration: Agricultural Business; Business Administration; Economics; Environmental Resource Management. Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2021
The School of Business and Public Administration: Administration; Business Administration; Health Care Administration; Public Administration. Graduate degrees, Classes of 2020 and 2021
The School of Social Sciences and Education: Educational Leadership, Ed.D; Curriculum and Instruction; Education; Educational Administration; Special Education. Graduate degrees, including doctoral degrees, Classes of 2020 and 2021
6 p.m. Saturday, May 22
The School of Arts and Humanities: English; History; Spanish. Graduate degrees, Classes of 2020 and 2021
The School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering: Biology; Geology: Nursing. Graduate degrees, Classes of 2020 and 2021
The School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering: Biochemistry; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical Engineering; Engineering Sciences; Geology; Human Biological Sciences; Mathematics; Natural Sciences; Nursing. Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2021
The School of Social Sciences and Education: Counseling; Counseling Psychology; Social Work. Graduate degrees, Classes of 2020 and 2021
8 a.m. Sunday, May 23
The School of Arts and Humanities: Art; Communications; English, History; Interdisciplinary Studies; Music; Philosophy; Religious Studies, Spanish; Theatre. Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2020
The School of Business and Public Administration: Agricultural Business; Business Administration; Economics; Environmental Resource Management; Public Administration. Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2020
The School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering: Biochemistry; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical Engineering; Engineering Sciences; Geology; Human Biological Sciences; Mathematics; Natural Sciences; Nursing. Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2020
The School of Social Sciences and Education: Sociology, Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2020
6 p.m. Sunday, May 23
The School of Social Sciences and Education: Anthropology; Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies; Criminal Justice; Kinesiology/Physical Education; Liberal Studies; Political Science; Psychology. Undergraduate degrees, Class of 2020